Be Inspired!

It's snowing again here in Boulder, Colorado: a downy-soft winter wonderland. Since both my writing and my acupuncture/tuina offices are in my home, I'll be spending a good portion of the day here inside - with occasional glances out the window, to appreciate the deepening beauty. But hopefully will get out at some point for at least a short walk - or to create a snow-angel or two (one of my favorite childhood and adult winter-time games).

It's also one of those days that's perfect for curling up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate, and a good book. Byron Katie, Eckhart Tolle and Yogananda are among the authors that in recent years I've found most inspirational. In this new essay, I present eight (Taoist and related) books which have changed my life - in major ways - for the better. I'm delighted now to share them with you - may they inspire and support you in the ways you most need!

The Science of Bliss

As we deepen in our practice, feelings of bliss/ecstasy become part of its terrain. Sometimes these are just short flashes of energy, inspiration, pleasure; sometimes they are moods in which we're enveloped for hours or days. Though it's important not to be attached to fleeting experiences (pleasant or unpleasant), the Masters also tell us that one attribute of our Essential Nature is a kind of Bliss born of the dissolution of the pain/pleasure duality. For a fascinating and inspiring exploration of the origin of bliss-states that arise for spiritual practitioners, have a look at this video by Nithyananda.