Updates
Turning Points and the Long Road Ahead
After years of work behind the scenes, I’m excited to share a meaningful turning point in this project. What started as an effort to document stories from modern Buddhist practitioners has now become something much larger—and more defined.
Finding Home in Transition
Over the past six months, I’ve settled into a new lifestyle—one where being in transit has become the norm.
Winter 2024 Update
The past six months have been unusually busy, with transitions and learning curves. While my main project made progress, I spent much of my time and energy on a quietly brewing new venture.
2024 Spring Update
I guess it's a good thing that I've been pretty steadily busy in 2023, not having too much time to reflect and write about it. To be frank, it's a daunting task to reflect on all that has transpired in a year, given all the various 'projects' that I am committed to. As it relates to this project, I intentionally didn't interview as many people as in the years past, as the backlog of raw material was becoming unmanageable. Even though I have 'processed' many of the interviews, the real work of digesting the content and building a narrative around it hadn't really begun.
For most of the past decade, I kept this project intentionally quiet. It wasn’t ready—conceptually or structurally—for wide visibility. As I’ve been rebuilding the website and author platform, this logo became the first tangible expression of that work.
The design process mirrored the project itself: how to honor the foundations of Buddhist teachings within a modern cultural container. While I initially explored the Tibetan conch shell—symbol of the Buddha’s voice and the dispelling of ignorance—the form never fully resolved.
I ultimately turned to the Eastern Sun, a symbol of innate luminosity, the arising of wisdom (prajna), and wakeful awareness. The radiating lines reflect wisdom spreading outward for the benefit of all beings, while the blue speaks to clarity, healing, and infinite space.
The result feels familiar, yet abstract—rooted in tradition, but open to modern minds.
#BeyondTheCushion #VisualDharma #LivingDharma #MeaningfulDesign #ModernSpirituality #LineageAndLiving #InnerLight
I had the chance to attend a teaching with Ringu Rincophe this weekend at @vajravidya in Crestone, and it was packed to see this incredible master. To be honest, although the title of the teaching was intriguing, my main reason for attending was to experience Rincophe live, as I had never been to one of his teachings before. Of course, for the sake of the project and connecting with fellow Dharma practitioners, these teachings remain significant even when online options are available. My attention span on a screen is minimal compared to what is needed for in-person events! One of my favorite anecdotes from the teaching was about Buddhist "people." Rincophe humorously pointed out how Buddhists often discuss compassion, yet they can seem quite distant from the values they advocate. His analogy was amusing: when you visit a hospital, you expect to see people in need of medical assistance. Similarly, at a Buddhist center, practitioners recognize their own need for help and transformation—so don`t expect to find perfect Buddhas! It`s a fantastic story that I should definitely weave into my narrative! 🌟🙏 #Dharma #Buddhism #Teaching
#RinguRincophe #Vajravidya #Crestone #BuddhistTeaching #DharmaPractitioners #InPersonEvents #Compassion #Buddhism #Transformation #Mindfulness #SpiritualJourney #LiveTeaching #BuddhistCenter #NeedForHelp #PerfectBuddhas #HumorInBuddhism 🌟🙏
To be gifted this rare and precious human life,
to meet the Dharma and walk its luminous path,
to hold a sacred bond with a true mentor,
to receive teachings beneath the moonbow’s glow—
May I honor the lineage of awakened masters,
perfecting step by step the way of the bodhisattvas,
offering each breath, each action, each thought
for the boundless benefit of all beings.
Rejoicing in this good fortune,
I dedicate the clarity that arises
to the endless sky of awakening.
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma #LivingTheDharma
Project Update: From Manuscript to Milestone
After years of work behind the scenes, I’m excited to share a meaningful turning point in this project. What started as an effort to document stories from modern Buddhist practitioners has now become something much larger—and more defined.
Earlier this year, I finally committed to shaping the first full manuscript. To do that, I had to find tools that matched the complexity of the material: over 70 interviews, hundreds of stories, and tens of thousands of words. With help from platforms like LivingWriter and NotebookLM, I was able to organize, write, and begin weaving the narrative together in a way I didn’t think possible even a few years ago.
The result? A rough draft of over 150,000 words—and a realization: this is no longer just one book.
After reflection (and a few meditations), I’ve decided to split the project into two complementary books:
• Book One explores the depth of a transformative Buddhist path—commitment, sangha, lineage, and practice.
• Book Two celebrates the diversity of Buddhism in America, featuring stories, images, and contributions from communities across the country.
Think “Humans of New York” meets Dharma practice.
I’ve also started laying the groundwork for an author platform, something essential for traditional publishing—and for reaching the broader community this project hopes to serve. That means the website has been restructured to encourage more engagement and invite contributions for the second book.
Read the full update here: https://beyondthecushion.com/summer-2025-update/
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma #LivingTheDharma
✨ For Elinore, growing up with privilege came with an unexpected burden: guilt. Raised in a family where all her material needs were met and doors to elite education opened easily, she struggled for years to reconcile those advantages with a deeper sense of fairness and justice.
It wasn’t until she encountered the Buddhist teachings on karma that her perspective began to shift. What if, she considered, these blessings were the result of merit from past lives? What if instead of rejecting her opportunities out of guilt, she embraced them as a responsibility—to serve, to give, to carry those blessings forward?
That insight gave her a new sense of agency. Rather than shrink from her wealth, she now sees it as a tool for positive action. Understanding karma didn’t just lift a personal weight—it empowered her to act with purpose, to avoid negative karma, and to consciously cultivate the good.
🙏 A quiet transformation, rooted in ancient wisdom.
One story can change a life. If this moved you, pass it on—and share your piece of the journey.
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma #LivingTheDharma
Colleen shares how her practice has shifted her perspective: "It`s a small opening offering a fresh view of the world. What seems simple can be challenging, and I`m constantly testing myself. Everything feels like it`s speeding up as this understanding integrates into my daily life." 🌍✨
🌟 Share your voice in an amazing project that showcases the incredible power of Buddhist practices in today`s world! 🌍 Visit the website now and join this extraordinary archive of the living dharma! 🌈💫
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma #LivingTheDharma
I’ll be traveling for three weeks through the Southwest to work on my project, visiting cities like Taos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas. While I`ve reached out to local sanghas in these areas, I’m hoping this message finds some Buddhists on social media who might be interested in participating in interviews for the project. Feel free to DM me for more details! 🙏✨
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma #LivingTheDharma
🌌 Born reflects: "The Buddha uncovered universal truths—ideas quantum physics is only now exploring—simply by meditating under a tree. By looking within, he realized the origin, sustenance, and dissolution of the universe were mirrored in the self." 🌿
#Buddhism #QuantumPhysics #SelfAwareness #Meditation
🌿 **Kim`s Journey to Mindful Living & Self-Awareness** 🌿
Through her mindfulness practice, Kim has gained a deeper understanding of her actions and the motivations behind them. She reflects on questions like, "Am I buying this because it feeds my ego or out of insecurity?" Instead of chasing material possessions, Kim has found joy in the simple things, embracing contentment with less. ✨
This practice has shown her that we are all interconnected, part of a larger whole. It encourages her to live in a way that fosters harmony, reduces destructive behaviors, and supports sustainability for future generations. 🌍💚
#Mindfulness #Simplicity #SelfAwareness #SustainableLiving #Connected #MindfulConsumption #InnerPeace #LivingWithPurpose #Dharma #Harmony #Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #SacredWisdom #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners
🌟 A Lesson in Humanity: The Role of a Teacher 🌟
"As a Zen teacher, I wear the robes and play the role, but I always remind others: I’m human. I won’t meet every idealization you may have of me—and that’s okay.
At some point, I may disappoint you, and when that happens, it could be part of the teaching itself. It’s not about falling off the pedestal; it’s about learning that the true teacher isn’t the person in front of you—it’s life, the hard knocks, and your own journey.
Be prepared to embrace the imperfection and the humanity of the teacher. There’s wisdom in seeing beyond the roles we play."
#Meditation #Buddhism #Mindfulness #BuddhaWisdom #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #ZenLifestyle #DharmaTeachings #InnerPeace #BodhisattvaPath #Compassion #Enlightenment #SacredWisdom #MindfulLiving #Stillness #SelfAwareness #BuddhistPath #MeditationForBeginners #HealingThroughMeditation #BuddhaTeachings #PeacefulMind #ZenMeditation #SpiritualGrowth #Karma #LivingTheDharma
🌿 From Mindfulness to Buddhism: A Journey of Exploration 🌿
More and more people are discovering mindfulness through secular avenues—whether it’s an MBSR course or workplace meditation. But what’s truly inspiring is seeing how this practice sparks curiosity about Buddhism itself.
Many are transitioning from mindfulness into deeper practices, exploring retreats, and engaging with Buddhist teachings. It’s beautiful to witness this evolution, but it’s also a reminder: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
In the Buddhist community, we’re becoming more aware of meeting people where they are—acknowledging diverse experiences, backgrounds, and traumas. Growth takes time, and there’s no rush. It’s about allowing space for exploration and finding a path that feels right for you.
🧘♀️ Let’s continue supporting one another on this journey, one mindful step at a time. 🌸
#Mindfulness #Buddhism #SpiritualJourney #CompassionInAction #MindfulLiving #SelfDiscovery #MeditationPractice #InnerPeace #HealingThroughMindfulness
In our fast-paced world, the directness of Buddhist truth can be a refreshing perspective. 🌼 It encourages us to confront our thoughts and emotions without distraction, guiding us towards deeper self-awareness and compassion. How do you interpret the simplicity and clarity of Buddhist teachings in your life? Share your thoughts! 🧘♂️✨
#Buddhism #Mindfulness #SelfAwareness #InnerPeace #Compassion #MentalClarity #DeepReflection #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualJourney #EmotionalIntelligence #Simplicity #Clarity #Meditation #LifeLessons #AwarenessJourney 🌼🧘♂️✨
Raffle Giveaway
As I prepare for the upcoming book launch, I’m beginning to lay the foundation for a platform that can help share this work with a wider audience. This is a grassroots effort rooted in community, and your support in helping spread the word would mean a great deal. Every share, mention, or introduction helps bring this project—and the voices within it—to life.