Category Archives: Contemplative Leader

Wherever You Go There You Are

Wherever You Go, There You Are, the title of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book on mindfulness, offers us a powerful reminder: wherever you go, your state of mind, your energies, your consciousness informs everything you do. Many leaders have heard that mindfulness … Continue reading

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The Compassionate Mind

“Just open your heart in an inconceivably big way, in that limitless way that benefits everyone you encounter.” Pema Chodron When you live in a state of reactivity, a small trigger can set you off in the direction of anger … Continue reading

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First Tune Your Instrument

In our world of challenge and change, we can get so busy rushing from one problem to another that we lose sight of possibilities. Mindful leadership often means stepping back, taking time to reflect instead of simply reacting. A few … Continue reading

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Life is Always Changing

“Moment by Moment, Just Do It.” Seungh Sahn Life in this planet is marked by endless change. In fact, this element seems to be an intrinsic part of life. How do you deal with sudden changes in your life or … Continue reading

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The Quiet Side of Courage

“You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt What is courage? Does it mean daring to climb Mt. Everest¸ risking your life for a cause, standing against the forces of oppression? These are the public … Continue reading

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The Courage To Be

“Fearlessness is the first requisite of spirituality. Cowards can never be moral.” Mahatma Gandhi The first time I went to a meditation retreat, I was horrified by the schedule. In traditional Zen retreats, meditation starts at 5:00am and continues all … Continue reading

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What are you really afraid of?

Near the end of the Purgatorio in the Divine Comedy, Dante faces a wall of fire standing between him and a vision of Paradise. At first, he shrinks back in fear but then, realizing that his beloved Beatrice is on … Continue reading

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Clarity in the Garden: The Gift of Insight

“And this our life, exempt from public haunt, Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything.” Shakespeare, As You Like It, 2.1.15—17 With all the superficial tasks of work and daily living, … Continue reading

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Clarity: Releasing Clutter

The five colors can blind our eyes, The five sounds deafen our ears, The five tastes exhaust our appetites. Chasing desire can drive us mad. Therefore, the Tao person Seeks inner wisdom, Lets go of excess, Affirms truth. Tao Te … Continue reading

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Creativity: Honor Your Inner Rhythms

“The Tao is the one. From the one come yin and yang; From these two, creative energy; From energy ten thousand things, The forms of all creation.” Tao Te Ching, 42 The world is filled with natural rhythms—yin and yang, … Continue reading

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