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.
Read moreThe 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.
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 moreWhat 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.
Read moreCan’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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreStillness in the Canyon: A Meditative Hike Along the Backbone Trail
I recently hiked the Backbone Trail in Topanga, one of my favorite trails for its long, winding beauty and hidden corners of peace. Midway through, I paused at a rock overlook above a small gorge—where a trickling stream forms pools full of dragonflies and frogs. I meditated by the water, imagining what it might be like to be a cave yogi tucked away in silence. This journal entry captures the magic of that day: the quiet, the reflections, and the grounding energy of the land.
Read moreHow to Meditate When You’re Anxious
Meditation is one of the best ways to calm anxiety—but what if sitting still feels impossible? Instead of forcing traditional meditation, try approaches designed for anxious moments, like mindful breathing, movement-based meditation, and grounding techniques. Here’s how to make meditation easier when your mind won’t slow down.
Read moreWhy Your Evening Routine Needs Meditation (And How to Make It Happen)
The way you end your day affects how well you sleep and how you feel the next morning. If stress and racing thoughts keep you up at night, meditation can help you transition into a restful state. In this post, we explore why evening meditation is so powerful and how to easily incorporate it into your nightly routine.
Read moreQuick & Effective Morning Meditation Hacks
Mornings can feel rushed, but a few mindful moments can transform your entire day. Whether you have time for deep breathing, intention-setting, or a quiet cup of tea, these simple morning meditation hacks help you feel more grounded, focused, and present. Try one tomorrow and see how it shifts your mindset!
Read moreHonoring My Grandfather: Crossing a Threshold and Embracing Change
Returning home for my grandfather’s funeral was more than a moment of remembrance—it became a journey of transformation. From the solemn beauty of his military service to an unexpected speech at the reception, I found myself reflecting on presence, letting go, and the quiet ways we step into new roles within our families. In honoring his life, I also recognized a shift within myself—one that felt like both an ending and a new beginning.
Read moreSymbols in Meditation: How Mandalas and Yantras Can Guide Your Practice
Symbols like mandalas and yantras can serve as powerful tools for focus and transformation. These sacred geometric patterns have been used for centuries to center the mind and unlock deeper states of awareness. Whether you gaze, visualize, or create them, incorporating these symbols into your meditation can enhance your practice in profound ways.
Read moreThe Best Meditation Props: Cushions, Timers, and Tools to Enhance Your Practice
Meditation is simple, but the right tools can make it easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for better posture support, a way to time your sessions, or sensory elements to deepen relaxation, certain meditation props can transform your practice. In this guide, we explore the best cushions, timers, and accessories to help you meditate with greater ease and consistency.
Read moreDo You Need a Meditation Teacher? When to Seek Guidance vs. Go Solo
Meditation can be a deeply personal journey, but at some point, you may wonder—should I get a teacher? Some people thrive in self-guided practice, while others benefit from structure, accountability, and expert guidance. In this post, we explore when to go solo, when to seek instruction, and how to decide what’s best for your meditation practice.
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.
Read moreWhy Nature Is the Ultimate Meditation Teacher
Nature has long been a source of spiritual insight, offering silent yet profound lessons in presence, patience, and change. Unlike structured meditation, it teaches through direct experience—through the stillness of landscapes, the movement of water, and the rhythms of weather. This post explores how the natural world can become your greatest meditation teacher.
Read moreHow to Combine Meditation with Journaling for Deeper Insight
Meditation helps us quiet the mind, while journaling gives us space to process and express what arises. When combined, these two practices create a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Whether you journal before, after, or as a meditation practice itself, this guide will help you find a rhythm that works for you.
Read moreBreathwork vs. Meditation: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?
Breathwork and meditation are often confused, but they serve distinct purposes. Breathwork actively shifts your energy and mood through controlled breathing, while meditation fosters inner stillness and awareness over time. Whether you're looking for quick stress relief or long-term mindfulness, understanding when to use each practice can enhance your well-being. Learn the key differences, when to use breathwork versus meditation, and try simple exercises to experience both firsthand.
Read moreA Week of Worship: Part 2 – Birthday and Kali Mandir
Turning 35 felt like stepping into a new phase of spiritual growth. To celebrate, I took a road trip with my girlfriend, Katy, to Kali Mandir, a serene temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. The day unfolded as a journey of renewal—starting with an intense Thai massage, followed by a fiery lemongrass soup, and culminating in a kirtan that filled the temple with rhythmic drumming and chants. As Katy meditated on a yantra, I reflected on a simple truth: the real pilgrimage is always within.
Read moreA Week of Worship: Part 1 – Shivaratri Celebration
Shivaratri is always an intense experience, and this most recent celebration was no different. From sundown to sunrise, we immersed ourselves in meditation, chanting, and ritual offerings. Held in my guru’s old art studio—an expansive space filled with his visionary paintings and sculptures—the night carried an unmistakable energy. For the first time, I managed to stay awake through every session, feeling deeply connected to the tradition, the teachings, and the moment.
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