Category Archives: Writing

The Importance of Community

“We are birthed into sangha, into sacred community. It is called the world.” Adyashanti Sometimes it takes a short journey away from home to rediscover the importance of community. Last week I went to the library as I was looking … Continue reading

Posted in Contemplative Leader, Mindful Leader, Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on The Importance of Community

Compassion, Clarity and Right View

Searching for spring all day, I never saw it, Straw sandals treading everywhere Among the clouds, along the bank. Coming home, I laughed, Catching the plum blossom’s scent: Spring at each branch tip, already perfect. – Sung Dynasty Nun I … Continue reading

Posted in Contemplative Leader, Education, Mindful Leader, Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on Compassion, Clarity and Right View

Compassion and Action

“Compassion is an aspiration, a state of mind, wanting others to be free from suffering. It’s not passive — it’s not empathy alone — but rather an empathetic altruism that actively strives to free others from suffering.”  Dalai Lama One … Continue reading

Posted in Contemplative Leader, Mindful Leader, Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on Compassion and Action

What is Right Speech?

The Buddha said, “And what is right speech? Abstaining from lying, from divisive speech, from abusive speech, and from idle chatter: This is called right speech.” (Samyutta Nikaya 45) One of my best friends in the East Coast, Linda, called … Continue reading

Posted in Contemplative Leader, Mindful Leader, Writing | Comments Off on What is Right Speech?

Clear Mind and Right Communication

“This is what should be done by one who is skilled in goodness and who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, straightforward and gentle in speech, humble and not conceited, contented and easily satisfied.” Metta Sutta … Continue reading

Posted in Contemplative Leader, Mindful Leader, Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on Clear Mind and Right Communication

Watch it-Name it-Release it

During the moment of illumination, When I see the original face of mind, A limitless compassion arises. The greater the illumination, The greater is the compassion. The greater my compassion, The deeper is the wisdom I feel.  – Garmaba Last … Continue reading

Posted in Mindful Leader, Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on Watch it-Name it-Release it

The Need for Clarity

When I felt the cold water under my feet, my first reaction was panic. It was  dark, five minutes past 5:00 am, as I went to the kitchen to prepare some tea. This is my routine every morning–enjoy a cup … Continue reading

Posted in Mindful Leader, Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on The Need for Clarity

The Contemplative Leader: An Invitation

Our greatest natural resources are our hearts and minds, together with those of the people around us.                                      –Diane Dreher, The Tao of Personal Leadership We live in a world challenged by climate change, social and technological upheaval, political polarization … Continue reading

Posted in Contemplative Leader, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on The Contemplative Leader: An Invitation

Where Are You Going?

Life is a journey. Yet as Juan said in his last blog, when “we’re bombarded with excessive trivial demands, the aspects of our life that once were so inspiring are pushed aside, and our journey is not our own any … Continue reading

Posted in Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on Where Are You Going?

Touching the Buddha Within

In her last entry, Diane mentioned how “today I often find myself wrestling with shadows, rushing off to meetings, dealing with endless barrages of e-mail, spending more time on mundane chores than the ideals that once inspired me.” I can identify … Continue reading

Posted in Spiritual Practice, Writing | Comments Off on Touching the Buddha Within