Our Words Are Our Weapons
A brilliant writer and nuanced social commentator, Rebecca Solnit captures many of the issues at the heart of the now, sadly, banal replies we often take in the wake of tragic acts of violence. She calls into question how easily we seek comfort in othering those who commit atrocities, seeking to absolve the larger cultural … Continue reading
“Busyness serves as a kind of existential reassurance, a hedge against emptiness; obviously your life cannot possibly be silly or trivial or meaningless if you are so busy, completely booked, in demand every hour of the day.” I really love this article by Tim Kreider and it’s been a good reminder to me to examine … Continue reading
Creating Mindful Community
In my last essay I wrote about the benefits and advantages of being part of a mindfulness community or sangha. Having discussed these benefits, I wish to explore how to find a meditation community that suits your needs. Beyond locating a … Continue reading
Community is the Heart of Mindfulness
In his teachings, the Buddha emphasized what are called the Three Gems of the Eight-Fold Path, the path to enlightenment. Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh has said that of the three, Sangha, which can be translated as the “community of practitioners”, is the most important in the Western world right now. Why do the Buddha … Continue reading
Emergence Project 