When I was about ten the local Catholic priest started taking me to Celtic football games, and the occasional international featuring Scotland, at the national stadium, Hampden Park. During Scotland games against England the fans would chant "If you hate the fucking English, clap your hands." All the Scottish fans sang it, and all clapped. and "We hate Jimmy Hill, he's a poof, he's a poof." (Jimmy Hill was one of the foremost football pundits at the tine, and English.) At Celtic games the fans sang "Fuck the Queen and the UDA" Later in my life one of my best friend's brother was a Rangers season ticket holder, but sometimes because of his work he would be away when a home match was on. He'd give his other ticket to my friend. One time my friend asked if I wanted to go, so we went together. This was in the late 1980s or early 90s. I don't remember who Rangers were playing. What I do remember is at one point the fans started singing ...
Mindfulness is taught as a therapy for those suffering from stress, etc. But it was originally a route to a better way of living life, within the anti-philosophy of Zen. People are obsessed with plans and ambitions. But when goals are achieved the result is often the absence of any satisfaction. Zen teaches us to focus on the present, and enjoy the simple beauties of everyday life. It also has implications for how we can be as a society and as a species. I explore all of this here.