Blogs

A Profound Teaching on Embodied Concentration

Submitted by Lisa Dale Miller MFT on May 9, 2013 - 7:04am

If one thinks concentration meditation is all about dropping the body, think again. I have provided a link to a performance that is a true display of embodied, focused attention in action, done with a level of skill and grace, which makes it a profound dharma teaching. Even watching this performance by Miyoko Shida ends up being a concentration meditation for the viewer. Make sure to watch to the very end. You will be rewarded with a lesson in the true meaning of wise intention and impermanence.

NIMH rejects the DSM-V criteria for further research

Submitted by Lisa Dale Miller MFT on May 4, 2013 - 3:07pm

I just edited the following line in my manuscript, "The DSM-IV and V exemplify a symptom/diagnosis/medication-based view, which blatantly disregards the neurobiological, somatic, environmental and genetic causes of afflictive mind states. Its hyper-focus on categorization does little to help patients (and clinicians!) recognize why distressful mind states manifest and how to ameliorate them." And then logged onto Facebook to see the amazing development that the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) has announced it will move away from preferencing research that uses DSM categories.

Being In Love As Boundless Compassion

Submitted by Lisa Dale Miller MFT on February 2, 2013 - 8:24pm

This is a short teaching I recorded in honor of Valentine's Day on the most profound form of being in love, boundless compassion. May it inspire the heart of beingness within you to fill boundless compassion and love. Enjoy!
Download the mp3 from my web site or iTunes
http://www.lisadalemiller.com/BeingInLoveAsBoundlessCompassion.xml
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/being-in-love-as-boundless/id599393839

Moving with the Aloha Spirit

Submitted by Meg Agnew on January 12, 2013 - 1:30pm

My family and I have escaped from Seattle's winter gloom for a week in Hawaii on the Kona coast. We are enjoying lots of outdoor activities, and even when we're inside, the doors are all open and the breezes encircle us--- a delightfully felt sensation. The Hawaiian breezes share qualities with what is known here as "the spirit of Aloha"---an approach to life that is playfully spontaneous and inclusive.

Restorative Justice: A Compassionate Path To Forgiveness

Submitted by Lisa Dale Miller MFT on January 5, 2013 - 11:16am

I have included a link to an article that illustrates the necessity of both wisdom and compassion to bring about full understanding of suffering. The poignancy of the human capacity to compassionately recognize the frailty of humanity and its suffering, and forgive even the most awful manifestations of harming is beautifully illustrated in this story. It is another sad tale of parental gun ownership's searingly terrible consequences when children have ready access to gun kept in the house. May they all find peace and freedom through compassion and wisdom.

The article can be found at:

All-encompassing Compassion Means All Beings Are Included

Submitted by Lisa Dale Miller MFT on December 31, 2012 - 10:23am

The subject I am about to discuss may be controversial, but I have been sitting with this for almost a week working it through in my own mind and heart. It had been nine days since the Newtown tragedy and I was fixing myself some dinner, listening to the evening news on NPR. The newscast switched to live reporting from an evening vigil taking place near a local Newtown church. My sad heart immediately moved with lovingkindness and compassion for the community and their suffering.

Celebrating Return of the Light

Submitted by Lisa Dale Miller MFT on December 22, 2012 - 10:02pm

To celebrate the return of the light, please enjoy this wonderful Native American story, "Ant Dances for Light". It is full of lessons in how to triumph over greed and ignorance, by choosing the middle way and applying equanimity, diligence and renunciation. May we all follow Ant's wise ways! Best wishes for the New Year. May it be a year of peace and awakening for all beings everywhere.

Ant Dances for Light

Radical Policy Change Must Happen To End Mass Shootings

Submitted by Lisa Dale Miller MFT on December 16, 2012 - 3:48pm

May we all take a moment to send metta to all those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones and friends in Newtown, CT. Our intention does matter; but our efforts matter more to make radical change happen in the minds and hearts of all Americans. This blog is centered on what must change now.

Fantastic Discussion of the Neuroscience of Meditation

Submitted by Lisa Dale Miller MFT on November 28, 2012 - 9:55am

Below is a link to listen to a fabulous discussion with neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson and Tibetan Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard on, “What Modern Science Is Revealing About the Ancient Practice of Meditation”. Both men were generous in sharing their historical relationship with meditation, and the twists and turns of scientifically studying the processes for awakening wisdom and compassion in the human mind and heart.

The Dance of Patience and Persistence

Submitted by Phillip Moffitt on November 26, 2012 - 4:46pm

In my experience, cultivating the two paramis of patience and persistence is essential for developing a sustainable meditation practice and for making change in your life. Furthermore, the two go hand-in-hand.