On the day of the anniversary of a death I treat things I see as auspicious, a messenger. Today marks 20 years since Soto Zen master, Kobun Chino died. He was a great teacher in his tremendous ability for kindness and unpredictability, and his creative way, and...

I thought to offer a small thing to you, to assist you with your meditation practice—a tip. Then I thought of another, and another. They are yours to evolve as you wish. After I’ve found a quiet place where I want to sit down, an upright posture, figured out how high...

A retreat has a beginning, middle, and end to it and certain things are bound to happen during these phases. I listen to a chef on the radio. First thing to teach novice chefs is: “Mis en Place.” * This means to gather and put all the ingredients and tools you’ll need...

I bow before the short talk I’m about to give for the three people listening, two on zoom, and one sitting beside me. I read upside down the inscription on the back of my rakasu, the hand sewed fabric sort-of bib that hangs over my head like a prayer flag. “Flexible...

First there is a landing. Then a letting go. Then curiosity about what happens next.   You wake up. Somebody has made you breakfast. You go into the beautiful studio, and lie your mat down and you lie down on your mat. Maybe you need a chair. Maybe you’re...

After sitting meditation Wednesday, I talk to Chuck, in Pueblo, on Zoom. “I’m getting the staples removed(again)from my leg tomorrow.” Last year they put in the plate and screws. Two weeks ago Dr. Chaus took out the plate and the screws. The staples will be out...

We walk from the dining hall up the path, through aspens, and field. We walk alone or in groups of two or three. And onto the road, up into the pines and the indoor/outdoor pavilion. If it’s raining and cool, we walk beyond the pavilion to the lodge. We find our...

Polly goes upstairs for a nap, falls asleep and wakes fuzzy; thinks someone’s stealing her little dog, the dearest thing to her. Puts the dog, Max, in the closet, calls 911 and they all come. Firetrucks, police. The sheriff calls me on her phone, “I want to verify...