A more practical type of post this afternoon. I started this blog 4 years ago today so this is a kinda of anniversary. And like all birthdays or anniversaries it allows us time to celebrate and take stock. The blog started as a simple aid to those who had done the MBSR Course with me in Geneva to provide an ongoing support. And I hope it has remained true to that purpose: to post some thoughts which help people – now all over the world – trying to maintain a meditation process or develop a more conscious style of living, by relating directly to this moment. And my main thought is one of gratitude to every one who has read the blog in these past years – now approaching a quarter of a million – and who have commented, or encouraged, or in many different ways kept it going.
My first post was about change and referred to a wise Advisor, Fr John Hyde, who I had many years ago in Ireland. And since then I have witnessed some changes, many small and some larger, the most recent of which has been to come back to my home country. I recently put on-line a work-related site www.karlduffy.ie and would be delighted if you click on that and check it out. It contains some nice scientific stuff on mindfulness and recent mindfulness articles “in the news” which you may find interesting.
I finish by returning to the first quote I ever published. It has been the guiding motif behind the word “balance” which links the blog and my work site. It sets before us our daily task, one which is even more relevant today than it was four year ago.
If you hope to find lasting happiness, you must first answer the question,
what is your true priority – your inner or your outer life?
Philipp Moffitt, Loving Life’s Questions
Mindfulbalance 
HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY Karl, to your blog!
I didnt enter the blogging world until 2011 but when I did it was connected with adversity when I was diagnosed with progressive MS. There is much synchronicity in existence because not long after my diagnosis and while I was suffeing a particularly frightening symptom which resulted in a huge dose of steroids, I was simultaneously introduced to a book which has become a treasure for me calked How to be Sick by Toni Bernhard, and your wonderful blog, both of which give me daily practices, reminders on how I want to live, and appreciation of every single moment. I feel a frisson of excitement every time I see a post from you and I cery often print them out to kerp in a folder.
I have learned more about myself in the past two years than ever before and I want to say a big thank you for all you do on this blog. I am now offvto check your site 🙂
Thanks Chris,
It is an ever interesting journey we are on, full of new discoveries and your courage and your poetry is a great encouragement to me on mine. Thanks for message,
Karl
Karl,
Congratulations on the 4 year anniversary of your blog. I admire your commitment and dedication. I read the updates daily and they are a great source of support, comfort and an anchor for my meditation practise and my journey.
Thank you for your work. I wish you well.
Murielle
Hi Murielle!
Lovely to hear from you and glad to know we are still in contact across the miles. I hope all is well with you and the family as you get used to your move and your new home,
Karl
I’ve been reading your blog for some months now, I like getting my daily mindfulness snippet, thank you XXX
Hi Em,
Thanks for reading. Just reading your blog. Have to go for a scan myself shortly so thanks for the very useful post (!) and for all your writing.
Best wishes, Karl
Dear Karl,
yes, congratulations!!! and a big thank you for your wonderful, inspiring blog which ist my constant, daily reminder of what is really important.
I’m so grateful that I had the chance to do the mbsr course with you in Geneva which was a turning point (inwards!) in my life ;-))
… I wish you a good “new beginning” back in Ireland.
Tina from Lausanne
Hi Tina,
Lovely to hear from you. Hope all is well. Thank you. Warm greetings and always fondest memories,
Karl