Two young Zen monks were traveling on a muddy road under a heavy rain when they saw a pretty girl in a silk kimono and sash looking at the road. She was clearly hesitant to cross the intersection and get her clothes dirty. One of the young men offered to carry her over the mud, lifting her in his arms…
Tag: self-discovery
From Stagnation To Inner Transformation
One of the things I love about living in the mountains of Western North Carolina is that as soon as the weather warms up, nature explodes everywhere, turning things colorful and expansive, and awakening the drive to get out, to release the stagnation of the winter months. As I work in my backyard, tending to the flowers and removing dry…
The Art of Discovering a Sense of Purpose
I love young children’s illustrated books (that’s the section you’ll find me at a bookstore); they’re beautiful reminders of the simple, innocent, and loving perception most of us felt forced to leave behind while growing up. They’re creatively fun and they speak to our inner child, prompting us to reclaim a more natural approach to life by restoring our inherent…
Are You Aware of Your Invisible Language?
Do you ever wonder why some people treat you in a way that doesn’t match how you consciously think of yourself, often creating unpleasant or confusing interactions? It’s hard to understand why others behave the way they do sometimes, but when this becomes a pattern that repeats over time, it’s worth taking a closer look and discern what it’s pointing…
Have You Found Your Personal Path Yet?
Life is challenging for everyone, but would you say that yours tends to flow gracefully or that you have to fight your way through obstacles and opposition before accomplishing your goals? Perhaps the story of how Siddhartha found his path to become the Buddha, or the Awakened One, can help you understand how to find your own path as well.…
Carpe Diem: Seize the Day!
We had to put our beloved dog Luna to sleep. She suddenly started eating less and less a couple weeks ago until she stopped eating completely, as if her digestive system shut down. Lab tests, x-rays, and all sorts of examinations came back normal, providing no obvious reason for these radical changes. Her vet concluded it was some aggressive cancer…
