Safe Places or Safe Spaces in Meditation
A safe space is a place that provides assistance to people in need. When we need a safe space in meditation we’re so caught in our dukkha we can’t find a way to be with it.
Category: Practice
Uncertainty and Freedom
We’re hardwired to fear the unknown. But there is another side to uncertainty: the possibilities that open to us. They can hold growth, new ideas, potential. There is freedom in not knowing; a chance to be curious.
Awe and the Dharma
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…
Sweeping the Dust Away
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.
The Climate Crisis in Buddhism
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…
Ideas from Five Days of Dharma Teaching
I want to share some ideas with you from the International Western Dharma Teachers Gathering. These suggestions about a meditative mindset could become a fruitful discussion.
Nature Speaks
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.
We All Want to be Happy
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…
Not Breaking, Not Broken, But Unfolding
This is the nature of our life—there is suffering (as well as happiness, delight and joy). I have had to learn this over and over again. How can I tolerate suffering, gently and kindly?
Learning, Practicing, and Teaching Meditation
I started learning meditation almost 30 years ago when I was out of work due to physical pain and fatigue. I was looking for something to help me cope. Little did I know the journey I would be taking. My goals have changed over the years as I understood how…
Uncertainty and Freedom
We’re hardwired to fear the unknown. But there is another side to uncertainty: the possibilities that open to us. They can hold growth, new ideas, potential. There is freedom in not knowing; a chance to be curious.
Awe and the Dharma
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…
Sweeping the Dust Away
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.
The Climate Crisis in Buddhism
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…
Ideas from Five Days of Dharma Teaching
I want to share some ideas with you from the International Western Dharma Teachers Gathering. These suggestions about a meditative mindset could become a fruitful discussion.
Nature Speaks
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.
We All Want to be Happy
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…
Not Breaking, Not Broken, But Unfolding
This is the nature of our life—there is suffering (as well as happiness, delight and joy). I have had to learn this over and over again. How can I tolerate suffering, gently and kindly?
Learning, Practicing, and Teaching Meditation
I started learning meditation almost 30 years ago when I was out of work due to physical pain and fatigue. I was looking for something to help me cope. Little did I know the journey I would be taking. My goals have changed over the years as I understood how…