Navigating the Traffic of Life
.... and Life Coaching with Joe
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The Foundational Truths
Soon after his enlightenment, Buddha gave a teaching that would become the cornerstone of his path we now know as “The Four Noble Truths”. It happened in northern India, in the 5th–4th century BCE, in Deer Park at Sarnath.
Newly awakened after years of searching, Buddha was reluctant to proclaim his insight. … Read the rest
Understanding Refuge in Modern Times
Ever wish you could just run and hide? Ever play hide and seek with your life because it all becomes too heavy? Do you ever reach for the panic-button in reaction to difficulty? Ever slump in discouragement because it’s all on you, but you just can’t figure it out?
Well, … Read the rest
Love may be an eternal flame. But you and I are just sparks. We illuminate the journey and pass into the dark night.
We will die. Our great love destined to last forever will pass. The best poems will pass. The Buddha passed and Buddhism will eventually pass. Even the Beatles who’s songs seem … Read the rest
The Ordinary Magic of Synaptic Receptivity and Connection.
As I walk down the street, or through a garden path, as I drive to the store or wander through the park, I become lost in my head, waging battles no one can see. This self obsession creates a moat between me and the life all around … Read the rest
Mindfulness is a word that’s used a lot, perhaps overused, which means it has many permutations and applications. Today I want to talk specifically about offering our attention to the present in order to soothe and heal ourselves. I’m not talking about the ruler-on-the-knuckles, look-at-your-homework attention. I’m talking about recognizing the connection we have with … Read the rest
FACING THE FACELESS DREAD
Ugh, I’m anxious. I’m so busy and sometimes everything wants my focus. This feeling makes me want to fix change or medicate … uh, something. Something unsettling I can’t identify. Like I’m waiting for an existential jump scare. Washing dishes is good at times like this. Hahaha – but I … Read the rest
Context, Release and Healing with Humor
In times of seemingly relentless anxiety and stress, laughter might feel inconsequential or even inappropriate. But just as we often forget to breathe under pressure, we also forget to smile. And just as it’s helpful to breathe through stress, we can choose to smile—or even belly laugh—when things become … Read the rest
A Beginner’s Guide to The Mind’s Great Awakening
Enlightenment. They say those who have reached enlightenment never speak of it, and those who speak of it have never reached it.
This makes me uniquely qualified to speak about it.
First, we might define this well-worn, well-used term. To me, enlightenment is the experience of a … Read the rest
When Cruelty Becomes the Norm
Photos by Maria Lau, on site at “No Kings” NYC
As violence in our culture becomes increasingly normalized, we naturally begin to grow desensitized. This is, in some ways, a psychological adaptation—our minds regulating themselves in order to survive the constant barrage of suffering and threat. But this normalization shifts … Read the rest
Developing Compassion in Action
The word compassion evokes many ideas—some relatable, others unrealistic or vague. This lack of definition makes it more of an idea than an experience. We often equate it with kindness and softness, but rarely with strength and resilience. Can it be all of the above?
I want to look at compassion … Read the rest