Intention: presence. Presence. This word to me sounds amorphous and, frankly, a little annoying. How many times have I heard presence touted as the Modus Operandi of all those questing toward “mindful living?” How many times have I rolled my eyes at someone telling me that learning to be Here, Now, will be the key … More Travels, Day 8: Mandalay Monasterys
Intention: calm, reflection. Taking pauses in daily life is often a challenge for me. Pausing feels unproductive; an opportunity for my brain chatter to kick in full force. Sometimes, it feels in the moment that it escalates my anxiety, rather than quelling it! However, pausing is often the only tool that allows me to move … More Travels, Day 7: Bagan to Mandalay
Intention: wellness for both mind and body. From tummy, to feet, to sinuses, to our thoughts! All parts of our body and spirit deserve care and R&R; I’d go so far as to say we have an obligation to carve out time to experience deep and soul-nurturing pleasure. Traveling is admittedly hard on a body … More Travels, Day 6: Bagan
Intention: non-judgment. As I traveled the strongly Buddhist land of Myanmar, non-judgment — an important facet of Buddhism — rang loudly through my thoughts. In moments I was able to depart from my judgmental inner voices, my filters of perception dissolved; I was able to understand that things simply were what they were. Bright sun. … More Travel, Day 5: Yangon to Bagan
Intention: openness. Openness. To me, this implies peeling off many layers of reactivity and past conditioning, and inviting whatever experiences life may confront me with. I am reminded of a quotation I read recently by Geneen Roth: “Feelings are in the body, reactions are in the head; a reaction is the mental deduction of a … More Travels, Day 4: Yangon Pagodas
Intention: digest food and experiences with ease. In situations where I have a choice, how can I support myself by choosing nourishment — both experiences, and physical nutrients — that is a pleasure for my body and brain and spirit to digest? In situations where I feel discomfort or resistance when attempting to assimilate either … More Travels, Day 3: Yangon Independence Day
Intention: be gentle, with self and others. What does gentleness feel like to you? How will you practice this with yourself, with your loved ones, and perhaps most importantly, with those who challenge and inflame you? They, too, deserve the generosity of gentle words, actions, and thoughts. Highlights: Sunrise over Sumidagawa River, with breakfast bento … More Travels, Day 2: Tokyo to Yangon
Intention: safe and smooth sojourns. How will you find moments for respite, for deep breaths, for comfort, on your sojourns today? How will you create safe spaces and environments for yourself and others? Highlights: Mama and I getting our own rows on the SEA->TOK flight The adorable first bento meal on the plane: potato salad, … More Traveling, Day 1: Asakusa
Generosity can look like a lot of different things. Heck, the world itself can look like a lot of different things! I became acutely aware of both of the above when zipping up my suitcase in Portland, and making the long trek to Myanmar. It was the furthest I’ve ever been from home — a … More A New Chapter of Generosity
Anyone who’s seen Jackie walk onto a stage knows he’s special, immediately. He is an absolutely mesmerizing performer, from that first eager stride and crinkled-eye smile, to his exultant and triumphant final chord where he often, as his sister lovingly coins it, “goes airborne.” Jackie’s been sitting on my list of people to chronicle for … More Star Spotlight 31: Jackie
