At one of the courses I sat, there was an assistant teacher who had one more thing to say before the course was over. It was the last sit of the morning before everyone went for breakfast and left the center. The last thing he said was, "Take a short break..." People laughed and were …
Ways to See Equanimity
There are many different ways to speak of equanimity and awareness. Most of the spiritual speakers and writers of the world will point to these two principles in some way. They may only point to things that point to these things, but still, they are on the same track to seeing it. They may also …
Simplicity
What amazes me again and again about Vipassana is its simplicity. I've started to get my daily sits in without having to think about TRYING to do so. They are a natural part of my life now. I think this is ideal with any form of art. For it to really be something you're involved …
Ask Yourself What’s More Beneficial
Hi everybody. I used to write once a week for this site, and now I'm back. As I used to, I am once again coming up with these posts during my meditations. Silly mind, focus on breath. I've gone through many stages with my practice since 2012 when I sat my first course. It's been …
Meditate or Sleep?
As I've transitioned back into a full time job with typical household responsibilities, my task list has grown, and the competition for my time has increased. In the past, I was able to choose to meditate over having down time, but my task list seems to keep me busy until bedtime and I'm stuck deciding whether …
My Return to Society
My busy summer included getting married, buying a home, and starting a new job as a high school science teacher. I live in a suburban neighborhood 10 minutes from Dhamma Delaware, a new Vipassana Meditation Center, and within 30 minutes of Philadelphia and Wilmington. Now I want to discover what Vipassana has to offer society, …
Neither the Pessimists nor Optimists
Over the past few weeks a lot has happened in national news, ranging from downright diabolical to morally triumphant. Much has been said about all of it, and my intention here is not to say more about the events themselves, but to explore the honest space between optimism and pessimism as modes of response. After …
An Impersonal War
There is a war to be fought, but it's not against any individual, group, or nation. As I develop an understanding of my mind, I'm realizing that the war is against the impurities within each of us. First, I must carry on the strong fight against my own anger, greed, fear, and ignorance, then I …
Having Patience for Subtlety
How long are you willing to sit in silence with another person? Why are you more comfortable with music in the background? We rarely talk about it, but there is a strong energy associated with silent presence and eye contact. These situations make us feel vulnerable. Even though nothing is happening, sharing silence is intimate …
Afraid to Comform
I've managed to live on the perimeter of society since high school. I played by whatever rules I was presented with, but I also questioned and challenged them. Our world has so many glaring flaws that conforming felt like boarding a sinking ship, but walking away felt scary and lonely, and actually felt unproductive, so I bounced around …
Living Vipassana 