One of my favorite places in the world is Shelter Island, N.Y. I spent my childhood summers there and make it a priority every summer to make sure I get some time on this special island. So when my Step Children came to town, my husband and I loaded up the boys, our 100lb Golden …
My good friend Khenpo Dhondup has been in my house for a few weeks now and he has been an incredibly welcome addition. While life has not changed too drastically with a Buddhist Monk in our home (I am not sure what that says about my social life), there are some adjustments and new routines …
“Human desire tends to be insatiable.” - Alan W. Watts The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts discusses the energy and strain we exhibit to be secure in our lives, driven by fear. There is no certainty in our future so once we recognize this we can find a salvation in living in the present. …
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After leaving the Monastery in Nepal at the end of 2012, Khenpo Dhondup and I kept in touch and became great friends over the years. We always talked about how great it would be for him to come visit the United States. He is very committed to improving his English and said a trip to …
*Disclaimer: this post contains some sub par iPhone pictures taken during a very foggy headed, jet-lagged state! I am on a trip in India right now and when I was planning my departure I decided what better way to start my adventure than a four hour layover in Kuwait. I am fortunate enough to be …
Earlier this year I spent a few weeks with my husband exploring a truly wonderful country, Myanmar. Bagan is a must if you go to Myanmar, and we were very excited when we arrived there, following a 7 hour river boat ride from Mandalay. Bagan is known for the beautiful temples scattered all over, making …
My name is Kirsten and that seems to be a difficult thing for many people. It’s not an incredibly common name, except maybe in some Scandinavian countries, but also it sounds similar to a very common name, Kristen, often adding to the confusion. I cannot tell you what a huge part of my life has …
In the month I spent volunteering at a Buddhist Monastery in Nepal, one of my most treasured memories was the time I spent with the principle, Khenpo D. Khenpo and I sat for at least an hour every day in his room, often over tea or coffee. He had just been introduced to the world …
In comparison to Canadians, Europeans and Australians; Americans as a society are not known for their traveling and love of exploring the world. This does not mean none of them travel (obviously), but it the vast majority have not spent a great deal of time traveling to foreign places beyond Mexico, Puerto Rico or the …
In Myanmar if you travel to Bagan a popular side trip is to Mount Popa; a spiritual mecca for Buddhists to check out shrines of some very important ‘nats’. A nat (not a gnat) is a Buddhist spirit worshipped in Myanmar, originally part of Burmese folk religion. After doing some homework I can say there …
Journeys Through Samsara 