Words for the Journey
Welcome to the IWC blog—a space to nourish your journey of inner work and connection. Here, you’ll find Words for the Journey to inspire reflection, Words for the Journey is our series of monthly original essays sharing personal reflections on living a life of meaning, creativity, spirituality, and mindfulness. Inspiring, insightful, and informative, each essay is accompanied by thoughtfully selected images and quotes or poems. Writers include facilitators, special friends, and keynote speakers at The Innerwork Center.
Who Am I Today?
It is a belief in the Buddhist tradition that we are brought to a given moment - to whatever is the Now for you- as a result of multiple causes and conditions, many of which have been beyond our ability to control.
Death & Genesis
What you believe happens when you die depends entirely on what you believe is happening while you are alive. While my understanding of such things is rooted in my contemplative practice, the language I use to articulate my understanding comes from the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Genesis.
Learning to Love the Spoiled Brat
Recently, there was a thought-provoking interview with Matthieu Ricard, the French writer and Buddhist monk, on Krista Tippet’s radio show, On Being. A wonderful and wise teacher, he offered this reminder:
Something About Mary
This past March I went to a week-long silent retreat at a buddhist monastery in the wooded hills of West Virginia (yes, West Virginia). It is a beautiful, simple place. No talking unless absolutely necessary. Up at 5am for the first sit at 6. No food after noon.
Dipping into the Well
My journal may have saved my life. As a 22-year-old in my first job after college, living in an unfamiliar city, I found myself feeling trapped in circumstances that seemed devoid of meaning and human connection. My future life looked bleak, and I began thinking about ending it.