In our classes, when we turn toward difficult emotions, we often say, “This is where the rubber meets the road.” In other words: This is where it gets tough, but also, this is why we’re doing this practice. I have five parents: two in-laws, two birth, one step. In the...
Growing up near Lake Washington, I was the kid who sat on the dock watching with envy, terrified of getting in the water as my friends had fun splashing about. I suspect that my Dad grabbing my foot in the pool to play “Jaws” when I was little had...
A few weeks ago, I decided to meditate outside, on my deck. It was a beautiful day, a slight breeze rustling through the trees, birds twittering, sky a startling blue, with no clouds. As I was adjusting myself in the special seat I had prepared, with the pillow just...
I invite you to become like a bee, moving from flower to flower. In this case, the “flower” being anything beautiful or interesting that draws your attention. Engage your senses to connect with delight: the sun on your cheek, the grass on your feet, honeysuckle in...
A student in one of the meditation groups I have the pleasure of supporting told the group a story. Her mood seemed unhappy as she started – there was that feeling of, “I want to share something bad that happened to me in the hope that I’ll feel...
Roses are red, Violets are blue, Happy National Poetry month To you! If you’ve been in our classes or attended our retreats, you know that we celebrate poetry every month of the year. As Lucille Clifton says, “Poetry is a matter of life, not just a matter of...
As Beth described in her essay last month, still sitting meditation is a powerful practice that invites us to take a break from what we’re doing so that we can study our minds, bodies, and hearts. We stop moving our bodies, stop reacting and responding to...
by Tim Burnett Question subjective experience in meditation Recognize that the mind desires pleasant experience and don’t assume that difficult or unpleasant conditions during meditation mean it “isn’t working.” Meet what is with equanimity and evaluate in...
by Richard Johnson Types of Practice As you contemplate putting together your own ongoing mindfulness practice, you might consider these three building blocks: (1) formal practice on your own, (2) group formal practice, and (3) informal practice. Group Practice: You...
Talk given April 7, 2018 – Clarity and 3 Mechanisms of Mind that Help and Obscure – Tim Burnett (c) 2018 April 2018 Weekend Retreat: Clarity of Mind talk Talk Recording “Clarity of Mind” Talk Recording "Clarity of...
Stephen Levine’s nice essay on the practice of Noting is taken from his book Guided Meditations, Explorations and Healings. Noting is a silent acknowledgment in the heart of what is occurring in the mind. Noting simply states what is without the least intention...
