Meditation 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.
What 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.
What 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.
Zen 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.
Celebrating 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.
A 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.
The Journey Through Meditation Tarot Deck
Welcome to 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, take a walk through the creative process and learn about the symbolism of the cards, from The Fool and The Magician to The Tower and The Star.
Listening 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.
How 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.
The 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.
How 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.
Mindfulness 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.
A 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.
How 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.
Why You Don’t Need to ‘Clear Your Mind’ to Meditate
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.
The Power of a One-Minute Pause: Micro-Meditations for a Busy Da
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.
Together on the Trail: Finding Community in Nature
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.
What to Do When Your Meditation Practice Feels Boring
Boredom in meditation is more common than you think—and it doesn’t mean your practice is failing. In this post, we explore how to use boredom as a doorway to deeper presence and offer subtle shifts to keep your routine feeling fresh, even when it gets repetitive.
Can’t Sit Still? Try These Alternative Meditation Positions
You don’t have to sit cross-legged to meditate. In fact, forcing yourself into uncomfortable positions can be more distracting than helpful. This post offers five alternative meditation positions—like walking, standing, and lying down—that support your body and make your practice more accessible, especially when sitting still isn’t an option.
The Mindful Commute: Turning Travel Time into a Meditation Practice
Most people treat commuting as wasted time—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re behind the wheel, riding the bus, or walking to work, your daily travel can become a mindfulness practice. This post explores how to bring presence and intention into your commute and why those in-between moments may be the perfect time to meditate.