Author: zenzdragon
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Wrens’ nests
In the opening lines of his poem “Gauze,” Ted Kooser, a former Poet Laureate of the United States, asks a provocative question: “Can a man in his eighties, with cancer, / be happy?” In the remaining lines, he provides a tentative answer: It seems that he can, cutting yesterday’s gauze dressing in pieces…
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The inside story
Many years ago, I was invited to visit a psychology class to speak about Buddhist meditation. The class was taught by a senior professor, a respected scholar who had studied the mind for decades and had published many peer-reviewed articles in the leading journals in his field. Toward the end of my presentation, I offered…
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the day after mother’s day
I don’t want to deprive anyone of that one special day to remember and appreciate mothers. But I want to talk about the days after, the days before, and the days of mothering that go unnoticed. I want to talk about the regrets, the fear, the trust, the hope, the hard lessons and the wisdom…
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back home where we belong
Everything is always with oneself at any time. — Maezumi Roshi A fellow Zen student recently told me that she no longer felt like she fit in with her community of friends, neighbors, and some of her relatives. This, in spite of being a community leader, volunteer, and close with her family — a person…
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From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Metamorphosis of the Soul
~ ∞ ~ Non-linear Wisdom Teachings of Sambodhi Padmasamadhi – Awaken the Living Awareness Within ~ ∞ ~ Learn more about these books here: Introduction to Non-linear Wisdom Teachings. For within the ecstasy of creation, the veiled shadow unfurls, casting its poignant, poetic melancholy. Our lives, adorned with choices and reflections, become a living mural,…
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The Phoenix Rising: Embracing Renewal and Rebirth
~ ∞ ~ Non-linear Wisdom Teachings of Sambodhi Padmasamadhi – Awaken the Living Awareness Within ~ ∞ ~ Learn more about these books here: Introduction to Non-linear Wisdom Teachings. Now, my fellow travelers through the tantalizing holographic fractal-like fabric of existence, let us delve even deeper into the mysterious depths of perception, where even the…
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Is Being Alone Healthier than Feeling Lonely?
Many people feel alone or lonely at times. But what is the difference between the two? Which one is healthier? Being alone and feeling lonely are different experiences. Being alone means spending time by yourself, and it can be a choice. This time alone can be positive. It provides you time to think, be creative,…
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Cultivate Positivity with Mindful Practices
Go for a walk A walk refreshes not only your mind and body but also your perspectives on anything. Sitting down too long and working on something can, at times, cause a block or murky feelings. Just taking a small break and walking will totally refresh everything. If you have never tried it, why not…
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Healing Others with Qi
I want to talk about healing other people (and pets) with qi. There’s a lot of confusion on the subject, so I want to make it clear where I stand, what I believe, and what I teach. I’ll be teaching two different Qi Transmission techniques in my upcoming Qigong 301 program: Opening Vital Points (OVP)…
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Something Old Is Dying: Why I’m Writing on Substack
Life feels heavier than ever. So much fear. So much fragmentation. And beneath it all, a quiet sense that something old is dying—and something new is struggling to be born. You might think I’m talking about the world. I am. But I’m also talking about myself. Or my un-self. Or whatever the hell is happening…