Erica Dutton is an experienced teacher and practitioner of Reflective Meditation. She has dedicated herself to sharing this practice so others can succeed in meditation, see their experience as important and valuable, and realize the benefits.

Awe and the Dharma

Florida beach scene with blue ocean water, photograph by ChrisEdwardsCE.

Not too long ago, I read an article in the NYT about awe, A-W-E and it’s impact on health.  For the past month, I’ve brought the experience of awe into my meditation, exploring it and trying to pay more attention to awe in my walking around life too.   There are…

Continue reading

Sweeping the Dust Away

closeup of broom sweeping dust and debris

There was a man by the name of Cudapanthaka, who wanted to learn how to meditate.  The Buddha heard about him and went to talk with him and hear his story. He then suggested he sweep, just sweep the dust away. Here is my take on this traditional story.

Continue reading

The Climate Crisis in Buddhism

ice floating on the sea with mountains and clouds in the background

As you recall, I went to the International Western Dharma Teachers Gathering in late October.  Last time I talked about what I learned to support practice.  This time I want to share some of what I learned about the climate crisis and the response or lack of response from Buddhist…

Continue reading

Nature Speaks

sunset over Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan

There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story. I think this is also the dharma, not just dukkha, attachment and the poisons.

Continue reading

We All Want to be Happy

man standing by a mountain

We’ve just passed the 9/11 anniversary and you’ve probably heard a lot of remembrances about that day.  It’s the kind of event that you never forget where you were when you first learned about it.  I can even see in my minds eye where I was and the first images…

Continue reading