what our dreams portend

Since attending the Dark Night of the Soul course given by Sandra Ingerman recently, I noticed the gap between my asking for something and it manifesting has shortened and compressed, yielding almost immediate results. 

It has resulted in some changes in fine tuning my healing practice and disciplines. For example, I grew up a believer in the power of prayer. The powerful act still moves me deeply, yet I now prefer to light a candle and wordlessly offer it up on the altar with whatever intentions I hold. 

Dreamwork Summit 2020, The Shift Network

The simplest offering of love and light is enough to yield immediate and miraculous outcomes. Best yet, when I am confused or at a loss, I allow grace to move through me and ease any stress or fear. The act of absolute surrender frees and liberates me completely. 

a manual for peace | within & in our world

Thich Nhat Hanh distills the essence of Buddhist thought and practice with the grace and serenity he is world famous for. 

Since the 60s, when we were first introduced to his words and work through his efforts to end the Vietnam War, he has emphasized the power of mindfulness to transform our lives. 

His book, You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment, delivers his wise words simply and directly. Providing us with an easy and doable manual for day-to-day living. 

available online

Simple, warm, direct, and startlingly potent, this book reveals the heart of the Buddhist path and helps us to reconnect with the joy and wonder of being alive, regardless of life’s changing circumstances. 

In, out. It is enough to breathe. 

Deep, slow. Simply witness your breath. 

Calm, ease. Let go and relax - no thoughts, no plans, no agenda. 

Smile, release. Connect to our self, here and now, body and mind, all and whole. 

We are here, completely alive. That is the magic and miracle of life. 

new download

Feeling frazzled? Easily triggered? More forgetful? Don't let this scare or worry you.

In truth our brain is evolving - working out new pathways of consciousness - it is being rewired. While the old ways are being abandoned - the new ways are still being discovered or formed - we feel the gap and lack more.

be like sea glass

The sensation is temporary - it'll pass. In the meantime here's a breathing exercise to help you along.

communing with spirit

Altars have always held a special fascination - it may be a childhood holdover from our tradition of visiting churches, especially when we are in a new place, genuflecting in front of a new altar and offering up some special intention.

Bacolod City Basilica, interior

Sacred sites and shrines can be so varied and different - serving an individual person, family or community. Both ancient and ageless - its purpose long lost through the eons. Whether a man made structure, a sacred space in nature, or a natural gathering place - they kindle our interest and can be quite awe inspiring.

Façade of Miagao Fortress Church, Iloilo

When and where it is possible - listening to the stories that go with the why of how a shrine was erected or a space set aside for a sacred purpose, quiet contemplation, a physical reminder to pause and take life in - maybe even make an offering in return to express gratitude and appreciation.

traditional Buddhist shrine, Chiang Mai