smilecalm

Tag: meditation

  • Happy Continuation: an epi-blog of VietNam ’07

    I believe it’s possible for a people, for a society to heal from deep-seated injury & trauma. Some of us live in such a time, now, in need of convalescence.  I experienced such a collective, extraordinary healing ten years ago. Thay introduces abbot from Dong Dac temple; as Thay came by he told us that…

  • Finding key to happiness, revisit

    As I prepare for a wonderful retreat at Deer Park with Thich Nhat Hanh and friends, this reflection from last year’s retreat comes to mind. Mindfulness often is the key to finding happiness in the present moment. And as I am reminded, being unmindful sometimes results in losing the key. After loading up the car with camping…

  • Meditation Flash Mob in honor of the International Day of Peace

    Sitting peacefully in the shape of a heart with more than a hundred others in the center of San Francisco’s Union Square felt spacious and loving. Beginning with a little yoga, ending with OM and a few songs, the 45 minute sit was pleasant on the warm ground. Sounds of traffic and pedestrians mellowed as…

  • Finding key to happiness

    Mindfulness often is the key to finding happiness in the present moment. And as I am reminded, being unmindful sometimes results in losing the key. After loading up the car with camping stuff, camera and some clothes for another mindfulness retreat adventure, it was finally time to go. Just a little past the late morning…

  • Spinning out of control? Walk with Grace like an Elephant! (click to watch)

    Spinning out of control? Walk with Grace like an Elephant! (click to watch)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS8fkpGRw4Q Ancient wisdom informs us of the possibility to take peaceful steps towards well-being despite difficulties. Mindful Peacebuilding creativity circle sangha and animal friends from the Oakland zoo offer gentle guidance.

  • Challenging & Wonderful 21 day Plum Village retreat

    Just returned home from a challenging and wonderful retreat in Plum Village, about an hour east of Bordeaux, France with Thây and the sangha. Feeling much more stable and happy than before the journey. Above Thây sits with friends on the deck at his upper hamlet hut.  Dharma talks are posted on the Plum Village website. I posted…

  • Betsy Rose & children sing mindful "may I be happy"

    Enjoyable being with Betsy as she offers mindful songs to classrooms in Oakland and Berkeley. A 14 minute piece entitled “take a breath”, includes interviews with teachers and students about the joys of mindfulness, along with this song and 3 others posted at   http://youtu.be/9iF7J2zlvtI Breathing in and out together we smile

  • Just Like That

    Dedicated to Leonore Fine in memory of ancestors and those passed yet, still live on. Just Like That Leonore’s light, appeared bright against that black sky when stars aligned Just like that my friend is gone, just like that she’s gone. So many memory filled, seasons passed by stars changed course she’s returned to the…

  • We All Are Watering Seeds

    After a refreshing 3 month stay in Deer Park for the winter I’m enjoying the SF bay area spring. In gratitude for the food we eat I posted “this food is a gift meditation.” Also just posted a video of my song, “we all are watering seeds”, recorded back on the Hopi rez (Indian Reservation) where I worked…