We often think of creativity and meditation as separate practices - one active and expressive, the other quiet and introspective. But what if these two seemingly different pursuits are actually deeply interconnected, each enhancing and amplifying the other? This fascinating relationship between creativity and meditation was at the heart of my recent conversation with Henry Shukman, an award-winning poet, author, and Zen master. Henry's unique background bridges the worlds of artistic expression and contemplative practice,... read more ›
136 reads
Jul
10
Mar
27
Haemin Sunim is a Buddhist monastic from South Korea. The teacher and writer doesn't just dabble in, but rather embraces ancient principles of Zen. Millions around the world have sought his guidance to get a handle on their stress and live a healthier lifestyle. It makes sense why when this guy has studied his field of expertise both through experience and top-grade education. Haemin is a former student of Berkeley, Harvard, and Princeton, and even... read more ›
412 reads
Jan
05
You are not who you think you are.” - Ram Dass Psychotherapy and Buddhist thought have long been considered separate worlds - psychotherapy is about optimizing the mind and minimizing the impact of emotional trauma, while Buddhist practice emphasizes letting go, acceptance, and finding peace. But what do Western psychotherapy and Buddhism have in common? They are both ways of seeking happiness and fulfillment in life. On today's episode, Dr. Mark Epstein, psychotherapist, and bestselling... read more ›
1.8K reads
Jan
08
Cheri has been a student and teacher of Zen for over 35 years. She is the author of over 20 books on Zen, and founded the Mountain View Zen Center and the Zen Monastery Peace Center. Cheri also founded a non-profit dedicated to transforming lives and ending suffering, Living Compassion, whose primary work is the Africa Vulnerable Children Project in Zambia. Ashwini co-facilitates and creates workshops with Cheri. She runs the operations of the two nonprofits... read more ›
2.6K reads
Sep
14
You have certainly heard this from me before, but the more I think about it, study it, and live it, the more I can say definitively that the photographic snapshot has quietly emerged as one of our culture's--if not the world's--most unsung creative heroes. (Here's some deeper explanation.) This little film is an exploration and summary of some thoughts and personal experiences, having just recently carved out a month to live with the... read more ›
1.6K reads