Not only have I used the word "intimate" to describe the experience of meditation, I also have often underscored the difficulties that must be faced in honest and deep contemplation of any kind. This process over time, though perhaps not explicitly pleasant does become soothing in some sort of profoundly paradoxical and beautiful way. It is healing. …. [click on title for the rest of the post]
You can start your meditation practice in baby steps, like suggested in this short video. A short mindfulness practice: … [click on title for the rest of the post]
Russell Brand has been a delightful and inspiring man to watch grow and transform. Here Brand discusses how yoga helps him deal with his sex and substance addiction, and how yoga has changed the tempo of his life. … [click on title for the rest of the post]
I think you have to follow the kharmic rule -- that any action taken in anxiety, creates more anxiety. Any action taken in anger, spreads anger. Any action taken in violence, spreads violence. Any action taken in calm, spreads calm. Any action taken in equanimity, spreads equanimity. Any action taken gently, spreads gentility. To call... Continue Reading →
The nurturing of vigilance lies in this growing rootedness around not abandoning yourself, not moving away. Remaining with yourself must be the complete priority, otherwise the world is your master. You will run from and feel limited by external circumstances. … [click on title for the rest of the post]
RETREAT follows thirty-five Westerners as they attempt an intense, eight-week, silent, meditation retreat in Thailand led by the American Buddhist teacher, B. Alan Wallace. Some are experienced mediators, some are beginners. The practice they're learning is shamatha, or calm abiding, stilling the mind with sustained, one-pointed, concentration...simple enough sounding, but extremely difficult to master...and considered to be an essential step on the path to full enlightenment. Alan Wallace teaches it through a Buddhist understanding of the nature of consciousness and contrasts that with the prevailing materialist paradigm of modern neuroscience. ...
When the path ahead is dark, how can we keep from stumbling? How do we make our way with courage and dignity? “Inside each of us is an eternal light that I call ‘the One Who Knows,’” writes Jack Kornfield.
We can change how our brain functions. We can change the very structure of the brain. There are enormous implications here for anyone who has ever been labeled with a DSM psychiatric diagnosis. We can change and heal our minds and brains and we need not do it in detrimental fashion with neurotoxic medications.
Self-compassion and awareness are the qualities we need to start to heal our mind and body. Bringing mindfulness to a problem is the beginning of change. Paying attention to a process is changing the process! Even before any behavior changes. … [click on title to read the rest]
Those who don’t feel this love pulling them like a river, those who don’t drink dawn like a cup of spring water or take in sunset like supper, those who don’t want to change, let them sleep. This love is beyond the study of theology, that old trickery and hypocrisy. If you want to improve... Continue Reading →
I've definitely noticed there are so many wonderful things about aging now that I'm aging! Adyashanti talks about some of that here. How wisdom comes with age and maturity. I wish I understood that when I was younger. Instead I was caught up in the youth culture myself and missed opportunities with the elders in... Continue Reading →
Unconditional Willing to experience aloneness, I discover connection everywhere; Turning to face my fear, I meet the warrior who lives within; Opening to my loss, I gain the embrace of the universe; Surrendering into emptiness, I find fullness without end. Each condition I flee from pursues me, Each condition I welcome transforms me And becomes... Continue Reading →
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