In this particular time in our history, when we’re all experiencing quite a lot of change, it’s vitally important that we not only strive to cultivate some peace in the chaos, but make a strong intention to keep our hearts open, rather than shut them down.

In my own practice, I’ve been leaning into two deeply profound teaching phrases that have been helpful for reminding me how to do this.

The first is a famous summary of our entire practice, offered by one of my favorite teachers, the modern-day German monk and scholar Bhikkhu Analayo, who tells us to Keep Calmly Knowing Change.

Now, this doesn’t in any way mean that we need to “approve” of any changes we’re experiencing – either out in the world, or in our own personal lives; it’s simply asking us to fully acknowledge the truth of change, and to do so with great kindness, compassion, and acceptance of what is.

The second teaching phrase is similar, but this one leads us into the realm of action. It’s from the Zen tradition, and urges us to consider: “THIS IS IT: Now What?”

Meaning: what’s the wisest, most compassionate response to this change? Or, instead of resisting, fighting, denying, or ignoring this change, how can I best relate in a way that is going to bring the most benefit – to both myself and others?

This month’s new talk, “THIS IS IT: Now What?” explores how we can use our mindfulness practice to help us remain calm in the midst of chaos, and discover how we can best relate to the truth of what is happening.

It includes a meditation at the end. As always, I hope that it will serve.

Just a few heads up!

1) I know it’s a little early, but spots for the 5-day meditation retreat April 24-28, LOVING YOURSELF: Nurturing the Heart Practices at Peterkin in Romney, WV, have been going quickly, and the retreat will likely fill!

2) Registration is now open for a new daylong retreat, “The Heart of Self-Compassion,” to be held on Mar. 8 in Berryville, VA.

3) The upcoming daylong retreat on Jan. 18, “Letting Go & Beginning Again,” in Berryville, VA has also been filling quickly, and will likely fill with a waiting list.

I’m sending much metta (loving-kindness) and many kind wishes for happy holidays,

~ Shell 🙏🏽💕

In the famous Upaddha Sutta, the Buddha’s long-time attendant, Ananda, mentions to him that friends and companions seem so important that certainly, they must be half of the holy life.

But the Buddha tells him: “No, no, do not say so, Ananda … noble friends and companions are the whole of the holy life; they are the whole.”

What this means is that: who we choose to associate with is absolutely essential for our own happiness, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

Happily, the teachings offer us numerous ways that we can use our meditation practice to help us better discern who we want to include in our lives, including assessing whether our relationships are offering us more medicine (i.e. something that brings us more health), or poison (something that makes us feel bad.)

So, for this month’s talk, “My Relationships: Medicine, or Poison?” I thought I’d explore some ways that we can tap into our wise bodies and hearts to help us make the best decisions about our associations – ones that will hopefully lead us towards more health and happiness in our lives.

It includes a meditation at the end. As always, I hope that it will serve.

Also, a few important heads up!:

1) My team and I are thrilled to be headed back soon to the beautiful, serene Peterkin Retreat Center in Romney, WV this SEPT. 26-OCT. 2 for a new weeklong retreat, “5 Ways to Let Go: Releasing the Hindrances” – which fyi is about 3/4 full and filling quickly!

2) The 2025 Retreat Schedule is now up on the website! (Including a new 5-day retreat in April: LOVING YOURSELF: Nurturing the Heart Practices)

3) I finally found someone to help me modernize our payment methods (yay) so, you’ll now find more options than PayPal on the site! 🙂 And more soon!

4) The next daylong retreat on AUG. 17, “True to Your Heart,” in The Plains is almost full!

In the meantime, I’m sending many kind wishes, and my hopes to see you soon!

~ Shell 🙏🏽💕