Connection through Gratitude

Jude: It is often said that our minds are problem solving devices; and even if there are no problems, they will create them.  Well, there are a lot of problems, so we really don’t need to create any more.  But might we sometimes be overly focused on the negatives?  Is it really helpful to be spinning … Continued

Read More

Waking Up To Your Life

Jude: Who are you? Or what are you? Many meditative traditions emphasize self-inquiry, a practice exploring the nature of Self.  But my sense is that many are too soon to dismiss the Self as illusory, before they really get to know it.  There are a lot of great things about ourselves, or more accurately, our constellation of parts … Continued

Read More

Inner Celebration

Jude: What does it mean to celebrate?  Well in my 20s I had a very particular idea of how to celebrate.  It definitely wasn’t healthy.  My body wasn’t happy.  But now I’m opening up to a more fundamental form of celebration, simply through an appreciative presence, and acknowledging what’s meaningful.  Join us in a quiet and … Continued

Read More

The Paradox of Change

Jude: Some time ago I encountered what is called The Paradoxical Theory of Change.  It essentially states that by trying to make change happen, we sometimes become more stuck; and change often happens as the result of giving up the fight and coming to a full-body acceptance of where we are.  I’ve since noticed another embodiment of this … Continued

Read More

Compassionate Presence

Jude: Caregiving can take many forms, but maybe the most essential form is simply compassionate presence.  It’s easy to get caught up in doing, in trying to fix, in contemplating the endless problems that seem insurmountable… that we can often lose sight of the power and impact of our attention.  Being present with others, and ourselves, … Continued

Read More