A common scenario I see is people who started a meditation practice, found it beneficial, and then for whatever reason they stop. When they try to return to a daily practice, they hit resistance. They ask: I know I feel great when I meditate, but why can’t I get myself…
When we first start our yoga or meditation journey, we are seeking relief. We might be drowning in stress from work. Our body may have experienced an illness or injury and we want to ease our pain. We may have suffered an emotional trauma and we want to find a…
We are creative beings. Our entire physical and subtle-physical structures are designed to create through the endless transformation of matter and energy. We cannot help but create! This is both our blessing and curse. We have this innate ability to design and explore endless experiences in samsara, but that same…
Sitting in the heart of the Divine Mother A ring of fire surrounds Her dancing body Blood from Her skull cup drips down Her chin She drinks my fear, my desire, my ignorance Sublime peace radiates through Her through me conquering all anger and hate With Her curved knife She…
Before the Internet Age, I would borrow books from the University library on the Eastern Wisdom Traditions. I remember being so angry as I read book after book. They would discuss the free states of awareness and bliss I inherently knew existed but did not know how to access. They…
The desert always has more to teach. In the past, I came to the desert seeking power. This time I asked to learn about Love. The desert greeted me and my Dharma Center students with the sweet scent of wild flowers perfuming the warm air. Birds cooed and chirped while…
When I visited my family over Thanksgiving, my 12-year old niece wanted to learn how to meditate. The morning before our little class, she was having a rough day. Although she was feeling grumpy, she still was excited to learn. I shared with her this very simple 3 breath meditation…
Abandon ill-will and hate Abandon envy and greed Abandon anger and sorrow Abandon ignorance and delusion Abandon all these like a sinking ship For that’s what they are Bloated with self-importance They will drag you down to the depths of suffering. Cultivate Gratitude and Loving-Kindness Be neither attracted nor repulsed…
On Friday night, I discovered the Mark Hopkins is one of San Francisco’s most glorious hotels. It sits on top of Nob Hill, rising above the city lights like a castle. The 19th century architecture, with the intricate carvings on the archways, appeared like an entrance to a fairy tale…
Between adventuring and resting, there was not much time to write while on retreat in Hawaii. On the plane ride home, I wrote until my hand could write no more as I tried to capture all the magical moments of this retreat. Traveling with a chronic illness is never easy.…