Center for Transformational Presence

Election day in the U.S. is less than two weeks away. Tensions and stress levels are high. Join me for the next six Mondays as we navigate this precarious time together.

Free Zoom Monday Meditation Series Begins October 28th Navigating the Realities of Our Times

It was a long-anticipated reunion--six friends who have a long history together in various combinations, ranging from 20 to more than 40 years. We were celebrating Sue’s 75th birthday, and the love and the wine and the conversation were all flowing freely. Then Sue posed a question that opened the door to an evening I will never forget.

Wonder, Awe, and Magic Unexpected gifts of a summer night

I’ve met some incredible people whose lives and experiences seem extraordinary to me, and so different than my own. Many have lived through great challenges, some have accomplished incredible things. They seem to have found a unique or liberating or even transformative way of looking at their lives and the world--extraordinary capacity for compassion and embracing the human spirit. I wanted to know: How did they get to where they are in their lives now?

The Lives We Inhabit Discovering the extraordinary in each other

Here in the U.S., there’s a lot of craziness happening in the political and social arena that ripples out across the land in not-so-good ways. However, it’s not just the craziness that ripples out; so do acts of generosity, kindness, beauty, and appreciation.

Pebbles and Ripples You just never know...

Contemplation—a practice of intentional observation, consideration, and reflection—being fully present with all your inner and outer senses while focusing on what is asking for your attention. American mystic William McNamara described it as "a long loving look at the real."

The Art and Practice of Contemplation Stillness. Quiet. Rest. Reflection. Peace.

Whether it is election anxiety or a challenging life or work situation, it's easy these days to get overwhelmed. Here are 7 simple yet powerful questions that can help you cut through the “noise”, get clear about what is really going on, and find your next step.

Seven Clarifying Questions for Complex Times Getting to What Matters and Finding Your Next Step

Each one of us can become an agent of transformation for the world around us. The only catch is that it requires intention, focus, and moral courage. There's a lot at stake this year in many countries. Are you up for doing your part?

Transforming the Spirit of Our Times Four guideposts for conscious living and conscious leading

It's been a disquieting week for democracy and the world as we have known it. These Three Touchstones can bring you back to center, help you get grounded again, and help you navigate the uncertainties of today's world.

Three Touchstones for Navigating a Restless and Uncertain World Finding possibility in the face of disillusionment and despair

As Pride Month continues around the world, I’ve been reflecting over my own journey of living the truth of who I am. It’s a continual unfolding. At least once in our lives, nearly all of us have had to stand up and say some version of “This is who I am,” or “This is what I believe,” or “This is what matters to me more than anything else.” The greater the risk—the chance that people we loved would walk away or that we would be told we were no longer welcome—the more likely we might have pretended we were something or someone else. Because the risk felt too great. Because we were just too scared. Until we weren’t.

Living the Truth of Who We Are Holding ourselves and the world with open hands and open hearts

"Reaching the edge of the park, we caught our first glimpse of the enormous crowd that was gathering. A deep wave of emotion shot through me, and a huge smile spread across my face. And it never went away. It just got bigger and bigger as the event unfolded—not just on my face, but also in my eyes and in my heart."

A Celebration of Pride and Joy A small New England seaport town shows what can be possible when everyone is welcome

Many of us have been conditioned to look outside of ourselves to find safety and security, to help us be more grounded, and to help us find the strength to carry on. Yet authentic personal presence can only be sourced from within. This exercise has become the fastest and single most powerful way I know to get centered and focused when the unexpected happens or when I feel overwhelmed.

Breathing into Your Bones A practice for grounding, personal safety, and resilience

I keep re-discovering again and again that true personal strength and authentic presence are rooted in being deeply honest with myself about what’s going on in my inner world. And honest with myself about where I am on the spectrum between strong and shaky. When I bring all of myself to the table, vulnerability and strength can stand hand in hand.

Sometimes I’m shaky, sometimes I’m strong, and that’s ok When vulnerability and strength walk hand in hand