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Department of Peace
The image above of our backyard shows how, at the time the photo was taken, the ice had melted where the sun shone. The remaining ice was shaded by our fence. I ask myself, as sunlight melts ice, could our own lights, our care, our values of human life, and our empathy melt I.C.E.? Could […]
The Making of The COURAGE Series
Last month, through meditation and intuitive writing, I questioned my reasons for hiding in a few areas of my life. The insight came as something obvious – fear. Fear of all that is happening thanks to the powers that be. That realization was followed by the misconception that staying small is safe. Furthermore, the main […]
Reframing a Story and Transforming an Internal Dialogue
In the beginning of the year, I noticed a critical voice in my head. It wasn’t my inner critic—this voice repeated a phrase a supervisor used to refer to colleagues, indirectly referring to me. It may or may not surprise you that it had been over three years since the event happened. Yet, the thought […]
Empathy through the Maybe Game
During this time of intense emotions and animosity towards one another, it might make a difference to take some time to empathize and to consider guessing the stories/drivers behind someone’s attitudes and behaviors. Here are two examples of how I have done it using the "Maybe Game". On a narrow one-lane road, driving to the ferry […]
It is Time
During one of my morning meditations last week, I heard this message – It’s time. When I reflected on what it meant, I realized it meant that it is time to start posting on this site again. Here I am. Yet, I feel the need to share what I have been up to since the […]
Inequalities, Racism, Self-love, Action
“If I think of you as somehow different from me, if I think that I'm Tibetan, I'm Buddhist, an Easterner, I'm a monk or even something grand like His Holiness the Dalai Lama, this kind of thinking automatically creates a gap between us. It results in a sense of unease. On the other hand, if […]
A home activity: paint a T-shirt
Here is a creative activity to do on your own, with roommates, with the kids, or even virtually with a friend. I often write about my adventures painting shoes and clothes, and I thought it would be fun to share my process with you. Ingredients: Fabric ink or silkscreen paint – available at local art […]
Take a Joy Inventory
Before the year ends, how about taking a moment to reflect on all the joyful moments you had throughout the year? A few days ago, I was talking to a friend, who said that he was ready for the year to end. There were several worrisome things happening throughout the year, and he was hoping […]
Authenticity and its Insecurities
I have been painting my clothes for several years now. It started with painting shoes, than T-shirts, and dresses. (Some samples in this post’s image). My needs for authenticity, contribution, being seen, and self-expression are all met when I paint and when I wear my art. It also inspires others to do the same, and […]
This Will Also Change
I attended the 10-day silent Vipassana retreat last December in Shelburne Falls, MA. It was an incredibly hard and wonderful experience. If you don’t know about it, and would like to learn more, I recommend you visit their website at dhamma.org. The meditation and Vipassana teachings are provided through recordings of the teacher S. N. […]