20 years ago, when the Twin Towers fell, many of us experienced some shared moments of suffering – confusion, shock, fear, anger, and grief (the ripples, reactions, and repercussions unfolding from that tragedy we’re globally still grappling with toda... Read more
Let Metta guide your actions
Metta is a Pali word which is most often translated as lovingkindness. It’s not a perfect translation because that’s not a word that is used in English. Other translations used are benevolence, good-will, loving friendliness, universal love etc. Me... Read more
Self-Compassion’s Core Questions
The quintessential question of Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) is, “What do I need right now?” That is, mindfully checking in with yourself, and if stress or struggle are present, showing up for yourself as you would a friend – maybe offering some so... Read more
Steadiness Amidst the Waves
Tomorrow morning, I’m offering teachings on “Steadiness Amidst The Waves.” How does what I notice or miss in any moment affect the steadiness of my heart?
As I drive, I see a man at the approaching intersection selling flowers, his weatherbea... Read more
Subtleties
A brilliant Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher was famous for pointing to an image of a bird flying in a clear blue sky and asking, “What do you see?”. The answer would usually be, “A bird”. The teacher would then point to the sky and ask, “W... Read more
Parenting Black Children in a Joyful and Sorrowful World
Diasporic Black parents are parenting in a complex time. We are from the South, from the Caribbean, from the Continent, Harlem, Brooklyn, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, and beyond. Our families are varied, multifaceted, rich in culture and wisdom,... Read more
Too Busy Is A Lie
Today I was interviewed by Vince Horn*. Vince is starting an oral history project called, “My Beloved Teachers,” a loving way to capture teachings and memories of his older teachers about their own teachers who are long gone. Vince starts his... Read more
Freedom on a Windowsill
Ahhhh...holidays! Just hearing that word has such nostalgic power. I dream of freedom from routines, time to meditate more, relax, hang out with family, friends and community who remind me of being loved and important to others besides myself.... Read more
Let Your Love Light Shine
When I sat down to write to you this week, I asked myself, “What do Juneteenth, Father’s Day the summer solstice and Pride month have to do with one another, besides their proximity in one weekend?” Each is a call to shine some love and light on a p... Read more
One Life Ends, Another Life Continues
Beverly Berg Wry
1956 - 2021
On Sunday, during the closing talk of the retreat I was teaching with Anam Thubten and Norman Fischer, my dear friend Beverly Berg Wry passed away. A gifted therapist, meditator, clay artist, cross-fit athlete, pianist... Read more