The full moon is waning now; silvery light splashes into my little room on retreat on Whidbey Island. Like the movement of ocean tides, women’s bodies are attuned to the rhythm of the moon cycle. Years ago in Massachusetts, I created “Women in Buddhis... Read more

Everyone talks about mindfulness these days. Now that it has gone mainstream it means different things to different people. My spiritual teacher Venerable Dhammananda Bhikkhuni, said mindfulness is when our minds are fully present. Most of the time we... Read more

“The medicine is already within the pain and suffering.  You just have to look deeply and quietly.  Then you realize it has been there the whole time.”  –Saying from the Native American oral tradition   One way to think of the pandemic is a ye... Read more

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

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

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

  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

  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

  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

The upcoming full moon in May is Vesak, a special Buddhist  holiday observed around the world, inspired by the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, peace and goodwill. Vesak honors his birth, enlightenment and death, all together. Vesak is joyful, celebr... Read more