One of my photographs of this orchid species from Borneo had the honor of being selected for exhibition in the juried Filio Art Show (Woodside, California) in winter 2019. This image was titled: “Still & Observant.” Slipper orchids, such as this one, are highly valued for horticulture and collections. It is easy to see why …
Read MoreThe problem of the “Instagram-worthy” meditation: social media and a spiritual life
Reflecting on the contributions of social media to our world is a topic that quickly heads for the “good” vs. “bad” dichotomy. Those kind of value-based perspectives are absent from this article. Here, my intention is to provide you with very tangible questions to ask yourself about the role of social media in your spiritual life — for empowerment, clarity, and freedom.
Read MoreAre you getting “soul fit” from your spiritual practice?
I was recently reading a book on endurance training for alpine climbing, and it evoked many resonant chords of awareness regarding spiritual practice. While the authors described the process of improving fitness for ascending (physical) mountains, a striking amount of their observations would apply to energetic and inner work. A key observation …
Read More“Love is the answer” … or is it? The challenge of living with spiritual love
Once upon a time, I remember a teacher commenting that there are two different schools of spiritual development: the way of Truth and the way of Love. I would like to offer insight on the challenges (and messes) that arise in the practice of spiritual love. To help you navigate the conundrums of love that arise every day, on all scales, from personal to planetary …
Read MoreAre your habits past their “expiry date”?
Are your “habits” up-to-date? That may seem like an odd question, but there’s considerable significance to the answer. A lot of our life is driven by habits, both beneficial and detrimental. We might call them different things in different contexts — routines, practices, preferences, or patterns. Simply speaking, most are actually different manifestations of physical, […]
Read MoreThe fine line between action, reaction, and stagnation in a troubled world
A few days ago, I was talking with someone, and mentioned the adjustments required for our orchid growing due to the increased seasonal variability that we are experiencing here in California, likely due to global warming. To my surprise, she immediately responded how overwhelming she found this observation; that is, the pervasiveness of planetary problems and […]
Read MoreInto the deeper flows: the many dimensions of the Yosemite Valley ley line and energy nodes
The Yosemite Valley where I have spent much time, and much connection to its ley lines and energy nodes, is quite different from the Yosemite Valley overflowing with thousands of tourists in the summer months. It is not simply a physical place, but rather, a physical reference point that is a threshold between many different time-spaces …
Read MoreWhat is spiritual awakening? How do you know what is real, authentic, and enduring?
Here we dive into the “big questions” of spiritual experience. What is awakening? How do I know if my experience is the “real” thing? Is it really occurring for me? What makes spiritual awakening an authentic and deeper experience that endures? No matter where you are right now, these are compelling questions …
Read MoreGoing from child to adult: often a tough transition no matter your chronological age
Many people retain child-like views of life and creation into adulthood. Which leads to a lot of unhappiness, frustration, and even (bitter) disappointment. “Happily ever after” is an idea from a story. It doesn’t have much to do with the adult levels of relationship, spiritual maturity, authentic creativity, and evolution of consciousness. The inner/outer conflicts of […]
Read MoreHealth, wholeness, and happiness: deeply desired and generally hard to find
The creation and sustenance of health is a foundational principle. It isn’t an activity, a location, a food or beverage, a spiritual practice, or any sort of singularity. From a spiritual and energetic perspective, I would say that the purpose of cultivating heath is the realization of wholeness in all aspects of your being …
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