This week I’m in Charleston, South Carolina visiting family. Charleston was voted the most popular tourist destination in the world by Conde Nast readers recently, probably because of the incredibly rich history this city has lived. The first shots of the Civil War were shot here, and Charleston remains one of the most important portsContinue reading “Historic Charleston, South Carolina”
Category Archives: Pilgrim’s journey
To do or not to do
Here’s the big lesson I’ve learned in the past month: Relaxing is the key to doing anything. I didn’t set out to learn this lesson. I set out on an adventure with a friend, to take some time out and rest on one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. We rented a small houseContinue reading “To do or not to do”
Old Stories and New Stories
Today I realized that I’m being prompted to go beyond my comfort zone. I’m faced with a situation that asks me to either jump into the fire or run and hide in my clam shell. Guess which one I would prefer? Clam shell, 100%. Guess which one I’m going to do? Yep. I’m gonna burn.Continue reading “Old Stories and New Stories”
How to make your own map when the world give you a bogus one
One day in my late thirties, it became painfully obvious that family life was not my path. While my girlfriends were busy starting families, I was increasingly obsessed with yoga. Until that point we had shared goals and dreams, but with no crumbs and spilled milk on the back seat of my car and noContinue reading “How to make your own map when the world give you a bogus one”
The lonely path of the pilgrim
Pilgrims rarely set out as happy folk. Someone who has recently won the lottery, for example, or married the crown prince, is not your typical pilgrim candidate. What forces a person to undertake (and it’s an apt word for someone who is hoping to kill the ego) the spiritual journey is usually not success orContinue reading “The lonely path of the pilgrim”
Make a Wish
The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at Boudhanath is said to grant wishes to those who ask with faith and devotion. Five years ago, I made the journey to Nepal to try my luck. My root guru passed away before I met him, (you’d have to understand the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to know whatContinue reading “Make a Wish”
Kathmandu
One of the best things about visiting Kathmandu is the auspicious presence of spiritual masters. On my recent visit, I was fortunate enough to spend time with a few of them. Here at Shechen Monastery, a drupchen was in progress… Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, the reincarnation of the great master of the last century, presidedContinue reading “Kathmandu”
Foundation for a New Life
I’m walking down a lazy dirt lane in the late afternoon heat of Northern Thailand. A gaggle of ducks waddle about, making their way to a large pond for their afternoon dip. Rice paddy extends to low hills in the distance and as I approach the meditation hall where I am to lead the afternoonContinue reading “Foundation for a New Life”
Pilgrimage to Bangkok
It’s about time I played tourist in Bangkok, and a visit from my dear friend and guide Khenpo Jigme, finally got me off my seat to do it. Khenpo Jigme is my neighbor from Crestone, where he is Thrangu Rinpoche’s main teacher at Vajra Vidya retreat center, and a whole lotta of fun! Wat Pho andContinue reading “Pilgrimage to Bangkok”
This Precious Life
It’s not always easy to be grateful for this unique life with all of its less-than-perfect moments. Sometimes the veil gets thick, and it’s hard to see what’s real. With all the chaos in the world, it’s especially important to dwell in gratitude, rather than its opposite. Someone reminded me recently that the only reasonContinue reading “This Precious Life”
Diary of a Pilgrim 