News
Honoring Those Who Have Come before You June 1, 2016 08:00
My introduction to a meditation practice was not dramatic, by any means. My japa roots are humble ones; I fell into this practice by a combination of happenstance, intuition, and luck. I didn’t have a guru or a spiritual teacher to show me the way. My spiritual teachers were found mainly in books and Sounds True courses on cassette tapes (later CDs): Louise Hay, Alan Watts, Marianne Williamson, Eckhart Tolle, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Don Miguel Ruiz, Caroline Myss, and Carl Jung. Each book, each lecture was like an individual bead on a sutra—one following the other—each one connected and interconnected—leading me to exactly where I was meant to go…and be.
I started to meditate when I was pregnant with my daughter, Elise. At the time, I was naïve enough to think that meditation would help me transcend the pain of childbirth. I never dreamed that it would become a lifelong habit that would help me navigate the joys and challenges of life, and that it would become an absolute necessity for the demands of parenthood.
In the winter of 1994, I made weekly trips to a small home in Broad Ripple that had been converted into a meditation center. I remember our shoes lined up in neat rows by the door, the faint smell of jasmine incense, sunlight streaming through partially opened blinds, and that purple maternity Barneyesque sweat suit that I wore (It was the only thing comfortable enough for me to sit and meditate in). I was full of hope and purpose, and I was eager to welcome a new life as well as a new practice into my own life.
I persisted, sitting every evening in front of a small votive candle on the floor of my daughter’s freshly-painted nursery. After she was born, sitting in meditation became more sporadic, but it still happened—and life also happened. However, I found new teachers to lead the way—poets, this time: Li-Young Lee, Jane Hirschfield, Gary Snyder, Dorianne Laux, Ted Kooser, Rita Dove, Charles Simic, Rumi, Dōgen…
I bought my first mala before I knew what it was for—or how to use it. I knew they were sacred, like the rosaries I had seen my mother and grandmother use, and I knew that they were connected to meditation and spiritual practices, but that was all. I was drawn to the black specks on the creamy white bodhi seeds—a Moon and Stars Mala. It called to me, and I answered. For a long time, I kept it in my home office; it shared space on a table with a small candle and a statue of Kwan Yin. I liked the feel of the seeds between my fingers—and sometimes I wore it to school.
Eventually, all of the pieces of the puzzle came together with the help of many more teachers. This time, real-live human beings were coming into my life to enhance my practice, and I was very grateful for their arrival. I was able to link my meditation, yoga, and mantra practices together, integrating body, mind, and spirit.
What started as naïve curiosity had blossomed and deepened into a sincere, heart-driven practice and a desire to share this practice with others. I love creating and designing custom malas for others, never forgetting how my own practice began, and honoring the teachers (literary and real-life) who helped me along the way. My meditation practice started before I gave birth to my daughter, but what I didn’t realize is that, all along, this practice was helping me awaken, helping me realize my potential, and helping me serve others in a meaningful way.
Recent Articles
Honoring Those Who Have Come before You Posted on 1 Jun 08:00
Tags
- All
- 100 syllable mantras
- 108
- 2017
- 21 Praises of Tara
- 27
- 27 beads
- 40 days
- ableism
- abundance
- acceptance
- acceptance of now
- acknowledge
- action
- actions
- adaptation
- adventure
- affirmation
- affordable
- agency
- Aham Prema
- Akshobhya Buddha
- allow
- altar spaces
- alternate routes
- alternatives
- Amber Karnes
- Amishi Jha
- angel Kyodo Williams
- anger
- Antidote for Anxiety
- Antonio Carlos Jobim
- anxiety
- Anyetsang's Little Tibet
- applying what you learn
- appreciation
- archery
- architects
- attachment
- attachments
- attend
- attention
- attracting customers
- authenticity
- autumn
- awaken
- awareness
- balance
- beads
- beauty
- beauty in isolation
- beginner's mind
- beginnings
- being over doing
- being present
- benefits
- benefits of a regular meditation practice
- benefits of daily meditation practice
- benefits of learning a new language
- benefits of mantra practice
- benefits of meditation
- benefits of memorization
- benefits of practice
- Bernie Clark
- Bhante Gunaratana
- birth parents
- BlackWorld
- Blazing Mountain Retreat Center
- blessings
- Bloomington
- bolster confidence
- books
- Bossa nova
- boundaries
- Brad Warner
- brain
- breath
- breathing
- Brene Brown
- Bristol Renaissance Faire
- Brood X Cicadas
- Brothers Floor Covering
- Bruce Lee
- Buddha
- Buddha of Compassion
- Buddhism
- bullies
- bullying
- business
- business advice
- business anniversary
- business plan
- business start-up
- busyness
- Butler University
- butterflies
- calm
- cancer
- Caroline Pfohl
- CBS Sunday Morning
- celebrate
- celebrating differences
- Celebrating Others
- celebrations
- challenges
- change
- Change Is Fantastic!
- chant
- chanting
- Chenrezig
- cherishing others
- choice
- choices
- cicada
- cicadas
- Cindy Rasicot
- circuit
- clarity
- clean
- climate change
- clinging
- clock
- collaboration
- Colorado
- commitment
- commitment to practice
- common courtesy
- community
- community support
- compassion
- compassion for others
- compassion for self
- confidence
- confusion
- connection
- connection to nature
- consistency
- consistent practice
- conspiracy theories
- Conspirituality Podcast
- control
- convenient
- coping with change
- cord
- corpse flower
- counter beads
- courage
- COVID-19
- creativity
- Crestone
- cult dynamics
- cult survivor
- cults
- curiosity
- curiosity in learning
- custom designs
- custom malas
- Cynthia Allen
- daily practice
- Dalai Lama
- Dare to Lead
- dealing with angry people
- dealing with anxiety
- dealing with bad news
- dealing with distractions
- dealing with grief
- dealing with loss
- dealing with obstacles
- dealing with strong emotions
- dealing with triggering emotions
- dealing with turmoil
- deception
- dedicating merits
- dedication
- deepening perspective
- delay leaving
- delayed cognitive decline
- delays
- Delhi
- destress
- detach
- determination
- detour
- detours
- Dharma
- Dharma Ocean
- dharma on and off the cushion
- Dharma Practice
- Diane Bruni
- Dianne Bondy
- different not less
- differently-abled
- disability
- Disability and Dharma
- disaster
- discernment
- distractions
- diversion
- Divine Love
- dominance
- Donald Trump
- Dr. Bertice Berry
- Drepung Gomang Monastery
- dysregulated nervous system
- eclipse
- ego
- Elis Regina
- embracing change
- emotional integrity
- empathy
- empower
- encouragement
- energetic vampires
- energy
- equanimity
- estrangement
- expectations
- fall leaves
- family
- family drama
- family gathering
- Father's Day
- Feldenkrais
- finding ease in your practice
- finding peace
- finger kissing
- fire
- focus
- fog
- Fourth of July
- fresh perspective
- friendship
- frustration
- Gayatri
- gemstones
- generating compassion
- generosity
- generotity
- George Floyd
- Gerson Therapy
- Geshe Kunga
- gifts
- give
- giving birth
- going on a journey
- gradual progression
- Grandmother Spider
- grasping
- gratitude
- Green Tara
- grief
- groove
- groundwork
- grow
- growth
- growth in the face of challenges
- gun violence
- guru
- guru bead
- Guru Rinpoche
- H.H. Dalai Lama
- habits
- haiku
- happiness
- Happy New Year
- harmony
- harshad number
- healing
- healing from abuse
- healing from trauma
- health
- health benefits
- health care
- healthy detachment
- heart
- heart health
- Her Eminence Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche
- here and now
- HHDL
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama
- Holistic Hub Wellbeing Fest
- honoring the viewpoints of others
- honoring your own viewpoint
- householder
- how to use a mala
- illusion of control
- IMA
- impermanence
- imporved focus
- improve business
- improve focus
- improve space
- improved creativity
- improved neural plasticity
- improving cognition
- improving concentration
- improvising
- inclusivity
- Incoctrination Podcast
- India
- Indiana
- Indiana State Fair
- Indiana University
- individual
- individuality
- IndoctriNation podcast
- Indy Holistic Hub Wellbeing Fest
- inspiration
- integration
- intention
- intentions
- interconnection
- interdependence
- interruptions
- intuition
- investigate
- Jacqueline DuPre
- Jangchub Choeling Nunnery
- Janja Lalich
- japa
- japa practice
- Jasmine Syedullah
- jazz
- Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
- Joe Webster
- journal
- journey
- joy
- joys
- Juneteenth
- junior high
- kindness
- kirtan
- knots
- knotted
- knotted malas
- Kurukulla
- Lakshmi
- Lam Rim
- Lama Rod Owens
- Lama Zopa Rinpoche
- landline phone
- language lessons
- learn
- learning
- less is more
- lessons
- letting go
- letting go of attachments
- letting go of expectations
- letting negativity go
- life
- life's path
- link
- listening intently
- listening to the wisdom of the body
- lists
- Losar 2024
- Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation through Anger
- lulls and bumps in the practice
- Luna
- making progress
- making room
- making room for now
- making time for practice
- mala
- malas
- managing anxiety
- managing stress
- managing strong emotions with meditation
- manipulate
- mantra
- mantra practice
- mantra recitations
- mantras
- Marie Kondo
- marker beads
- Martha Beck
- Matthew Remski
- meaning
- meaningful action
- meaningful communication
- meaningful practice
- meditation
- meditation practice
- meditation retreat
- meditation tips
- Memorial Day
- memorization
- mental agility
- mental flexibility
- mentors
- meru
- metaphor
- metta
- Middle Moon Malas
- Mind and Life Podcast
- mind training
- mindful
- mindful observation
- mindfulness
- Mindrolling Lotus Garden Retreat Center
- mirror
- mischief managed
- mistakes
- Moms Demand Action
- moth
- Mother's Day
- motivation
- mountain bead
- Move Better Feel Better Summit
- movement
- moving forward
- moving on
- mudita
- music
- Namgyal Monastery
- naomi shihab nye
- narcissists
- nature is our teacher
- navigating
- navigating change
- navigating life
- navigating transitions
- Netflix
- neuroplasticity
- new language
- new year
- New Year's resolutions
- ngondro recitations
- Nina Bird Lawrence
- Norbulinka
- notebook
- nothing is permanent
- noticing the small things
- nourish
- NYE
- observe
- obstacles in the practice
- obtacles
- offer
- offering dedications
- offerings
- Om Mani Padme Hum
- Om Tare Tutarre Ture Soha
- on the path
- one bead at a time
- online business
- open heart
- open hearted giving
- opportunities
- optimistic
- orange
- orchestra
- ordinary
- outlook
- over-giving
- pain as a powerful teacher
- pandemic
- Paris Olympics 2024
- path of totality
- patience
- patterns
- pause
- peace
- peaks and valleys in your practice
- people pleasers
- Percival Everett
- perseverance
- personal growth
- personal practice
- pizzazz
- plans
- playfulness
- pleasant surprises
- poets
- positive
- positive change
- positive changes
- Post Pandemic Meditation Practice Blues
- poverty
- power of the pause
- practice
- practice in times of uncertainty
- practice off the cushion
- practice on the go
- prayer
- precious human life
- preferences
- preliminary practices
- presence
- present
- present moment
- pride
- Pride Month
- process
- processing feelings
- procrastination
- productive confusion
- progress is a process
- proposal
- Psychology Today
- public practice
- puppies
- purashcharana
- Pure juicer
- purge
- purify
- purpose
- QOR360
- quarter mala
- quarter malas
- question
- quirky
- Rachel Bernstein
- racism
- recalibrate body and mind
- receive
- recharge
- recite
- reclaim power
- reconnect
- reflect
- reflect and rejoice
- reflections
- rejoice
- relax
- relaxed mindset
- releasing emotional pain
- releasing expectation
- remain present and grounded
- renew
- renovate
- repetition
- resolutions
- resonance
- restaurants
- restore
- restring
- retreat
- Retreat from Afar
- retreats
- revision
- right intention
- right plac
- right time
- Rinchen Khando Choegyal
- road trip
- Rob Preece
- roots
- Roshi Joan Halifax
- rudraksha seeds
- rut
- sadhana
- Saga Dawa
- Samuel L. Jackson
- sand mandala
- sangha
- Sanskrit
- savor
- savoring
- saying no
- science-based research
- SCORE
- self
- self acceptance
- self esteem
- self-acceptance
- self-awareness
- self-care
- self-doubt
- selflessness
- serve
- setting boundaries
- setting intentions
- seventeen syllables
- Shades of Becoming a Mom
- Shadow
- Shakyamuni Buddha
- Sharon Salzberg
- sharpen mind
- side-effects
- significance
- significance of knots
- Significance of Tassels
- silence
- silk
- sitting with strong emotions
- skillful action
- skydiving
- slowing down
- Snakes on a Plane
- snow
- social distancing
- solar eclipse 2024
- somatic meditation
- soothing
- Sounds True
- spider
- spiritual benefits
- spiritual growth
- spiritual log
- spiritual practice
- spring cleaning
- Sravasti Abbey
- start small
- step by step instructions
- Stephen Nachmanovitch
- Steve Hassan
- stinginess
- storms
- stress-management
- string
- success
- sudden hearing loss
- suffering
- summer
- support
- surviving abuse
- sutra
- synchronicities
- systemic racism
- taking rests
- taking the time
- Target
- tassel
- teacher
- teachers
- technology
- Ten Percent Happier
- tend
- tendencies
- The Dalai Lama
- The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English
- The Great Conjunction
- The Heart Sutra
- The Power of Mantra: Vital Practices for Transformation
- The Rolling Stones
- Thoreau
- thoughts
- Thubten Chodron
- Tibetan
- Tibetan Language Institute
- Tibetan language studies
- Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
- Tibetan Nuns Project
- Tiffany Sankary
- Tiger Eye
- time
- TMBCC
- tornado
- totality
- toxic people
- tradition
- traditiona
- traffic
- transformation
- transforming fear and pain
- travel
- triggers
- trust yourself
- tulsi
- Uncoverage Podcast
- understanding
- unexpected
- unexpected surprises
- United Way
- Unity
- unplug
- update
- using a mala with a mantra
- Vajrasattva
- variety
- vehicles for liberation
- Venerable Dhammananda
- Venerable Lozang Yonten
- Venerable Thubten Chodron
- vibration
- Vicky Beckett
- Vidhya Rao
- vision
- vulnerability
- walking meditation
- Wall Street Journal
- Waters of March
- we are all connected
- weavers
- Welcoming 2022
- whirlwinds
- winter
- Winter Solstice
- wisdom
- wise selfish
- woo woo
- words
- working together
- writing
- yoga
- yoga isn't just about poses
- YouTube
- zabuton
- zafu