A Fantastic Resource for Learning Meditation (from Thailand)

Here in Phuket we are in the midst of an incredible retreat by luminary meditation teacher, scholar, Tibetan translator Alan Wallace. He graciously offers his teachings for free, so if you’d like to join us via podcast, go here and subscribe. May all beings benefit!

Luxury Pilgrims

Just finished our 3rd annual Contemplative Practice and Wellness Retreat in Phuket, and the incomparable Amanpuri Resort. We hosted a small group of graduate level psychology students in a training designed to share mindfulness practice for practical application in the clinical setting. It was a fabulous reminder that being a pilgrim, learning to train theContinue reading “Luxury Pilgrims”

Nepal Yoga Retreat and Pilgrimage, March 2015

Nepal Yoga Retreat and Pilgrimage, March 2015 Practice or learn yoga and meditation while visiting sacred sites throughought the Kathmandu Valley with masters of yoga and meditation. Join us for a magical 10 days of practice and pilgrimage through the Kathmandu Valley. We will visit sacred Buddhist sites throughout the Kathmandu Valley and practice dailyContinue reading “Nepal Yoga Retreat and Pilgrimage, March 2015”

The non-linear path of evolution

Just back from retreat at the new Soma Retreat Center in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It’s tempting to think that the spiritual path is a linear journey. What a surprise when you see your old neurotic patterns re-surfacing again, just like an old dysfunctional relationship you thought you had outgrown. Sometimes it can be painful toContinue reading “The non-linear path of evolution”

Beauty is in the Mindfulness of the Beholder

Once upon a time I taught yoga in Hong Kong, managing the yoga studio at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It was an intense phase, living in the big, bustling, money-worshipping city. I had a hard time relaxing into the pace of that life. What I learned then was that yoga practice has to involveContinue reading “Beauty is in the Mindfulness of the Beholder”

Timing is everything

Just as I was about to enter into solitary meditation retreat a couple of weeks ago here in Crestone, I learned that Tulku Damcho Rinpoche would come to give 3 days of empowerments at Vajra Vidya Retreat center. Empowerment (Tibetan: wang)  in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism is a ritualized way of transmitting the essentialContinue reading “Timing is everything”

Second annual Contemplative Psychology Intensive in Phuket

Getting ready for our second annual Contemplative Psychology Retreat Intensive this week at Amanpuri Villas in Phuket. It’s not at all a bad place to have a retreat. Ten graduate students from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology will learn the foundations of Ashtanga yoga, shamatha sitting meditation, and practices of loving kindness and compassion,Continue reading “Second annual Contemplative Psychology Intensive in Phuket”

My favorite vipassana meditation retreat center in Thailand

One of my favorite places for a meditation retreat is Wat Suan Mok, in the Surat Thani province of Thailand. Just an hour’s drive from the planet’s oldest rainforest and Khao Sok National Forest, this gorgeous retreat center holds a monthly 10 day vipassana retreat for westerners from the 1st to the 10th of eachContinue reading “My favorite vipassana meditation retreat center in Thailand”

How to Practice Meditation

These days, you see references to sitting meditation everywhere. People sell cars now sitting in lotus posture, eyes closed with wind gently tousling their hair. It’s enough to make you gag. But if you truly want to learn to meditate, check out this  practical guide to learn to meditate from one of Tibet’s great yogis,Continue reading “How to Practice Meditation”

Ashtanga Yoga for Beginner’s Mind

Finally. Ashtanga Yoga for Beginner’s Mind is available as an Ebook on Amazon! Ashtanga for Beginners is a guide to the practice of the primary series with a section on shamatha meditation and commentary on how each practice informs the other. While the book is appropriate for all levels of students and gives instruction at theContinue reading “Ashtanga Yoga for Beginner’s Mind”