In Zen Buddhism, Beginner’s Mind refers to “having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would.” (Wikipedia) Children are a perfect example of living in Beginner’s Mind. They approach every new experience with curiosity and...
Read MoreSitting In Stillness Opens a Heart
Life is funny sometimes. We tend to avoid what we need and want the most. And then circumstances happen and we are suddenly faced with exactly what we weren’t able to give to ourselves. Leaning into it, accepting it, can be a challenge. But when we are able to be grateful for the experience, magic can happen. Several weeks ago I tweaked my back...
Read MoreNew Year’s Un-Resolutions
Do you begin the year with a list of New Year’s Resolutions? Things you swear you are going to do or not do that will make this year different than all the rest? And then, just a few weeks into the year, you realize you’ve abandoned your list, slacked off on all of the things you swore would be different this time? And you feel pretty down on...
Read MoreBlessing the Openings: Clearing the Clutter Part 2
Native Americans have a tradition called The Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing, often called “smudging,” which is a powerful cleansing ritual. Herbs and incense are burned with the idea that smoke attaches to negative energy and, as the smoke clears, it takes the negative energy with it. Smudging is not the process of eliminating or killing anything, but is...
Read MoreClearing Clutter: Creating Room to Grow
We are deep into Autumn, the season of letting go. Trees are losing their last leaves, the fruits have fallen from the branches and we can see through the bareness of the limbs. We can mirror this season in our own lives by clearing the clutter – letting go of old, dead, useless things and thoughts, to make room for new growth and blooming....
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