In a time of polarization and divisiveness, plus the on-going crises of fires, economic and racial injustice, and pandemic, there are bright rays of hope - people building a future of respect, dignity, generosity, love and understanding in a thous... Read more

I changed five nouns in this poem for us, for now: Thanks, from W. S. Merwin. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t mind a bit. It reminds me of Zen teacher Yvonne Rand’s last audible words before she passed away Wednesday evening: “No form - Just thank you” L... Read more

Monday I learned that Yvonne Rand, one of my teachers in this life, has entered hospice to do her dying. An accomplished Soto Zen priest, Yvonne came to teach with me at InsightLA in the early days. Yvonne has lived a life that has given so much to so... Read more

The ocean has been cold again this week, good weather for the kelp! Did you know that in in ideal conditions kelp can grow from 12 inches to 18 inches in one day? Did you know kelp stores carbon as efficiently as tropical rainforests? The kelp in the ... Read more

Decades ago in the 70’s, before the Dalai Lama became famous, his smiling face was on the cover of a newspaper called The Snow Lion. The quote under his photo struck me so powerfully that I cut out the cover page and stuck it on a kitchen cupboard whe... Read more

It’s a beautiful day here in California; new Spring leaves are dancing, flowers tossing their heads in the breeze. Crows and ravens are calling, vultures soaring, warblers, sparrows and songbird friends singing across the clear blue sky. There are mor... Read more

Once when my granddaughter Allie was 4 years old, a couple of her young neighbors came over to play, apologizing since it was a little late. As she opened the door, she immediately invited them in, saying, “You are ALWAYS welcome to come in.” I was st... Read more