Prayer is claimed by many religious traditions as a key practice for both understanding and healing ourselves and the world around us.   Methodologies, or theologies, for how to pray vary widely.   I want to draw our attention today to some of the central elements of prayer to help us reflect on how it has been or could be useful to us, and to craft our own unique practices. ... << MORE >>

“Looking on the bright side.” “Every cloud has a silver lining.” “See the glass as half full instead of half empty.” These sayings capture the common understanding of what optimists are able to do, especially in adverse situations. But what is optimism, really, and is it an innate trait or something we can learn?<< MORE >>

Long has been the debate about how much our personal traits and behaviors are determined by our biology, and how much by our environment,or learning. Regardless of what you believe, few would disagree that each has a significant impact on our lives. How we combine the two is perhaps the most powerful relationship between nature and nurture to understand! << MORE >>

I like this succinct definition of mindfulness ...It frames mindfulness as an active state of attention, an intentional process, and focused on the here and now without attachment or criticism. The simplicity of the definition belies the discipline required to maintain mindfulness beyond the nanosecond.<< MORE >>

This month I had the wonderful gift of hearing the Dalai Lama’s reflections on Compassion and Wisdom ... His presence was palpable, and the sense of good will and care he showed each person and topic he addressed spoke louder than the words themselves. I experienced my heart open to his presence - a presence that demonstrated the power of practicing love.<< MORE >>

The holy and the secular alike speak of the capacity for compassion as a key element for fulfillment of the individual and survival of the human community. When we allow ourselves to truly see the plight of someone else, then we are moved to feel with that other being, to suffer with their suffering to some degree. Such compassion stops us for a moment...<< MORE >>

There is a provocative Buddhist story about a man who encounters a hungry tiger on his path. The man turns and runs, as fast as he can, covering great distances with the tiger pursuing him - until he comes to the top of a cliff. He looks back at the nearing tiger...<< MORE >>

Any time is a good time to pause and take stock of our lives...Our goals may involve beginning new projects, or renewing plans that have long lain fallow. I find that people’s goals or resolutions can be generally divided into two types:<< MORE >>

It was Christmas Eve, but I had nearly forgotten as we hurried up the Greenwich Village street to attend a rather chic dinner party. The gathering was full of 20-something professionals...<< MORE >>

Gratitude is a gift that keeps on giving. To cultivate a grateful heart is to give our lives increasing grace and joy. << MORE >>