Taking Your Seat
In choosing a shape for a seated meditation* I always begin with the same question: what will support my body, in this practice, to be both comfortable and wakeful? For most of us, that is going to involve props. I…
Start Close In
I've been in a number of conversations these past several months focused on how to best meet climate crisis, thoughtfully. It’s not an easy question to answer. Often what does feel easier is to lean towards states of denial or…
Two Practices for Charged Times
As we individually and collectively navigate what it means to take care of ourselves and our communities, I want to share some resources. Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer of The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion have offered a thoughtful…
Solstice Poem
A simple meditation inspired by the Winter Solstice and Margaret Atwood's Solstice Poem. This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year's threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of and becomes…
Winter Landscapes: Being with Trees
“Having a landscape to oneself is an exclusive pleasure. Many of us stumble upon this by surprise. Suddenly it is there -unshared, solitary. One may well experience a reckless moment of freedom, a penetrating moment of understanding. A meaning that…
Winter’s Cloak
Poem shared at the opening of December 8th's Second Sunday Sit - Winter’s Cloak by Joyce Rupp. (Rupp is a writer as well as Co-Director of the Institute of Compassionate Presence.) Winter's Cloak by Joyce Rupp This year I do…
Meditation Monday Open House – Save the Date!
Meditation Mondays a place to remember who we are, together If you’ve ever been to our weekly sit, or are curious at all about meditation, come to our open house! It’s a chance to check out the beautiful spaces, catch…
Tending to Arrows: RAIN Meditation
The following is an excerpt from an article written for 8 Limbs Yoga Centers. It’s been said that when the Buddha was asked what the difference was between folks on the path of waking up, and those not on the…
A Powerful Antidote to Compassion Fatigue
I was recently invited to write an article about an antidote to compassion fatigue for unfold portland. Below is an excerpt. Click here for the full piece. Compassion fatigue is what happens when we tend to the hurts of others,…