On Meditation & Change

Life happens whether we are still or not. We can actively participate in some aspect of the world or stay still. Wisdom comes from both. Sometimes, our life experience is decided for us through illness, trauma or circumstances. Meditation is one way to get acquainted with the wisdom inherent in stillness by choice of our […]

Finding The Way

Today in meditation, I am a shepherd. I open my eyes and remember my name. Raquel signifies ewe, meaning a female sheep. I think I am both: a shepherd and a sheep. What does this mean? In mindfulness meditation, we often get images and thoughts that we can contemplate and apply to a life situation. […]

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 […]

You are my family

The curious part about going to church when I was younger was when the priest told us to turn to our neighbor and greet them. Sometimes, I’d feel shy if I was standing around a bunch of strangers, but afterwards, I always felt a stronger sense of community. Making eye contact, smiling, and touching a […]

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 […]

Beginner’s Mind

Spring cleaning and curiosity. Tree buds thicken. Seeds planted; harvest mind. Less hope, more giving. A playful attitude emerging.

How We Contribute

Each year we consider best wishes and pathways that lead to happiness. We evaluate the past and heave sadness and regret, for now it becomes clear what overshadows. Another year gone by and we think the future looms… such daring resolution, gleaming before us like a crystal wine glass unsure of itself, half empty or […]

Tree of Refuge

Anchored in my seat, feeding offthe warm, succulent energy of the cosmosBreathing in sun, breathing out gentlenessWatering deep soil with rain and tormented sea Eyes closed spark a fireLight appears and waterfalls, then moistA wide circle forms with all its nutrientspassing through the immaterial Pressure risesAbdomen moves like a babyslipping into drowsy wakefulnessMilk curdles on […]

Sustenance: The Artist Way

“WHAT NEXT? My ‘future’ is the darkest thing in the world to me, but as there still remains a great deal for me to do, I suppose I ought rather to think of doing this than of my future, and leave the rest to THEE and the gods.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spake Zarathustra: A book […]

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 […]