Forgiveness meditation practice is for our own benefit as well as the benefit of others. Each painful experience that we encounter in relationships with others is an opportunity to learn and grow. Forgiveness does not mean condoning someone else’s hurtful behavior. It doesn’t mean that you have to allow unkind people to remain in your […]
Embracing life with mindfulness means that we turn toward our life with acceptance. A good deal of our suffering comes from turning away from anything that creates pain or discomfort—uncomfortable sensations, difficult emotions, difficult thoughts. In our attempts to turn away from discomfort, we reach for whatever numbs the pain—alcohol, food, TV, Internet, creating drama […]
Why practice meditation? Meditation is about leaning into present moment experience with receptive attention and with a willingness to see clearly whatever we encounter, even when it feels scary or painful. Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better, it’s about befriending who we are. –Pema Chodron We experience the […]
The nature of change is that change is an inherent part of the natural order of things. Everything is impermanent, including all of us. We cling to the changes that we love, and we resist or fight against the changes that cause us suffering. Try to tune in to the rhythms of nature. The leaves […]
We practice mindfulness to cultivate awareness. Mindfulness, simply put, is awareness of the present moment without judgment. When awareness is present, the mind will operate in a certain direction. When we are not bringing awareness—of our sensations, feelings, and thoughts—to the present moment, we are operating in the realm of unconscious habit, which leads us […]
Open your heart. It sounds simple, but it isn’t always easy. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. –Brene Brown When the stress, loss, or pain of life becomes too great, our tendency is to draw […]
Developing embodied presence means that we are living in the present moment and maintaining awareness of what is happening in the body, heart, and mind. We are aware of sensations, feelings, and thoughts that arise moment to moment. The great challenge in our busy world is to stay connected with ourselves— with our bodily felt […]
Embracing uncertainty is a courageous and sometimes terrifying act. The ultimate trust. To let go in the dark.—Carole Maso, Ava Lately I’m reminded again and again that this life really is about trusting enough to let go in the dark and practice embracing uncertainty. Though we balk at change and uncertainty, the truth is […]
Bird Meditation. The distinct, shrill sound of a bird stirs me from a restful sleep. As I gradually awaken, I hear it again. It is loud and full. Its unequivocal tone, pitch, and melody fills what would be otherwise silence, and I become aware of a vast container of space in which it resounds. I […]