Contemplations for Global Wellness Day 2025
In honor of Global Wellness Day 2025 tomorrow I wanted to share some contemplations I recently learned from a wise meditation teacher while attending her class at Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, Mexico. She spoke about mindfulness and meditation in the way I have learned by others, allowing yourself to feel your thoughts and emotions in your body and observing them without judgement, noticing what comes up for you and bestowing self compassion, which I refer to as metta meditation. I was fortunately to learn the beautiful practice of metta meditation from Sharon Salzberg during a retreat at 1440 Multiversity in 2018. This new contemplation practice combined with my metta meditation has really helped me deepen my mindfulness practice.
This teacher was on her way to a 10 day Vipassana retreat and shared with us some of the contemplations the Buddhists monks prompt them to meditate about. Everything she shared completely resonated with me so I created an acronym to remember these meaningful contemplations. They are all so relevant to my journey and my practice I wanted to share these with you on Global Wellness Day.
LIKO: A Mindful Meditation on Life, Impermanence, Karma, and Othering
Four Buddhist Contemplations to Deepen Your Vipassana Practice
Vipassana meditation, often translated as “insight” or “clear seeing,” invites us to observe our experience with equanimity and awareness. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, it’s a practice not just of silence, but of deep reflection. One powerful way to deepen your practice is through mindful contemplation—turning your awareness gently toward fundamental truths of existence.
To help you remember four essential Buddhist contemplations, consider the simple acronym LIKO:
L for Life,
I for Impermanence,
K for Karma, and
O for Othering.
Each letter offers a doorway into deeper self-awareness and spiritual insight.
L: Contemplate the Gift of LIFE
Begin your meditation by reflecting on the miracle of your existence. This life is a precious gift—your breath, your body, your senses, your capacity to love, grow, and be present. Think of the family you were born into, the relationships you’ve cultivated, and the beauty that surrounds you. Even amid challenges, this unique life holds infinite potential for awakening. Recognizing the sacredness of your life sets the foundation for gratitude and mindfulness.
Contemplation Prompt:
What is beautiful about my life right now? What am I grateful for in this moment?
I: Reflect on IMPERMANENCE
In Buddhism, anicca—impermanence—is a core teaching. Everything we experience, from our thoughts and emotions to our bodies and relationships, is in constant flux. Nothing stays the same. While this can feel unsettling, it’s also freeing. Accepting that all things arise and pass away helps us loosen our grip and find peace in the present moment.
Contemplation Prompt:
What am I holding onto that is already changing? How can I meet change with greater grace?
K: Understand the Deeper Meaning of KARMA
Karma is often misunderstood as punishment or reward. But in its true sense, karma is about intention. It’s not what happens to us—it’s what motivates us. In your meditation, ask: Am I acting with awareness? Am I thinking, speaking, and living from a place of selfless service, or from ego and fear? Observing the roots of your actions helps purify the heart and align your path.
Contemplation Prompt:
What is the intention behind my thoughts and actions? Am I living with purpose and compassion?
O: Witness the Habit of OTHERING
Othering arises when we see ourselves as separate from others, often leading to fear, judgment, or exclusion. In truth, we are all interconnected—threads of the same fabric. The Buddhist concept of non-self reminds us that there is no fixed “I” or “you.” Reflecting on othering helps us dissolve the illusion of separateness and awaken to our shared humanity.
Contemplation Prompt:
Where in my life am I creating separation? How can I practice compassion and connection instead?
Bringing LIKO Into Your Practice
You can incorporate LIKO into your daily Vipassana or seated meditation as a four-part contemplation:
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Life – Begin with gratitude for your unique existence.
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Impermanence – Acknowledge the transience of all things.
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Karma – Examine the intention behind your actions.
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Othering – Reflect on how you view others and soften the boundaries between “self” and “other.”
These reflections are not meant to be judged or forced. Instead, they gently guide the mind inward—toward awareness, compassion, and wisdom.
Closing Thought:
Let LIKO be your anchor—a reminder that this life is fleeting, interconnected, and profoundly meaningful. When we live with awareness of these truths, each moment becomes an opportunity for awakening.
