I must admit, some of my offerings, whether financial resources, time, or material goods are at times entangled with a hint of obligation, social pressure, guilt, or a mixture. Rarely do I give, just to give and wholeheartedly. On that rare occasion I feel full and complete

I'm interested in how we can stand up to injustice, racism, and the stripping away of the social safety nets without fueling the flames of anger until it's out of control. I would like us to explore how to receive our anger, and allow its spark to nudge us to action, while at the same time not burning out. 

The poetry of sangha members at Clouds in Water.

I invite us to practice extreme joy together, as a sangha. Consider giving to ourselves, to others, to the earth itself. Remember that the root of the practice of many of the precepts is "being satisfied with what I have."

By being really present with the feedback my body is giving me in zazen and in daily life, I can make decisions based more on what is actually here rather than
what I was hoping would be here. Zen training is life training.

Just because anti-Asian whitewashing happened in this profession, in this practice, in this country, doesn’t mean we need to keep doing it. We can get curious, learn more, and take appropriate action.

Dharma is not a doctrine—it is a living current, a sacred rhythm that pulses through all things. It is the whisper of perfect wisdom that reminds me I am both the seeker and the sought.

I take a deep breath and receive all of the terrible things, and also receive the sunshine, flowers and tea.

There is some evidence from other countries that have faced authoritarian takeovers that it takes 3.5% of the population to resist in a public and organized way to turn the tide and prevent the solidification of authoritarianism in a country.

Living life from a zazen place—rooted in our bodies, completely present, curious, and open—can help us maintain, and increase, our “response ability.”

There are many ways to begin a Buddhist practice, such as becoming a greeter, an attendant, or any other type of volunteer at Clouds in Water. Of course, this also includes becoming a member of the Board of Directors.

Why do I do yoga? Because it saved my life. Because it reminds me every day that I am not broken, but whole. Because it teaches me to stand firmly in my body while softening my heart. Because it prepares me, again and again, to meet the world with openness, courage, and compassion.

Our dāna (generosity) to Clouds is all of us giving to ourselves, so that we can then give to others.

Exploring trauma sensitive practices and loving-kindness meditation as we navigate parenthood and practice.

The transmitted teachers decided that we would like to offer jukai to everyone, in a simpler format.