Blog

Study after study shows that when we meditate, we change. But we don’t just change ourselves. Others around us begin to change too. Meditation improves our intimate relationships. We’re less reactive, feel more freedom and safety, and have a better understanding of our...

Twenty-five hundred years ago, the Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree. He was outside, in nature, when he attained enlightenment – not inside a monastery or palace. Whether you believe the story to be myth or history, people have long known that there is wisdom, serenity, and balance in...

“Your copies aren’t ready.”

Many years ago, I was at an office supply store to pick up copies of class materials for a course I was to begin teaching that evening. But on this afternoon my copies weren't ready at the promised time. Not ready? What would I tell the room full of...

I’m rereading Pema Chodron’s book Start Where You Are. Pema is a Buddhist nun, meditation teacher, and best-selling author. She has a delightfully simple yet profound way with words. I feel she inspired an insight in my meditation practice today. She says that all the parts of...

Recently I reconnected with an old friend over Facetime. We first met over ten years ago when we were both part of the same yoga teacher training. It had been quite a while since we had seen each other. As soon as I saw her face on my iPad I was instantly filled with joy! As we talked, we both...

None of us want to feel negative emotions any longer than we have to. Yet sometimes when they sneak up on us, it seems almost impossible to just let them go. Like sandspurs that stick to the bottom of your pants when you go out for a walk, negative emotions almost have a magnetic quality to...

One of the primary benefits of a daily meditation practice is that it enhances your ability to find a place of peace within. Yet there is a myth that to get to this state, you must strive to quiet your mind. It's not uncommon for beginning meditators to criticize themselves for not being able to...

“I’ll finally be happy when….” Feel free to fill in your next big goal.

Ever feel like no matter how much you achieve or how many items you check off your to-do list there’s always more? Perhaps you find that even as you solve a problem or complete a project, peace...

As we grow up, we often forget what it’s like to experience the joys of simply being alive. Rather than marveling at some of life’s little miracles as we did when we were children, we get lost in our minds’ stories. We worry about the next thing on our to-do list or ruminate...

You may be aware that mindfulness meditation helps reduce stress and anxiety, but perhaps you’ve been wondering why or how. What exactly happens in your mind and body when you start practicing even a few simple mindfulness techniques? Let’s look at this question, and demystify why...