In my last post, I wrote of the first of Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths: to live is to suffer. Notably, the Buddha never said that to live is to only suffer. Suffering is part of this human experience, but there’s much more to life than pain, disappointment and discontentment. It’s also worth noting that the Buddha said, ‘Hey, there’s great suffering in this life, but we can do something about it. Liberation from suffering is possible.’ That’s not a direct quote, but you get the idea. Further, the Buddha taught us how to liberate ourselves and all others from this samsaric existence.

Life sucks, then you die. We used to say this as kids. The phrase at once a reminder that bad things sometimes happen, that you’re not unique in your suffering and that there’s no point in worrying about it. Although it sometimes stung a little when your friends refused to allow you a moment of self-pity, there was also no arguing with this blunt truth. Life sucks, then you die.

It’s easy to be grateful for the ‘good’ stuff. The more advanced practice is to note what happens when we bring gratitude to that which we label as ‘not good.’ Might this, too, be a teaching, a lesson, a gift? Might this, too, be the call of the divine?

I’m at last home in San Juanico after a wonderful month in El Pescadero, sharing meditation, yoga of all varieties, and restorative sound baths with guests at Modern Elder Academy. MEA calls themselves a ‘mid-life wisdom school’ and well, I guess I’m finally old enough to share some tools for uncovering wisdom. ;-) While some of us might get wiser with age, the reality is…

I’m not alone as a yoga teacher in wanting to make the teachings more accessible. At the same time, we all live in a culture where one must pay to survive. If, like me, you’re interested in exploring how to balance the two, keep reading.

I see Buddha heads being used as candle holders and planters, used to decorate meditation spaces, yoga studios, and even dental offices. As yoga teachers, we have a responsibility to bring awareness to our use of ‘spiritual’ iconography. Learn why it’s time to reunite the Buddha head with its body.

Learn more about the four foundations of mindfulness, and listen to four meditations from our spring retreat.

There are infinite reasons to attend a yoga and meditation retreat. But three in particular have been on my mind. The top 3 reasons to retreat? Travel, practice and community. Keep reading to learn why.

What we do during the day, or even when we first wake up is just as likely to impact our sleep as what we do in the hour before bedtime. We take a look at a practical, 5-step morning routine for more restful nights.

A personal, at-home yoga and/or meditation retreat is easy, affordable, and benefits both mind and body. All you need is 24-hours or more to yourself, and a home retreat plan. Learn more about the benefits of a home retreat and why you should schedule one ASAP.

We might equate the practice of isvarapranidhana with 'let go and let god.' In truth, the layers of meaning here have limitless depth. We explore isvarapranidhana in body, speech and mind with the following 60 minute yoga flow.

In this loving kindness, or maitri meditation, we send healing positive vibes to healthcare workers, those who are sick, and all those affected by Covid-19.

This year in year in my yoga classes, and in my personal life, I approached New Year's Resolutions from a yogic perspective, that of sankalpa. How does a yogi set their New Year's resolutions? We explore. 

The Tibetan Buddhist tradition organizes laziness into three types. The first is procrastination, the second is the laziness that comes with being too busy, and the third is the laziness of low-self esteem, or lack of faith. Each one of us has all that we need to live the life we dream of. If you're reading this blog, that dream life likely includes the freedom to travel and surf the world, and the spaciousness to meditate daily. So why aren't you?