Dear Friends,
As the weather begins to turn slightly cooler and the days shorter, we naturally feel like turning more inward. During the time that the Buddha lived, he spent 45 years teaching - most of that time walking around India with his monastic community showing people how to find happiness and ease in the midst of our everyday suffering. But he also knew that it was important for his students to set aside time for self-reflection.
Read MoreDear Friends,
As times continue to be challenging for all of us, I’ve been reflecting about what I rely on in the toughest moments – what or who do I truly know is there for me?
Last year, when I first heard about a very painful situation happening with one of my kids, I basically froze. And while I was frozen on my couch, almost afraid to think, I realized that I still had one thing: this present moment as defined by the next in-breath.
Read MoreDear Friends,
As I sit at the lake and contemplate life (in addition to reading lots of novels — I’ve listed a few favorites below), I notice how much more I need to practice happiness now compared to when I was young.
I remember feeling good about so many things when I was a kid. My mom’s french toast (equal parts eggs and sour cream in the blender then soak the french bread and fry on the electric griddle), Saturday morning cartoons, the shapes of clouds, and so much more. Over time, it’s like our happiness receptors get dulled and we have to remember to be happy. Thich Nhat Hanh calls this the practice of generating joy.
Read MoreDear Friends,
I hope your holiday has been decent so far and I especially hope that you have had or will have some down time to rest and restore before the new year.
Starting a new year feels to me like a moment of hope. Things can be different! Even if we have struggled and suffered, felt alone, depressed, or like we have messed things up, we can remember that a new year is right around the corner.
As mindfulness practitioners, we do try to live in the moment as it is, but we don’t need to get stuck in thinking that things will always be this difficult.
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