Category Archives: Contemplative Leader

What did You Learn from this Crisis?

When I was leading retreats in Central America, there was a simple meditation that always got results. As I was asking the participants to face each other without touching, breathing gently, and consciously, I asked them to be fully present, … Continue reading

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Even in Troubled Times, Hope Can Blossom in Your Life

This week, wild roses are blooming in my back yard. Unlike hybrid tea roses, these roses bloom only once a year. And this year, their bright blossoms are all the more precious. Like the wild rose, life brings us surprises, … Continue reading

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One Step at a Time

The Tao Te Ching tells us that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  And that’s how we will get through this Covid-19 Coronavirus crisis. Not so long ago, we had busy schedules with plans, work … Continue reading

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What Voices Do You Carry With You?

At the library, a man in his thirties with mental health issues was shouting in anger. “Breaker! Breaker! Breaker!” The same shouting continued as he was being escorted out by security, and even outside the library, he continued shouting his … Continue reading

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Step Forward Naturally

For years you try to get to that place you dream of. Professionally, emotionally, physically, your plans weigh on you and your sense of belonging depends on the achievement of those goals. You try over and over again to get … Continue reading

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Finding Hope in the Middle Season

“The Tao leader Lives fully in every moment”  Tao Te Ching, Chapter 14 Most of us love beginnings and endings, starting new projects and celebrating their completion. But this month, after planting tomatoes, my vegetable garden is in the long … Continue reading

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Knowing

Zen master Seung Sahn used to bring a glass of water to his Dharma talks. He would place it in front of him and asked his audience. “What is water?” He would get many answers: “H2O,” or “it is a … Continue reading

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Effortless Action

For years you tried to get to that place you dreamed of. Professionally, emotionally, physically, your goals are not being achieved no matter how hard you tried. You kept trying, but every time you failed. I am sitting at the … Continue reading

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The Old Lady in the Tea House

An ancient Zen story talks about Dok Sahn, who was a famous sacred scripture master from the North. One day he heard that the monks of the South were spending lots of time meditating, just practicing mindful breathing and somehow … Continue reading

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The Empty Space

Thirty spokes meet at the wheel’s axis The center space makes the wheel useful. Form clay into a cup; The center space gives it purpose. Frame doors and windows for a house; The openings make the house useful. Therefore, purpose … Continue reading

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