You are my teacher, you are my student
All life and learning is an energy of giving and receiving. We encounter others on our path to exchange this life force. In an instant, we recognize ourselves in the other; a giving reflection of a world we need to see. This is our world that we see, a creation of our thoughts and our […]
What is the point? From Self to Others
I woke up this morning thinking, “Why?” and “What is the point?” It is not new, this interrogation into the purpose of life. The well known German-Austrian psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl, posits that meaning comes from three sources: 1) loving a person 2) purposeful work/ project 3) surviving adverse conditions with dignity. Each of these things […]
How Do We Return to Society?
In Zen training we start with The Search for Ox, the Ox being our true nature. With diligent practice over time, we move through stages that lead to an enlightened return. Examining the evolution of Zen training is essential when we think about how a commitment to mindfulness meditation can positively influence society and encourage […]
Another Virus Weakens Solidarity
The invasion of Ukraine by Putin is a virus that will injure and kill countless human beings and continue to debilitate our sense of agency and unity. This attack is particularly egregious because it comes on the heels of COVID which has weakened tolerance, trust and energy globally. It is incumbent on us to address […]
Change Agency from a Light Tower
“There is no loftier mission than to approach the Divinity nearer than other men and to disseminate the divine rays among mankind.” Ludwig van Beethoven What do we owe the world if we are healthy and happy? How do we feel in the presence of a joyful human being? What does a person who is […]
Ageless Mind Body
To be yourself and act fully in the moment is to be young. We are born authentic, curious and engaged. Children are this way naturally but as we grow older, we absorb knowledge and the perceptions of others, we integrate life experience which translates into fear and insecurity. These things weigh heavy on the mind […]
What is Bardo?
Bardo is a Tibetan word that means in-between. It’s sometimes translated as intermediate state. Chögyam Trungpa, author of The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation Through Hearing In The Bardo, says Bardo means gap. It’s not only the interval of suspension after we die but also the interval of suspension in the living […]
On Dog and Man
This morning I jogged past an interesting dog couple. They got me thinking about the relationship between dog and man. He was a medium sized, grey terrier and the owner was a blond in her thirties. They were both sitting on a bench together. The dog was looking one way and she the other. She […]
When The Soul Moves
We tend to distrust these feelings and avoid them at all costs because we are scared of being uprooted. We need to lose this fear. Pema Chödrön, Living Beautifully Whenever I think of you my soul moves. Not just one, but very few of you and I’m open to more coming. Perhaps you know what […]
Rely on Your Strength
As we move into the next phase of recovery, many of us are suffering from anxiety. I think it’s because we know it’s time to move forward but we don’t know what to expect. We also can’t be sure that we’re not going to cause more harm to ourselves or to others. My morning meditation […]