“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” ~Marcus Aurelius Gratitude. It used to be a very triggering concept for me, and sometimes it still is. It’s been a process to unravel what it...

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” ~Viktor Frankl For a while, I forgot about that space. When conflict entered my life—first with my employer, then with my insurance company—I didn’t react explosively....

‘We have; yellow hat, red hat, black hat — one day will we get a green hat so lamas take more care of environment.’ Dalai Lama

“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” ~Brené Brown This past year, during a season of transition in my life, I started working part-time as a bridal stylist at a wedding dress store. It was something I had...

‘Prove it to the people who live in your home that you are master of yourself. This is a very good practice.’ Thich Nhat Hanh

If you were to visit Liza Hopkins today in the quiet country town of Murtoa, you’d likely find her with her hands in the soil. Surrounded by tree lined paddocks, six free ranging chickens, and a new greenhouse built by her husband, Liza has crafted a life of...

‘Mastering the essence of the profound scriptures Numerous beyond count, and accomplishing the Ocean of practices, like the six perfections, Place all sentient beings, blind as cattle, on the Path leading to knowledge, freedom, and joy.’ Yangchen Shepai Dorje

‘If my heart is tormented by hatred, my mind will never be at peace. I will find neither joy nor wellbeing, neither sleep nor repose.’ Acharya Shantideva

Sometimes an event that begins in an inconspicuous way suddenly gains momentum and delivers a colossal impact no one could have foreseen. A random spark spreads through dry brush and sets off a forest fire. A gust of wind on a mountaintop starts an avalanche....