Regardless of where you live…Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, etc., you can’t escape the tricks your brain can play on you!

An illusionist will tell you…you can’t believe everything you see!

How many times have you thought, “I need to make some changes in my life”?  Yet, the recognition of that thought is all there is. We think it over and over again: and there, in our thoughts, it remains.

A daily practice of Mindfulness Meditation brings countless benefits.  The most significant change is an increased sense of AWARENESS.  Awareness is the root of opportunity; for without it, change, personal self- discovery and improvement is stifled.

If you are revolving, then you may be going in circles, repeating the same patterns of behavior and thinking, creating feelings of stagnation or a lack of motivation, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, worry or depression.

I can always predict the answer by the look on their faces when I ask students; “how’s your practice” going?

This is a question I am often asked.  Although there are many forms of meditation that result in feelings of peace, calmness or stillness of the mind, a daily practice of Mindfulness goes a step further.

There is social turmoil in this country right now over racial, ethnic, religious, or socio-economic differences. There is political turmoil with a threat to our country’s democracy and our relationship with other world leaders and their respective governments. 

The “Big C” is used most often as a euphemism for cancer. But there is another “big C” I wish to explore. It’s called “CHANGE”.   Specifically I am referring to change of self…a change of self that begins with embracing our fears, anxieties, doubts and other aversions that may prevent us from achieving personal fulfillment and the ability to experience the present joys of life as we move forward on our path.

The “me, too” movement is a grand gesture that illuminates our awareness of sexual objectification in our culture and alerts us to how personal cravings, desires and the gratification of sexual pleasure empowers us to abuse our treatment of others. However, it only scratches the surface.

When we travel concrete, asphalt-paved roads and highways, we often encounter a sign that tells us to yield. I sometimes wonder if perhaps this is a sign we need to encounter more frequently on our own personal highway or path as we travel through life.

I bring your attention to two extremely important concepts-thoughtful and thought full. We all understand the significance of the word “thoughtful”, right? Basically, it a compassionate or kind thought or action towards another.

Why do we spend so much effort searching for happiness in its’ external and impermanent forms when we already possess happiness in its’ most lasting and vital form?  Many believe if we find the perfect job or the perfect mate or win the lottery, drive a luxury car, or indulge in sensual pleasures, etc., that “at last” we will “live happily ever after”.

Embedded in our heart and mind is the will to survive. Life is full of trials and tribulations of all sizes. Sometime we are personally affected and sometimes we are observers. But they always test our resolve to see the light after the darkest of storms and to help those in the midst of their own storm see that light as well.  Now is one of those times….

We have been living this past week and probably for days to come with the physical devastation and emotional tribulations of a flood created by the winds of Mother Nature. But with this flood, we are borne witness to another type of flood created by the forces of Human Nature.  It is a flood of Human Spirit flowing with Kindness.

Can you spare a minute during your busy day to close your eyes and imagine sending some kind and healing vibes (thoughts) to our fellow citizens in Texas suffering the stormy onslaught of Mother Nature.

Grant yourself a FAVOR! I am losing track of the number of people who tell me they are having difficulty with sleep, who have expressed worry and fear about what is happening politically and socially in the U.S. and around the world…although especially here.

The fleeting, impermanent shadows and darkness created by the upcoming solar eclipse can metaphorically represent the darkness and shadows we experience with certain events in our lives such as the death of a loved one, or the end of a personal relationship.

Say “Myth-communication” really fast 10 times…..or not!  In an effort to dispel the “woo-woo” element that sometimes is associated with such a practice, I just wanted to assure those who may be a bit dubious about such an endeavor that Mindfulness or Meditation is no more dangerous than lying on a beach, soaking in a bathtub or sitting in the grass watching the clouds roll by.