I once read that forgiveness is not simply about accepting what has happened…forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different. This resonated with me because some situations are too horrible to simply accept. But that doesn’t mean that you cannot be free to move on. That situation may propel – Read More –
There is a sentence in the Tao Te Ching: the path forward seems to go back. I recently found these pages (below) that I wrote in 23 January 2013 in Los Angeles. As I looked to find pictures of myself during that time, I ran across this picture that I took during a visit to Chicago – Read More –
In 25 magical minutes, Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith (Agape International Center in the City of Angels) describes the four stages of spiritual unfoldment: 1. Victimhood — where you are not touching reality, but rather you’re touching your thoughts about reality 2. Manifestation of visioning — where you do not describe what you see, you see – Read More –
There is a question in my book, Meditative Questions, that always makes me think: What is the source of your unhappiness? Is it your expectations? I think this is a difficult question to face. If we view it from the perspective of our expectations about other people, it can be very easy to blame other people for – Read More –
“Change is challenging.” – L.E.E. It is very easy to get “stuck” in familiar routines. We may stay in a job that negatively impacts our health or carry on in a relationship that is a constant struggle because we convince ourselves that the current situation is better than the (imagined worse) alternative. Change can be scary when – Read More –
When I started this blog in February 2013, I felt called to write a book but I didn’t know where to start. I did not want to be a writer who did not write, so I used the blog as a way of becoming comfortable getting my writing out into the world. With my background – Read More –
Before acting, one should rest in a state of equanimity, indifferent to the results of the action, so that the action happens naturally without any sense of it being “your” action. – Chuang-tzu Equanimity is defined as mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. One could also call it coolheadedness. – Read More –
Recently, I went to race stock cars. Before the race, my instructor advised that I “Zen out and become one with the car.” Of course that struck a cord with me ;) The same is true when I tried archery some time ago…my instructor said to “become one with the bow and release the arrow – Read More –
Racial inequality is so difficult for me to understand. From my perspective, we all come from the same Source. Just as the red rose and pink rose are both beautiful, it baffles me that some might passionately argue that one is somehow better (or more beautiful) than the other. The senseless violence that continues, even today, – Read More –
Defense is the first act of war. Byron Katie shared this wisdom and I think it’s true. As soon as we become defensive, it seems that we invite conflict. I find that I have these moments when I try to create boundaries. Now if I was being like water and letting things flow naturally, this – Read More –