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 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 moreTogether 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.
Read morePlanting Seeds: A Garden, A Practice, A Path
Spring has arrived, bringing new life to the retreat center. As Katy and I planted a garden, we saw reflections of the spiritual path in the process—loosening the soil like moving qi, tending to seeds like tending to meditation. Growth, whether in a garden or within, takes patience and care. Read on for reflections on gardening, mindfulness, and the lessons nature teaches.
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