Category: Engaged Practice

Urgent Response to Rohinghya Suffering

Dear Friends, In an effort to mitigate the suffering of Rohingya refugees fleeing from Myanmar into nearby Bangladesh, we are writing to enlist your help in our capacity as the Care-Taking Council of the Dharma Teachers ordained by Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh residing in North America. Since 2012, Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh and our Council… Continue reading Urgent Response to Rohinghya Suffering

On a National Resolution of Atonement

The following letter was written by Robb Kushner, an Order of Interbeing Aspirant. Robb has given permission to post and share this very instructive and thoughtful statement. ~ Kenley Letter to Sen. Cory Booker – On a National Resolution of Atonement Jersey City, NJ 07302 14 August 2017 The Honorable Cory Booker 359 Dirksen Senate Office… Continue reading On a National Resolution of Atonement

Practicing Compassionate Political Speech Through Deep Looking

Because of its emotionally charged nature, it is difficult to engage in political speech in a mindful, compassionate way. I often ask myself, How do I remain compassionate when criticizing others? Can we criticize others without disparaging or demonizing them, especially when we speak of them perpetuating injustices and other forms of harm to others?… Continue reading Practicing Compassionate Political Speech Through Deep Looking

The Creative Tension Between Fostering Dialogue and Social Justice

I teach sociology and global studies at the college level, which means that thorny social issues regularly come up in my classroom. As part of observing the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings in the classroom, I try both to foster dialogue between students of different worldviews, encouraging them to understand and respect each other, and also to… Continue reading The Creative Tension Between Fostering Dialogue and Social Justice

Who? Me? Change the World?

And so a question: Am I a human manifestation who is conscious or, consciousness manifested as a human? Me thinks the later. From a single consciousness we humans spring, and all are one. With this awakening I see that the suffering of one is the suffering of many and that the joy of another is… Continue reading Who? Me? Change the World?

Serving The Ill And Dying

I began working as a healthcare chaplain in 2005, the same year I was ordained in the Order of Interbeing.  For those unfamiliar with the role, healthcare chaplains help patients cope with their changing lives using the patient’s own language of meaning, whether that language is religious, scientific, philosophical or based upon their life experiences. … Continue reading Serving The Ill And Dying

Bumper Sticker Practice

Earlier this year I came up with a new mindfulness practice: bumper stickers! OK, let me explain. I like finding new and inventive ways to cultivate daily mindfulness. Being mindful means being mindful of something. And that something can be anything! Anything that allows us the opportunity to practice getting in touch and connecting with… Continue reading Bumper Sticker Practice