SacredSpace

A sacred space for sharing and adding healing energy into our world. You can also find me at my website OneMindOnline.org.

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Location: Pacific Northwest

I have a private practice as a Spiritual Director, I'm an interfaith minister with Buddhism being my primary practice, and currently work as a nurse at the local hospice and in senior care. I am finishing my studies toward a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology. Previous to this, I spent three years training to become a Buddhist monk. That followed an eleven year career in cognitive neuropsychology and brain electrophysiology. I am fluent in cat and hopeless at making a really good trifle.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Enlightened Activism



As I do in my daily practice, I have avoided using this blogsite to discuss the issue of politics. In my experience it is a topic so emotional for most people that conversations around the state of the nation often get mired in destructive, divisive thinking. This only serves to create and perpetuate the sense of separation from others which can only lead one to a misunderstanding of why we are here at Earth School.

However, I am taking a little detour from my own rule because I have found this to be a truly worthy cause which is promoting understanding and unity. They are well organized and getting national recognition currently. There is a particularly excellent speech by Marianne Williamson in which she notes that the time to advocate for a U.S. Department of Peace and Non-Violence is right now, when no one believes it can be done. They provide many options for ways to get involved.

Please take a moment to look at their website if for no other reason than to uplift your spirit in knowing that, during this time of turmoil in our nation's history, there is a very bright light of peace and goodness burning.

Friday, October 13, 2006

LOVE

It Just Is


This posting goes out with deepest bows and gratitude to my mother, Ethyle Beatty Mortara, who would have been 82 today. May the merit of this blessing go out to all beings who are suffering, especially those suffering from the complications of diabetes. May All Beings Be At Peace.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

The Pain in My TOE!!


I woke up with it early this morning. Throbing, pounding pain. It is being created by a hard lump of unidentifiable "stuff" lodged under my skin on the inside of my right big toe.

I have no idea what it is. No puncture to indicate a poke or bite of some kind. There is swelling (hence, "pain") but no discoloration. No warning of its arrival. It is just showed up and I do not have any more information about it other than a) it has arisen, and b) it is abiding as we speak.

Now, given the teaching of anatta, or no permanent existence, there will be a "c)" to follow: this too shall pass. Small comfort. In the meantime I meditate on the frailty of the human body and the unbelievably sharp, tight focus on the present moment that living with big toe pain offers as an opportunity to practice every bleeping moment meditation. And uncomplaining, all acceptance.

Sort of. >:~(