There was a time when I enjoyed, craved even, elaborate visualizations and meditations. It felt rich and enlivening to envision colourful imagery and story dancing across my mind and focused into healing parts of my body or psyche! However, these past few years, whenever I find myself in guided meditation, tension arises. My mind and … Continue reading More Space, Please.
There is a practice in Buddhism called raising Bodhicitta. It may involve a particular mudra or hand posture. It may be done sitting or standing. Eyes open or closed. Raising Bodhicitta involves cultivating compassion and a desire to benefit all beings. It's a heart-felt intention often made at the beginning of meditation practice. The key … Continue reading Raising Bodhicitta
This morning, I received the Daily Dharma from The Tricycle Community in my inbox. It read: Some people have the idea that practicing Zen or any religion is becoming God or Buddha, or even “becoming a good person.” But if you are grasping to become “enlightened,” it’s like putting icing over a mold of cow … Continue reading Waiting it out
So, after months of preparations to launch the companion course to the book, Householder Yogini, I sent off the email to my Mailchimp list. I sent myself the test email (as one does in order to be professional and catch any errors). It looked great. Then I sent it to my entire email list. Then … Continue reading Sometimes it takes a Hippopotamus to lighten the mood
My daughter sat down next to me as I was completing my morning meditation. "And may all beings benefit," I said with a bow. "Mom," she said, "what are Mayo Beings?" "What?" I asked. "You said Mayo Beings." Ah, yes," I replied. "I was saying a prayer for the tiny people who live inside the … Continue reading Meditation Mumble
While you are here, in this earthly existence working out your karma... are you meant to spend your time diving into life on Earth: smell the flowers, taste the foods and enjoy the people around you? Or is it best to invest your time in practice, working toward enlightenment? Maybe you become enlightened through … Continue reading Today’s Contemplation
Stephanie Hrehirchuk - Author 