The world is struggling to find peace and meaning. That has been going on since humanity appeared, and maybe even before that. Our natural mind is compassionate and wise, so go through each day aware that even the most confused and hurtful person is trying to make life better, and trying to make a difference in the world.

In Nonviolent Communication, empathy is the most important basis for good communication. In Zen a basic principle is impermanence, which indicates that there is no permanent self, leading to empathy. And effective psychotherapy is based on an authentic, empathic connection between the therapist and the client.

Our strong energy, our wonderful feelings of expansion and well-being in life, are often embedded in and hidden by what are felt as challenging or risky emotional situations.

The riches that we all have in us can be get covered over. There is always positive energy going on even in the middle of a storm!

Do you want to feel freedom? Do you feel free? These are important questions, but it is also important to understand what the meaning is of the words "free" and "freedom."

When our mind lets go of the typical demands we can experience true freedom and joy. Find out more about how to do that.

Zen and Buddhism have guidelines on ethics and behavior, in addition to mindfulness. On the other hand, in Tai Chi Chuan practice the focus is on mindfulness and movement.

How can we reconcile these differences in approach, and what are core similarities?

Are you interested in finding ways to strengthen your relationships, whether at home, work, or in the social sphere?

Improving on long-held patterns of communication can be of great help in achieving that goal, for connections that you and those around you really enjoy.

What if we understand that a mind cleared of internal conflict is automatically present, and that presence is our natural state (but not so easy to attain)?

Our brain’s language is frictionless and spacious energy, experienced as connection with others and with ourselves.

Imagine you are in a crowded movie theater. Suddenly, smoke starts to appear and spread throughout the theater. There are screams, and people jumping up and piling into a crowd...

What causes some people to be helpers and leaders in such a situation, instead of panicking? How do we develop a mind that supports helpful detachment?

What is an "enemy image"? How do you know when you have one? An enemy image exists whenever we think that our child, spouse, co-worker, or political figure is bad, crazy, or other similar judgments and condemnations.

We have probably all heard the following on various occasions: "We can't control anyone. They (he/she) make their own choices." That could be referring to family or friends making "bad" choices. But there is a mindset that can keep us connected in a more effective way!

Nonviolent communication is communication that originates from a place of kindness and connection with self and with other. It expresses what is really important to us, and is likely to help us and others get what we really need.

A lot has been written about apologies. How they are important, and how they should be worded. But I think there is important room for improvement, if the goal is to create a stronger relationship. Just this morning, ...

Be free of pre-set notions of good and bad, right and wrong, but allow your innate kindness flow to self and other. Then life becomes much less of an effort, and you can take action with a clear mind.

Good verbal communication should choose words that express the needs, feelings, and requests of the speaker, while also welcoming the other person to join into a dialogue without shaming or blaming them.

The opening up of rawness, whether it is loving feelings, hurt or anger, generosity, or loneliness, is an opportunity for growth. Rawness has its own trajectory, and can lead to new and unexpected growth and fulfillment.

If plants and insects and other small animals have strategies to survive, then even moreso we humans do. That is why psychological labels need to be used in a very limited way. Why? Because everything we do...

Have you ever, as an executive or team member, damaged and perhaps lost an important relationship due to absence of, or poor, communication?

Stay Healthy: The Known and the Not-So-Known For some of us, there has been so much information available about the COVID-19 pandemic

Societal systems need to change, to provide a more unifying and kinder environment which will support mental, physical, and financial health for all people in the United States. It can happen, but a lot of work and effort is needed. I hope each of us can be part of that.

Having a clear purpose, and connection to self and other, takes us beyond the moment, beyond the stress of our own limited problems, and connects....

You deserve it. You deserve a break. We all do. We do not need to add to the burden by being a self-critic or by adding difficulty to our own life. Let it go, whatever it is. Let it go, and experience and enjoy the moment.

We can live as a whole human being with our insight and energy working together, for a better life. Living in harmony each day leads to a sense of well-being, better relationships, and more success in daily life.