“These two people are hard to find in the world. Which two? The one who is first to do a kindness, and the one who is grateful and thankful for a kindness done.” — The Buddha, in the Anguttara Nikaya (AN 2:118). The doorbell rings. I stand up from the couch where I work cross-legged… Continue reading →

It’s a beautiful day here in California; new Spring leaves are dancing, flowers tossing their heads in the breeze. Crows and ravens are calling, vultures soaring, warblers, sparrows and songbird friends singing across the clear blue sky. There are more songs in the air. It’s courtship and breeding season, the males are outsinging each other… Continue reading →

Perhaps you or your loved ones are among more than 16 million people who have applied for unemployment benefits in the past few weeks. When we’re dealing with trauma like this, sometimes we need to step back. It’s enough to touch the heartache, then take a break and change the channel. Among the terrible news… Continue reading →

During the last outing before self-quarantine last week, I stopped by my daughter’s house. Of course, I couldn’t go in so I left a package on the doorstep and waved to the family through the kitchen window. Hilary came close and planted a kiss on the window. I kissed her back from outside, a heartfelt… Continue reading →

When a widespread difficulty like the Coronavirus pandemic grows, it becomes important to draw on our inner strength. It is the time to pause, reflect and bring wisdom, courage and care to ourselves and those around us. We human beings have survived for a thousand generations, helping one another and inspiring each other. We know how to do this…

The Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn, my first teacher, spoke to us about the importance of having what he called “bone.” We intuitively understood what he meant: the inner strength that comes from having the courage to be fully present with experience as it’s unfolding. The bones of our skeleton create the structure for all… Continue reading →

The house Jack rents faces an artificial lagoon ringed with houses in San Rafael, near the canal opening into the San Francisco Bay. There’s a little island with reeds, grasses, and small trees directly across from the house, hiding the houses behind it. There must be fifty ducks swimming and yes, ducking! under water to… Continue reading →

Once when my granddaughter Allie was 4 years old, a couple of her young neighbors came over to play, apologizing since it was a little late. As she opened the door, she immediately invited them in, saying, “You are ALWAYS welcome to come in.” I was struck by the warmth of this gracious gesture. It… Continue reading →