“You’re exactly where you need to be.” The words were carved into a worn bench that greeted me each morning at 6:55 a.m. as I walked toward the meditation hall during a recent seven-day silent meditation retreat. No talking. No phone. No reading. No writing. Could you do it? Would you want to? Do you… Read more »
At the end of every busy season, I intentionally weave mindfulness back into my life. Usually, this takes the form of a retreat. This summer, my landing spot was the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin County. Located in the scenic San Geronimo village of Woodacre, the center is built on the traditional land of… Read more »
What keeps golfers from reaching their potential and hitting more good shots? Most of the time, the problem is interference from intrusive thoughts and emotions. Golfers have a lot going on in their head. For example, while standing over a simple short putt, golfers may think, “Do I have the right line? The last thing… Read more »
It’s a tepid desert evening as the sky fades from sunset to dusk. Small floating lights sway on a crystal blue pool surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles. Soothing music and the scent of lavender fill the air. You take a deep breath and snuggle into your plush blanket and pillow as your floating vessel… Read more »
Have you heard of “The Great Resignation?” The phrase is commonly used in the business sector today to reference the vast number of people resigning from their jobs. Many are moving around or out of the workforce and numerous companies are experiencing mass exodus. The reference makes sense. But when I first saw this expression,… Read more »
Whether one is a budding naturalist or merely passionate about personal growth, a “sit spot” allows a place to unite with nature and connect with self. A sit spot is an outdoor space where one goes time and time again. It is a place where we start to know the landscape by day and by… Read more »
If we look at the practice of meditation from a distance, we notice that this process of rebalancing our body, mind and spirit is something natural. In fact, it is the most natural process for us human beings to recharge and recover. It takes place every night while we sleep. We rest our mind and… Read more »
Over the past year, I’ve been working to bring mindfulness into all aspects of my life. In addition to starting my day with slow, deep breathing, happy thoughts, a crafted coffee, meditation and sunshine, I’ve been consciously working to “come back to the now” when thoughts race and actions get harried. Returning to sports has… Read more »
As we discussed in the January/February issue of Desert Health, the approach of accepting ourselves as multi-parted beings (mind/soul, body, spirit and ego) brings up a more significant meaning to our lives, but also to the process of healing, our health and sense of harmony. We will only find happiness and wholesomeness in our achievement… Read more »
Have you ever been hiking and noticed the vibrancy of the colors around you? Or walked out in the morning to listen to birds singing and noticed how blue the sky? Maybe the memories of those moments are still clear in your mind and the thoughts warm your heart. Those are the times you are… Read more »
“However the seed is planted, in that way the fruit is gathered” is a Buddhist saying which seems particularly pertinent to being steady in our practices. It’s about showing up consistently and it’s during challenging times, such as this global pandemic, that we become aware of what we have harvested based upon choices we’ve previously… Read more »
Overwhelmed. Anxious. Freaked out. Scared. Desperate. These are some of the words that seem to be describing our current global mood. Places have shut down everywhere, people are being told not to travel, to stay at home, to head back to their home countries, to work from home, to stay six feet away from one… Read more »
Over the past month, I have seen a surge of patients presenting with anxiety and/or depression in my practice. “I am so scared, scared to go out, scared to be home alone, scared of how I am going to pay my bills, and scared that my family members and friends could die in the next… Read more »
Many of us have heard the advice that, when making changes in our behavior, we should make a small change at first, establish it and see how it works for you. It got me thinking about how our yoga and meditation practices are ongoing. We make our way to the mat and see what happens.… Read more »
Is it a coincidence that the words Zen and Zone are so similar? There must be a reason that when human beings do what we love at our highest level of proficiency, we are also at peace and experience fulfillment. There is clear evidence that our thoughts often get in the way of our flow.… Read more »
“While many people possess the intent of their prayer, many others miss the corresponding emotions that go with it.” – Dr. Joe Dispenza Emotion is one of the most powerful forces available to humans to create optimum health, financial prosperity, and a joyful life. When harnessed through affirmation, intention and prayer, we can create a… Read more »
Not often is a community blessed with a treasure like Sunnylands. The stunning center and gardens reopen on September 12 and are free to visit with no reservations required. Whether you are simply looking for a quiet, contemplative place to walk or a serene ambiance in which to sit and meditate, you will find it… Read more »
Meditation used to be reserved for hippies, gurus, and rock stars. The practice has now entered the mainstream, and the reasons are all around us. Chaos in the world, our dependence on electronics, and the need-it-now mentality create unrest and an extreme pace. Many are simply looking for a way to slow down or let… Read more »
Opportunity often presents itself at the most meaningful time. The door was recently opened for this mom, after a bustling work season, and her millennial teen’s challenging and successful school year. An opportunity to get away from digital and social media promised to be rewarding. Our prescription for bonding was going to a silent meditation… Read more »
These past few months have been intense and it feels like everything has been happening all at once: hurricanes, fires, mass shootings – all public events – without mentioning our own personal challenges. It’s enough to create a feeling of inundation. I know that if this had happened 25 years ago, I would have survived… Read more »
