I’m a horrible listener. Like truly horrible. If you’ve ever had a conversation with me, you’ve probably noticed what I like to call “Squirrel Syndrome”. You said something that had the effect of a dog seeing a squirrel and then running off to chase it. That’s what happens in my mind when someone gives me … Continue reading How to become a better listener
Quality of Breath = Quality of Mind
Over the last few years of mediation the single most important thing that I have discovered is that the quality of your breathing is a reflection of the quality of your mind. Breath is the gateway to my awareness of both the thoughts going through my head and the sensations of my body. The deeper … Continue reading Quality of Breath = Quality of Mind
Cut yourself some slack
For the last few years I’ve experimented a lot on myself. I’ve experimented with diets, exercise routines, work schedules, creative scheduling, you name it. When it comes to improving my life in small ways, I’ve become very disciplined with implementing new habits. I’m also proud to say that I have had fantastic results and these … Continue reading Cut yourself some slack
How meditation helped me to learn a new language
I'm awful at learning how to speak foreign languages. Horribly awful. When I lived in Argentina my Spanish was elementary at best after studying for 4 years in high school and college. When I lived in Korea I only learned how to say hello, thank you, and count from 1-10 despite living there for a … Continue reading How meditation helped me to learn a new language
Take care of yourself before helping others
One of my favorite buddhist principles is the need to take care of yourself before you help others. In Buddhism, when you practice “metta” meditation, you always begin with yourself. You say “May I be happy. May I be free from Anger, hatred, animosity, resentment, and ill will. May I experience real peace, real happiness, … Continue reading Take care of yourself before helping others
My Ayahuasca Experience — A Heavenly Hell
The first dose has been taken. Before I jump into the story I want to provide some context of my life and previous experiences — Throughout the last three years I have been seriously practicing meditation. I have completed three Vipassana Meditation courses, twice as a student and once as a volunteer, helping the other meditators. To … Continue reading My Ayahuasca Experience — A Heavenly Hell
5 Lessons I’ve Learned from 3 Years of Meditation
New Years 2015 I went to Bhopal, India for my first Vipassana meditation retreat. 10 days later I left with a sense of clarity I had never experienced before in my life. 2+ years later and I now practice meditation every day, usually for 1 hour in the morning and 20 minutes at night. I … Continue reading 5 Lessons I’ve Learned from 3 Years of Meditation
Train for the Moments that Test You
“Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training. That’s why we train so hard.” — Anonymous Navy Seal There comes a moment in life that tests you. A moment where your worst fears come true. A moment when all of your practice, all of your training, slaps you in the … Continue reading Train for the Moments that Test You
What I wish I knew Before Vipassana
An open letter to new (and old) students who wish to take a 10-Day Vipassana Meditation course, as taught by SN Goenka A 10 day Vipassana Meditation course as taught by Goenka is intense, confusing, and often frustrating. Although I’ve now completed my third (twice as a student, once as a server), I’ve definitely had my … Continue reading What I wish I knew Before Vipassana