Why is it that we seem to remember events that surprise us more than others? I’m surprised by nearly everything in my life right now. These surprises include that I’m a grandfather, that I have two grown children, that I’m a Zen teacher, and that I love teaching as well…

Several years ago, I was designing a program to train mindfulness teachers. I had asked a friend and mentor for his ideas on what elements he felt should be included. The aim was to train these teachers to have the presence, confidence, and competence to work with groups of business…

Have you ever noticed how easily things get tangled? Sometimes simple things. If you place a computer cord into a bag or a backpack, without being extra careful, when you retrieve it, the cord might mysteriously become quite tangled. …

Many of us have our own theories about how personal change, emotional development, and spiritual growth happens. And sometimes our beliefs and theories are clear and well thought through. More often than not however, this topic is not explored at all. But why not? I think many of us have…

I love the surprising and timely ways in which ancient Zen teachings, modern poetry, and our lives intersect, inform, and most of all point the way to greater appreciation for being alive. A core Zen teaching or “koan” (and the second of 100 teachings from an 11th century Chinese collection…

You’re driving when, suddenly, another car pulls in front of you. What do you do? Or you’re feeling misunderstood, undervalued, disrespected, treated unfairly. How do you react? It’s common and easy for us humans to respond to all of these situations by showing our anger or frustration. We seem to…

I don’t think this directive needs much explanation or commentary. It is simple and clear. It’s obvious and outrageous. It’s intended to be serious and humorous at the same time. I think it’s exactly what we need during this time of living in an ongoing pandemic. And it’s what we…

There is a famous dialogue from the Zen tradition where the students ask the teacher: “What is the teaching of a lifetime?” The teacher replies: “An appropriate response.” The intended lessons from these few lines were probably not aimed at the world of business and leadership but more and more…

Partly due to the pandemic and partly the richness of available media, I find myself watching more, listening more, and reading more. One of the things I most appreciate about my day-job as an executive coach, leadership consultant, writer, and Zen teacher is that I am always looking for what…