And the Simple Solution. — Very few people would claim that they don’t at least try to achieve happiness. But most would also say that sustained happiness eludes them. Yes, it was easy to be happy the first few months of that awesome, head-over-heels-in-love relationship. Or that day your first child was born. Or when…

No surprise: It’s about breathing. — Let’s face it, most of the time we feel we have as much control over our lives as a pinball being flicked around a pinball machine. Bing, bing, bing. Click, click. Off we go again, the vicissitudes of life constantly interrupting any sense of sustained centeredness. That feeling of general…

You are not a problem to solve. — Have I written a slew of articles about Eckhart Tolle’s teachings? Yes. Guilty as charged. But I make no apologies for it. Why? Because I love the guy. And, more important, because I find his teachings so wise, simple and accessible. Which brings us to today’s gem from the joyous…

Trust me, this isn’t another ‘Just be Present!’ article. — I know. If you had a nickel for every article you’ve seen about the importance of “being in the moment” you’d be rich. But read on. This one’s got a cool, useful wrinkle. It’s about how we view being in the present moment. For most of us, ‘easier said than…

It’s from my favorite meditation teacher, Adyashanti. — I’ve been meditating most every day for the past ten years. I do fifteen minutes in the morning and a shorter session in the afternoon. The results? I’m calmer. I play better tennis. I’m more patient. Focus better. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. As part of…

It’s about understanding ourselves. — A few months ago I received an email from a woman who works with Dr. Srikumar Rao, a bestselling author and former professor at Columbia Business School. She said they both enjoyed my articles and asked if I’d be interested in meeting Dr. Rao. After perusing his CV, I jumped…

It’s about dealing with the moment in front of us. — Whether you like Oprah or not (I do, a lot), there is no arguing that she is one of the most influential people on the planet in the spiritual arena, something she has focused her work on for at least the past twenty years or so. It’s not an exaggeration…

Wisdom gained through the awful grace of God. — Part 1 chronicled the story of my three-year battle with depression in my late teens and early 20’s. Today I’ll relate the lessons I took away from those challenging years. LESSON #1: Sometimes life can be unbearably hard. First, let me define what I mean by ‘unbearably hard.’ It’s not…

From the abyss to beholding the stars. — Depression is not fun. Those of you who’ve had it know of what I speak. First, let me clarify what I mean by depression. I don’t mean the periodic ‘down-in-the-dumps’ phases we all experience. Your girlfriend/boyfriend breaks up with you. You don’t get the promotion at work. Your daughter is…