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Journey Through Meditation

  • Home
  • About
    • About Journey Through Meditation
    • About the Founder
    • What We Teach
    • The Benefits
  • Ebook
  • Free Guide
  • Services
    • For Individuals
    • For Organizations
    • Price Brochure
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

The Spirit of Place: Meditation and Celebration at Topanga Day

May 26, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Topanga Days, Topanga Canyon, Community, Community Building, Community in Topanga, Music as Meditation, Music, Celebration, People-watching, Festivals

Feathered Friends and Buzzing Blessings: New Life at the Retreat

May 18, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Topanga retreat life, Chickens, Topanga Retreat Living, Bees, Meditation and Animals, Spiritual Gardening, Crystals, Mindful Caretaking

Meditating with the Seasons: How to Shift Your Practice with Nature’s Rhythms

May 12, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Connect with Nature Tags Seasonal Meditation, Mindfulness through the Seasons, Nature-Inspired Practice, Meditation Cycles, Embodied Awareness, Timing for Meditation

Meditation Isn’t Always Calm: Why It’s Okay to Feel Uncomfortable While Practicing

May 12, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Beginner's Corner Tags Meditation and Discomfort, Meditation Struggles, Restlessness in Practice, Mindfulness Challenges, Obstacles to Meditation

What Is Embodiment? How to Bring Awareness into the Body

May 12, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Tools for Mindfulness Tags Embodiment, Body Awareness, Grounding Practices, Mindfulness Tools, Somatic Meditation, Reconnect with the Body, Meditation for Beginners, Sensory-Based Meditation, Presence and the Body

What Raising a Power Pole Revealed About Meditation

May 12, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Work, Manual Labor, Masculine Energy, Men's Group, Men''s Work, Topanga, Embodiment, Grounding

Zen and the Art of Building a Shed

May 6, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Mindful Living, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Retreat Life, Topanga, Philosophy, Presence, Mindfulness in Action, Mindful Work

Celebrating Love and Mother Earth at Butterfly Mountain

April 28, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Mother Earth Day, Butterfly Mountain Topanga, Topanga Events, Earth Day Celebration, Meditation and Nature, Sound Baths and Ceremony, Community in Topanga, Nature and Spirituality, Topanga Culture, Spiritual Retreats in California, Sacred Land Celebrations, Inspiration for Tarot

A Family Weekend in Topanga: Hiking, Superbloom, and Local Magic

April 28, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Visiting Topanga, Tuna Canyon Fire Recovery, Malibu Superbloom, Point Dume Hike, Topanga Retreat Center, Family Weekend in Nature, Springtime in Topanga, California Wildflowers, Topanga Restaurants, Nature and Reflection, Local Adventures in Topanga

A Sneak Peek Into the Journey Through Meditation Tarot Deck

April 21, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Journey Through Meditation Tarot, Tarot, Major Arcana Preview, Major Arcana, Meditative Tarot, Tarot Deck Creation, Topanga Canyon Inspiration, Symbolism and Meditation, Spiritual Tools, Mindfulness and Tarot, Tarot and Topanga, Inner Journey Tools, Tarot Art and Symbolism, Modern Mystic Deck

Listening to the Wild: A Day of Stillness and Birds in Topanga

April 14, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Birdwatching in Topanga, Nature Meditation, Mindfulness in Nature, Listening to Birds, Nervous System Healing, Presence and Breath, Outdoor Stillness, California Wildlife, Spring in Topanga, Retreat Center Life, Quiet Days Outside, California Quail, Meditation Without Sitting

How to Know If You’re Making Progress in Meditation (Even When It Feels Like Nothing’s Happening)

April 14, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Build Your Daily Routine Tags Meditation Progress, Daily Practice Reflection, Beginner Meditation Advice, Signs of Growth, Meditation Plateau, Build Your Daily Routine, Mindfulness Habits, Meditation Encouragement, Tracking Meditation Growth, Journey Through Meditation

The Five Senses Meditation: A Simple Practice for Grounding Yourself Anywhere

April 14, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Tools for Mindfulness Tags Grounding Techniques, Sensory Meditation, Everyday Mindfulness, Meditation for Anxiety, Simple Meditation Practices, Tools for Mindfulness, Connect with the Present, Mindfulness Exercises, Five Senses Meditation

How to Build a Meditation Habit Without Forcing It

April 8, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Build Your Daily Routine Tags Meditation Habits, Daily Mindfulness, Build Your Practice, Gentle Meditation Tips, Beginner Meditation, Morning Routine, Sustainable Mindfulness, Meditation for Busy People, Mindful Living

Mindfulness Mushroom Walk: Lessons in Awareness, Curiosity, and Caution on the Trail

April 6, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Mindfulness in Nature, Mushroom Walk, Mycology, Nature Meditation, Hiking in Ojai, Mushrooms, Ojai, Mindful Walking, Walking Meditation

A Birthday Retreat in Ojai: Orange Groves, Meditation, and the Wisdom of Krishnamurti

April 6, 2025 Henry Bond

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.

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In Journal Tags Ojai, Krishnamurti Teachings, California Retreats, Sacred Spaces, Spiritual Teachers, Weekend Getaway, Retreats, Retreat Center Life, Walking Meditation

How Nature Sounds Can Deepen Your Meditation Practice

April 4, 2025 Henry Bond

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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In Connect with Nature Tags Nature Meditation, Sound Meditation, Outdoor Mindfulness, Connect with Nature, Meditation Tools, Forest Bathing, Mindful Listening, Relaxing Nature Sounds, Meditation for the Senses

Why You Don’t Need to ‘Clear Your Mind’ to Meditate

April 2, 2025 Henry Bond

If you think you have to clear your mind to meditate, you're not alone—but you're also not getting the full picture. In this post, we bust the myth of the “empty mind,” explore how real meditation works, and offer simple ways to stay consistent even when your thoughts won’t stop.

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In Beginner's Corner Tags Meditation Myths, Beginner’s Meditation Tips, Overthinking and Meditation, Mindfulness for Beginners, Realistic Meditation Advice, How to Meditate, Thoughtful Meditation, Compassionate Practice, Nonjudgmental Mindfulness

The Power of a One-Minute Pause: Micro-Meditations for a Busy Da

March 31, 2025 Henry Bond

You don’t need 30 minutes of silence to experience the benefits of meditation. In this post, we explore the power of micro-meditations—simple one-minute practices you can use anytime during the day to reset your mind and reconnect with yourself.

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In Tools for Mindfulness Tags Micro-Meditations, Mindfulness on the Go, Everyday Meditation, Quick Meditation Tips, Meditation for Busy People, Tools for Everyday Mindfulness, Breathwork Reset, Workplace Mindfulness, Daily Pause Practice, Mindfulness Habits

Together on the Trail: Finding Community in Nature

March 30, 2025 Henry Bond

Every Saturday, I’ve made it a ritual to hike the trails near the retreat center in Topanga. This week, I was joined by a group of retreat guests—and the experience reminded me how powerful it can be to walk through nature with others. From quiet conversation to shared silence, the trail became a space for community, reflection, and vision. In this journal post, I reflect on the magic of hiking in groups and the quiet way nature helps us return to ourselves.

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In Journal Tags Group Hikes, Hiking in Topanga, Meditation in Nature, Nature and Community, Mindfulness Outdoors, Retreat Center Life, Hiking Rituals, Vision and Intention, Nervous System Healing, Nature as Healer
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