Flowering, From Within, of Self-Blessing

Flowering, From Within, of Self-Blessing

This line from poet Galway Kinnell reminds us of the possibility of meeting our inner life with a loving, healing presence. When we do, we loosen the trance of unworthiness and reconnect with our intrinsic goodness. In turn, we can offer our blessings to others–serving as reminders of the awareness and love that can blossom in all beings.

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

We suffer when we forget who we are and get caught in a limited sense of self. This talk explores how we become identified with a sliver of what we are, and the pathway to remembering our wholeness. When we know we’re the ocean, we are free to relate to the waves with respect, compassion and love.

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

Part 2: Three Blessings on the Journey

Drawing on a wonderful teaching story from the Upanishads, these two talks explore the role of forgiveness, inner fire and looking at our own minds, in finding freedom.

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

Part 1: Three Blessings on the Journey

Drawing on a wonderful teaching story from the Upanishads, these two talks explore the role of forgiveness, inner fire and looking at our own minds, in finding freedom.

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

Part 2: Trusting Your Basic Goodness

Einstein says the most important question we will ever ask ourselves is, “Is this universe a friendly place?” Do we trust that there is something essentially benevolent or good about this universe? That we are essentially good? These two talks explore what it means to trust basic goodness, and how this trust naturally emerges through cultivating a meditative presence.

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

Part 1: Trusting Your Basic Goodness

Einstein says the most important question we will ever ask ourselves is, “Is this universe a friendly place?” Do we trust that there is something essentially benevolent or good about this universe? That we are essentially good? These two talks explore what it means to trust basic goodness, and how this trust naturally emerges through cultivating a meditative presence.

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

Taking Refuge

This class explores the three classic gateways to true refuge – Buddha (awareness); Dharma (path, truth of reality) and Sangha (spiritual friends, loving relatedness). It includes reflections and a ceremony that supports us in remembering the pathway home.(See “Taking Refuge” in video.)

Freedom in the Midst of Difficulty

No Mud, No Lotus

Our attitude in the face of life’s challenges determines our suffering or our freedom. This solstice talk explores the light of compassion that blossoms when we honor our difficult times with a deep, mindful attention. This solstice evening includes chanting, singing and a candlelighting ceremony. (See “No Mud, No Lotus” in video.)

The Dance of Relational Trance

The Dance of Relational Trance

When we become emotionally reactive in our relationships, we often go into a trance that creates separation and locks us into a narrow sense of self. This talk explores how, by pausing and deepening our attention, we can reconnect with the wisdom of our...
The Backward Step

The Backward Step

Our habit is to think we are on our way someplace else, and that our happiness is to be found outside ourselves. Yet realization becomes possible when we take the backward step into the formless dimension of our own being. This talk explores the two pathways that...
Mindful Speech

Mindful Speech

Deception, gossip and aggressive speech are pervasive in our culture. This talk looks at the roots of these forms of communication, and the way they entrap us in a contracted and separate sense of self. We then explore the practices that help us speak from a...
The Space of Presence

The Space of Presence

The perception of “there’s not enough time or space” in life blocks our natural capacity for intimacy, creativity and wisdom. Pausing and connecting with the space of presence transforms our entire experience of being alive. This talk explores the pathways that reveal the space that is always here, the awake and loving space of our own awareness. (See “The Space of Presence” in video.)

Divine Abodes: Equanimity

Divine Abodes: Equanimity

Equanimity is the mental state of balance and non-reactivity that arises when we are resting in open, wakeful presence. This talk reviews the key pathways to equanimity in the face of difficulty. We also explore the blessing of equanimity: the freedom to respond to...
Divine Abodes: Joy

Divine Abodes: Joy

Joy is an innate capacity, an expression of unconditional presence with life. Yet for many, it is blocked by our conditioning to grasp after life and to defend against loss. This talk explores how we can develop the selfless presence that allows for joy, and nourish...
Divine Abodes: Compassion

Divine Abodes: Compassion

We cultivate compassion by letting ourselves be touched by the suffering within and around us. Because our conditioning is to avoid vulnerability, the path of compassion requires courage and purposefulness. As we awaken to the truth of our connectedness, our hearts...