Last night in our Fall Sits Meditation Series, we explored how the Buddhist practice of lovingkindness meditation (metta in Pali) can serve as a powerful remedy for our troubled hearts and minds. It may feel natural to send lovingkindness toward those who are easy to love, who have served as your benefactors, and who bring you peace and comfort. But when turning attention to those who spark in us feelings of anger, ill will, fear, or aggression, it can seem counterintuitive or risky to wish them well. This meditation invites a different perspective.
Read moreThere's always room to feel better
Some of you may remember the character Steve from the children's television show Blue's Clues. His message to children was always uplifting, kind, and encouraging. These days he's turned his attention to the adults in the room with a wonderful social media calling card where he comes close to the camera, and says, "Hey, just checking in. How are you doing." And then, usually with a cup of coffee in hand, he listens. That's it. Sometimes he nods compassionately as if he can hear you sharing your deepest heart. Occasionally he will say, "yeah, I hear you," or "o.k., I see." You can see just a hint of a smile.
Read moreShifting the ripples of experience
An earthquake of major magnitude on the Eastern coast of Russia triggers tsunami warnings across the Pacific. The effects are felt in Japan, Hawaii, and along the entire western coast of the Americas from Washington state down to Chile. It's a dramatic example of how tremors both seen and unseen are happening at all times, and an event does not need to be part of our direct awareness for it to affect our direct experience.
Read moreThanks and giving: free yoga and food drive on Thanksgiving morning
Join us on Thanksgiving morning and choose from three options of a 60-minute easy practice to put you in just the right state of mind/body/heart for a day of feasting on great food and gratitude. Donations of food or funds for AFAC and Britepaths.
Read moreCooking potatoes: Moving from grim to grace
Troubling emotions can be likened to raw potatoes, inedible in their current state, but subject to transformation when effort and intention are applied.
Read moreWeathering Storms Together
Our hearts and minds are with those in Puerto Rico and Florida and everywhere else lying in the wake of this current storm, and anyplace where suffering takes hold as we strive to coexist on this struggling planet.
Read moreIn Kind
Small or big, one-time or on-going, opportunities for kindness are everywhere. Smile when you walk by others, call a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, hold the door open for someone, pick up trash or litter when you see it, plant a tree, donate to a social justice organization, practice gratitude or volunteer.
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