Resources

The Body & Inquiry

In one’s practice, sources of insight can come from the resources mentioned here. I regularly remind my clients that insight can also come from within through a practice of remembering one’s own body through-out the day. This gentle inquiry can be a transformative process that brings you closer to knowing your True Self.

What is aware right now?
What is rest? What is love?
Is there stillness in movement?
What are you feeling right now?
How do you nurture your body?
How do you care for yourself in relationships today?

Asking these questions, or one that arises for you, in a quiet, gentle and inquisitive way on a regular basis will begin to provide insight into feeling more joyful and peaceful.

The touch of our senses and the way in which we think and inquire affect our mind-body training, our prayer, and our meditation.

Reading

We only have so much time to read. Therefore, it’s important to find authors that clearly speak to you.

Find authors that resonate with you–that are truly waking you up. The authors that I list below have helped me at certain points. I encourage you to find words that resonate and inspire you now.

Some authors (not in any order of importance) I found helpful: Ajahn Sona, Adyashanti, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Ayya Khema, Father Thomas Keating, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Byron Katie, Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana, Anne Wilson Schaef, Shunryu Suzuki, and Thich Nhat Hanh.

Listening

It is important to notice how any activity is impacting you. For some people, listening works well to remember your intention for practice. Audio files are useful aids at certain times.

It is important to hear the quality in the voice you are listening to and feel supported. There are many wonderful guided meditations and wisdom talks. Here are a few places that I found helpful:

Dharmaseed

Sounds True Podcasts

It is also good to set aside concepts about practice, learn about being and allow yourself a break from reading and listening.

Being On Retreat

On retreat one can focus exclusively on being mindful of seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting and thinking. How you engage with thinking is part of the work we will explore together. Eventually, it can be helpful to set up a home retreat or go away to a retreat center to dedicate more time to spiritual practice. I can help you prepare for a retreat so that you can feel enriched by your experience.

“I love retreats,” says Constance. “I’ve been on hundreds of them.” Provided with healthy meals and the safety and comfort of a nurturing setting, she finds that she can take a deep internal dive to sort through important matters in her life. It’s a time for “clearing and clarifying,” she says.

From Go Away to Find Yourself

A few retreat centers (not in any particular order) I have been to that are helpful: