When the slump takes hold, my instinct is always to hide. I retreat to the familiar shelter of my couch, pulling the blanket to my chin, and reach for the remote. The glowing screen has a promise: here is relief without friction. Here is a place where you do not have to exist. So the … Read more
“I will fail this test.” “I will be uncomfortable at the party.” “I think she’ll hate me for saying this.” Worrying about future events makes you self-critical. The ability to consider possible outcomes is not always bad: it can help you face any possible threats with clarity and confidence. However, prolonged anxiety can take a … Read more
How often do we slow down enough to let another person truly be seen? We talk about wanting authentic relationships, yet we habitually condense lives into surface evaluations. As Wayne Dyer noted, "Judgments prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances." When we react to someone’s outward presentation, we draw a curtain across … Read more
As a poet and meditator, John Brehm believes that poetry can deepen our spiritual practice. Over the many years of teaching, he’s found a simple method of leading discussions that elicits lively engagement, leads to profound insights, and helps us live in the present moment. He begins by reading the poem aloud, or having … Read more
Sometimes, you might need a personal consultation on how to meditate or overcome specific obstacles that hinder your practice. I believe my advice will be useful to those who consider meditation a part of their spiritual journey. As a lay follower, I do my best to embody the Buddha’s teachings in my daily life, no matter … Read more