Cultivating Ground in a Time of Disorientation

adam(ah), watercolor and ink on Arches coldpress

Cultivating inner freedom is an important aim of transformational work. In 1941, social psychologist and humanistic philosopher Erich Fromm wrote about the choice that humans can make to “unite…with the world in the spontaneity of love and productive work or else to seek a kind of security by such ties with the world as destroy…freedom and the integrity of…individual self.” Difficult times create the conditions where we can consciously work to make such choices, and also have the potential to overwhelm us.

May each and all of us keep our connection to joy, freedom, … READ MORE

Presence in All Three Centers: Self-Observation, Compassion, and Practice

You were born with vast capacity for wisdom, creativity, power, and love. One way to unfold the full potential of that capacity is to bring greater intention and consciousness to the true nature of your Body, Heart, and Head, which the Enneagram describes as the three Centers of intelligence. Although there are a myriad of approaches to the working with the centers, three overarching principles – Self-Observation, Compassion, and Practice – can serve as guides to the ongoing cultivation of presence in each center.

Self-Observation (the Head Center)

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and … READ MORE

Are You Curious?

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.”
— Shunryu Suzuki

One of the ways that people get stuck in old patterns is by losing connection with their innate curiosity. If you’ve ever watched a baby or a child navigate the world, you know that human beings are born with a natural drive to explore ourselves, others, and the world around us.

When you’re in this place of curiosity, you are rooted in your moment‐by moment experience, like a child who wants to know “What’s … READ MORE

Mindfulness? Actually, It’s Bodyfulness.

Here are two things you could do that would make a huge difference in your life:

Learn to be present to the sensations of your body.
Practice connecting with those sensations on a regular basis.

The road to mindfulness begins with physical sensation.

Why? Because the mind can be anywhere – past, future, fantasy — but the body is always here now. Tuning into your body begins a pathway to an incredible stream of intelligence that allows you to be mindful (and heartful) in a real and grounded way.

There is a lot of confusion about the concept of mindfulness. … READ MORE