I had the joy of studying recently with Mingyur Rinpoche, a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism who was in Phoenix last month. He performed a ceremony to help participants create lives of greater compassion and awareness. I will try to relay some of his wisdom in the meditation classes I am … Continue reading
Yesterday I went to listen to a profound talk on the Buddhist perspective on Anxiety and Depression at the Sky Island Unitarian Church. If we think about how depression feels, it is a rejection of what is going on for us, whether it is internal or external in origin. We … Continue reading
The Four Brahma-Viharas These are four mindfulness practices which reveal the most beautiful and hopeful aspects of our human nature. These practices teach us to respond wisely to life, creating a map of the heart as we learn to “be” kindness. They brighten the mind and spirit. They bring us … Continue reading
Whatever you have, enjoy it. If you don’t get what you want, have equanimity. Non-attachment is not the same as rejection of pleasure or dreams. It just means being O.K. regardless of how things turn out.
A few years ago, I took part in a sweat lodge. So many friends found spiritual growth this way; I wanted this experience too. The initial ceremony was serious and beautiful. I took my place inside—orders not to leave until the sign was given. Within 10 minutes, I was panic … Continue reading
Moving into the new year is often a time of change. Transitions are bridges—opportunities, tangible or metaphorical, to move us from where we are. Some already exist, and some I create myself. Which ones will enhance the web of my life? Should I walk over, the expedient use of a bridge, … Continue reading
Once we capture the present, there is no more need to wait. I think about all the sneaky ways waiting creeps into consciousness and shadows happiness with the now—waiting for the weekend, waiting to hear news about something important, waiting to feel better, waiting to look better, waiting for a … Continue reading
This time of year is a time of practicing generosity. How can we give all we would like to give without becoming depleted—financially or psychically? It is important and feels good to give presents, but we might think about generosity as more than giving other people merely money or things. … Continue reading
I am always interested in how people make sense out of life and how their philosophies help them understand the world. I was reading about the Yoruba religion of West Africa in the book God Is Not One. The Yoruba believe that we have two souls, one related to breath, … Continue reading
The third Yama is Asteya, non-stealing. Of course! We all know not to steal, but what about the things we rob from ourselves? What am I stealing from my life with my thoughts? Am I stealing time I should be devoting to developing my potential? Am I taking attention away … Continue reading
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