Meditation doesn’t always mean silence. In this week’s post, I share reflections from a peaceful protest in Santa Monica—and explore how speaking up, especially when guided by inner clarity, can be a powerful act of mindfulness.
Read morePlanting Lavender: Cultivating Calm, One Root at a Time
Over Memorial Day weekend, I planted two dozen lavender plants along the orchard path at our Topanga retreat center. In this post, I share why we chose lavender, how i planted it, how we’re caring for it, and how it ties into our daily meditation practice, herbal wellness routines, and plans for the retreat property.
Read moreStarting a 4:30 AM Routine: Why We’re Rising Before the Sun
This week, Katy and I embarked on something ambitious: waking up at 4:30 am to start a brand-new morning routine. Our goal? To carve out dedicated time for contrast therapy (sauna and cold plunge) and yoga before the rest of the day unfolds.
Even though we live right here at the retreat center—with access to amenities many would dream of—our days are anything but predictable. Our work schedules change weekly, retreat events take over shared spaces, and by the time the sun sets, I’m usually too exhausted from a full day of landscaping, maintenance, and traversing these ten rugged acres to even think about unrolling a yoga mat.
After weeks of missing practices we deeply value, we finally realized that early morning was the only consistent time we could count on. If we wanted these rituals in our lives, we’d need to beat the sun.
Laying the Foundation
Fortunately, I already had a habit of waking at 5:45 am for my daily market write-ups. So pushing that to 4:30 am felt challenging but doable. But as any good early riser knows, mornings begin the night before.
At 8:00 pm, we start winding down. The chickens help keep us honest here—by sunset, they naturally head into their coop. These days, chicken bedtime = our bedtime. By 8:30, we’re usually tucked in with enough time for a solid 8 hours.
Our 4:30 AM Routine
4:30 am – Alarm rings. We throw on some layers, grab our bags, and hike up the hillside path to the sauna area.
4:45 am – We fire up the sauna and plug in the cold plunge. We’ve prepped the space the night before with towels, oils, and water jugs so it’s all ready.
5:00–5:45 am – We alternate between hot and cold: 10 minutes in the sauna, rinse and plunge, repeat. It’s intense—but you’ll never need coffee again.
5:45 am – Outdoor shower time.
6:00 am – I’m at my laptop posting my daily market report. Katy preps oats in the Instant Pot and lets the chickens out to greet the day.
6:15 am – We walk up to the yoga studio.
6:20–7:00 am – Our yoga practice begins. I lean Ashtanga; Katy often prefers yin. We meet again in stillness, lying in shavasana beneath the soft light of early morning.
A Different Kind of Productivity
By 7:00 am, we’re centered and ready for the day. It’s remarkable how much easier everything feels when the morning begins with intention. I head into another full day managing the property, while Katy heads off to offer massage treatments at the spa.
We’ve only completed this new rhythm for two days so far—but it already feels like a game changer. I’ve built a strong habit of early rising before, and I believe we can sustain this one, too.
Practices like sauna, cold plunge, and yoga nourish the body—and also feed our spirits. Waking up this early reminds me: if something matters, make space for it—preferably before everyone else gets busy.
The Spirit of Place: Meditation and Celebration at Topanga Day
Topanga Days is the canyon’s most spirited annual celebration—a music festival and parade that bring the whole community together in color and motion. In this journal entry, I reflect on how Katy and I found presence in the middle of it all—through music, movement, and moments of quiet awareness woven into celebration.
Read moreFeathered Friends and Buzzing Blessings: New Life at the Retreat
This week, our retreat center welcomed four new chickens and a collection of honeybee hives. After weeks of preparation—clearing space, safeguarding the coop, painting, and placing crystals—our hens have arrived, each with a name and personality. Alongside them, a local beekeeper introduced buzzing hives to the hills. This journal entry reflects on the meditative power of caretaking, and how sometimes, the most spiritual moments come with feathers and wings.
Read moreMeditating with the Seasons: How to Shift Your Practice with Nature’s Rhythms
Nature moves in cycles—and your meditation practice can too. In this post, explore how to align your meditation with the rhythm of the seasons, from spring’s renewal to winter’s deep rest. A gentle guide to making your practice feel more natural, intuitive, and alive.
Read moreMeditation Isn’t Always Calm: Why It’s Okay to Feel Uncomfortable While Practicing
Meditation isn’t always peaceful—and that’s perfectly normal. In this post, we explore why discomfort shows up in practice, how to respond to it with compassion, and why sitting with what’s hard can lead to real growth. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it wrong, this one’s for you.
Read moreWhat Is Embodiment? How to Bring Awareness into the Body
Embodiment is the practice of bringing awareness back into the body—of feeling, sensing, and grounding yourself in the present moment. In this post, you’ll explore what embodiment really means, why it matters in meditation, and how simple daily practices can help you reconnect with yourself in a deeper, more compassionate way.
Read moreWhat Raising a Power Pole Revealed About Meditation
When a team came to replace the old electric pole at our retreat center, I watched three days of grit, humor, and coordination unfold. What started as a loud, dusty project turned into a surprising meditation on strength, alignment, and what it really takes to stay grounded.
Read moreZen and the Art of Building a Shed
What began as a simple plan to build two sheds turned into a deeper reflection on mindfulness, teamwork, and the harmony between form and feeling. Inspired by Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, this article explores the unexpected beauty of a practical project in the hills of Topanga.
Read moreCelebrating Love and Mother Earth at Butterfly Mountain
To celebrate our one-year anniversary, Katy and I attended the Mother Earth Day Celebration at Butterfly Mountain in Topanga. The day unfolded with song circles, indigenous music, vibrant mandalas, and a powerful sense of community and reverence for the land. It was a beautiful reminder of how deeply love, art, and nature are intertwined.
Read moreA Family Weekend in Topanga: Hiking, Superbloom, and Local Magic
This past weekend, my parents visited Topanga for the first time in spring. We explored the canyon’s hidden magic—from the rebuilding of Tuna Canyon to the sweeping yellow superbloom at Point Dume—and shared meals at some of the town’s best local spots. It was a weekend full of nature, reflection, and simple joys.
Read moreA Sneak Peek Into the Journey Through Meditation Tarot Deck
After months of quiet, intentional work, I’m excited to share a first look at the Journey Through Meditation Tarot Deck. Rooted in the symbolism of the Major Arcana and inspired by the land and spirit of Topanga Canyon, this deck is designed as a meditative tool—each card a portal to inner awareness. In this post, I walk through the creative process and reveal some of the finished cards, from The Fool and The Magician to The Tower and The Star.
Read moreListening to the Wild: A Day of Stillness and Birds in Topanga
This weekend, I spent a full day outside at the retreat center in Topanga—lounging in the sun, slowing my breath, and tuning into the sounds of the natural world. As spring blooms across the hills, I found myself drawn into a deeper relationship with the birds around me: hummingbirds, falcons, owls, and a stunning pair of California quail. Their songs, dances, and quiet presence became the soundtrack to a day that reminded me how nourishing stillness can be.
Read moreHow to Know If You’re Making Progress in Meditation (Even When It Feels Like Nothing’s Happening)
Meditation growth can be quiet and hard to spot—but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. In this post, we explore the subtle signs of progress in your practice, from increased patience to softer self-awareness, and offer tips for staying motivated when your sessions feel uneventful.
Read moreThe Five Senses Meditation: A Simple Practice for Grounding Yourself Anywhere
When your thoughts are racing or you feel disconnected, the five senses meditation offers a simple way to come back to the present moment. In this post, learn how to use sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste as anchors for awareness—no cushion or quiet room required. It’s mindfulness you can practice anytime, anywhere.
Read moreHow to Build a Meditation Habit Without Forcing It
Building a daily meditation habit doesn’t have to be rigid or overwhelming. In this post, explore simple ways to create a practice that fits your life—whether it’s two mindful breaths in the morning or a quick pause at lunch. Let your habit grow naturally, without the pressure to be perfect.
Read moreMindfulness Mushroom Walk: Lessons in Awareness, Curiosity, and Caution on the Trail
While visiting Ojai for the weekend, Katy and I joined a guided Mindfulness Mushroom Walk at the Ventura River Preserve. Alongside a group of curious hikers, we encountered colorful mushrooms, crossed rivers, and even spotted three rattlesnakes. The experience left me with a deeper appreciation for the power of attention—both in spotting the beauty of fungi and staying alert to nature’s dangers. It was a walk that sharpened my senses and reminded me how much wisdom lives along the trail.
Read moreA Birthday Retreat in Ojai: Orange Groves, Meditation, and the Wisdom of Krishnamurti
For Katy’s birthday, we made a quiet getaway to Ojai—just an hour from the retreat center, but a world of its own. We stayed at a small inn with sweeping views of the valley, visited the Oak Grove where Krishnamurti once walked and taught, and sat in silence in his former home. With blooming wildflowers, citrus trees, and stillness all around, the weekend offered a moment to reflect on attention, freedom, and the simple beauty of being present.
Read moreHow Nature Sounds Can Deepen Your Meditation Practice
Stillness doesn’t have to mean silence. From birdsong to flowing streams, nature sounds offer a powerful way to deepen your meditation practice. In this post, learn how to work with sound as a tool for mindfulness, even if you’re far from the forest.
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