Spirituality
Content warning - this post discusses suicidal thoughts and self-harm. As far back as my memory takes me, I remember feeling sad for no apparent reason. I was about seven years old, long before depression was a word I understood. I remember Christmas mornings when...
‘When people prefer dukkha over awakening, even the bodhisattvas are moved to tears.’ Everyday Buddhism
I recently received an email asking me this question - "Why does our body deserve love?" "What an interesting question," I wondered. Here's what I think: Our body is the greatest instrument through which we experience life differently, depending on how well we take...
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in addiction recovery—but it's crucial to understand the role of trauma and how to use mindfulness safely for those who are facing the very things that underlie the addiction in the first place. The post Addiction, Trauma, and the...
“Many of our relationship struggles are not character flaws but survival strategies that once made sense.” ~Unknown Throughout my life I’ve often been described as confident and outgoing. I can be the “life and soul” of a party and am able to strike up conversations...
‘To know our mind is to obtain liberation. To obtain liberation is to attain Samadhi of Prajna, which is 'thoughtlessness'. What is 'thoughtlessness'? 'Thoughtlessness' is to see and to know all Dharmas (things) with a mind free from attachment.’ Hui Neng
Tonight, I find myself in the curious position of feeling grateful for gratitude itself. It’s meta, I know, but there’s something profound about recognizing this capacity within myself as a gift worth acknowledging. I’ve been thinking about how gratefulness acts like...
On a gorgeous late autumn day—blue skies sparkling and crisp—four other Westerners and I followed a staffer from the Private Office up a sloped road to a detached concrete building. He ushered us inside, into a formal parlor with an old British feel: lace doilies on...
‘Should we introspect our mind with real Prajna, all erroneous views would be vanquished in a moment, and as soon as we know the Essence of Mind we arrive immediately at the Buddha stage.’ Hui Neng
“Enough is a decision, not a condition.” ~Unknown The night sky above Disneyland shimmered in color as fireworks burst to life. My daughters leaned against me, sticky-fingered from melted ice cream, eyes wide with wonder. It was supposed to be the happiest place on...