The heart qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity are known as the Brahma Viharas, or “Divine Abodes,” in the teachings of Buddhism.  The first of these heart qualities, loving-kindness or “Metta,” might be referred t... Read more

As desire abates, generosity is born. When we are present and connected, what else is there to do but give? An African proverb put it this way: “It is the heart that gives, the fingers just let go.” When someone in our family is hungry or in difficulty,... Read more

The tragedy and poignancy of greed, hate and delusion is evident everywhere. Surveying our own life, surveying the world – it can feel like too much. When overwhelm and too-much-ness arise, it’s challenging to discover new and creative ways of respondin... Read more

Metta is a Pali word that means lovingkindness, friendliness, goodwill or benevolence.  And while it is a foreign word to us, it not a foreign mindstate, it is a human quality that can be practiced and developed. It is practiced in meditation by repeati... Read more

As I sit in contemplation writing the sentiments of my heart, I want to acknowledge that I am sitting on the traditional homelands of the Tongva peoples.  I take this moment to recognize and honor their dedication to love, life and the land. I celebr... Read more

We are so happy to be offering the first Essentials of Mindfulness Meditation class for the Neurodiverse Community. For all of us, being amongst like-minded people can support us in feeling a sense of belonging. To be recognized, welcomed, accepted, and... Read more

Most people don’t have any problem with seeing compassion as a thoroughly commendable  quality. It seems to refer to an amalgam of unquestionably good qualities: kindness, mercy,  tenderness, benevolence, understanding, empathy, sympathy, and fellow-fee... Read more

Mindfulness and compassion are two fundamental aspects of human consciousness that, when cultivated and practiced together, have the potential to transform individuals and societies alike. Mindfulness, rooted in the ancient teachings of Buddhism, involv... Read more

For those depleting, down in the dumps kind of days — something we’re feeling too often right now --- an outdoor jaunt may be just the emotional and physical boost that’s needed. Perhaps one of the most healing and delicious practices of InsightLA’s ... Read more

On my first meditation retreat in 2009, one of the Dharma talks was about the difference between pain and suffering, and I was NOT getting it. Pain and suffering. They go together like chocolate and peanut butter. To be in pain is to suffer. We suffer b... Read more