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 →