30 results for tag: Spiritual Training

Tibetan Buddhist Anyen Rinpoche to Visit Rhode Island

Tibetan Buddhist Anyen Rinpoche to Visit Rhode Island at the Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich, Rhode Island will be hosting the Tibetan Buddhist Tulku, Anyen Rinpoche on Friday April 4th and Saturday April 5th....

Meditation Retreat at Portsmouth Abbey

Last week I participated in a solo, two-day meditation retreat at Portsmouth Abbey in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, just north of Newport.  I was grateful for the opportunity to pray, meditate, sit and chant with the monks at Portsmouth Abbey.

Meditation Retreat at Portsmouth Abbey - The Chapel

Meditation Retreat at Portsmouth Abbey - Providence Life Coaching & <span class='highlight'>Spiritual Training</span> - portsmouth abbey chapel outside

If you have never visited a Benedictine Monastery before, they wake early in the morning, typically around 5:00a.m., beginning the day with the first of seven "Offices", or times of communal prayer through chanting. As a guest, you are welcome to join them for as much or as little of their daily routine as you feel moved. I did not choose to take part in the early morning prayer-time, instead I stayed in my room for silent prayer and meditation. I went there for silence and meditation....

Waka Poetry Part II

More Waka Poetry. Each is its own poem, not necessarily related to the others. "Waka translates simply to "Japanese poem," but for most of us with a passing acquaintance with Japanese poetry, we’re more likely to think of haiku as the true poetry of Japan. While it is true haiku was the predominant form of Japanese culture, and certainly most recognized by non-Japanese, waka inspired it. It was an art form, first begun in the 8th century CE, which continued in popularity through the modern era. ...

Voices of Female Celebrities on Body Image

Over the last twenty-five years or so, my attention has been drawn to the issues and challenges of those with eating disorders and the possible sources of their existence in modern American culture.  I have experienced countless friends, colleagues and clients that have been in various stages of the disease and recovery of eating disorders.  We have learned a lot since then and we have a beer understanding of treatment, support and the probable cause of these issues. One would have been to be very naïve to not include female body image issues as a major cause and root of the widespread problem that hits many young women and adults. It is less common, but men are not exempt. I am focusing just on women for this particular discussion, specifically, female celebrities and their influence on young women and their body images....

The Art of Knowing is Knowing What to Ignore

"The art of knowing is knowing what to ignore" Rumi

  The art of knowing is knowing what to ignore Rumi - Providence Life Coaching & Reiki Counseling   I saw this posted recently by a friend on Facebook, yes Facebook. Again, from Rumi, "The art of knowing is knowing what to ignore." I appreciate the simplicity of this illustration and how it depicts the lens we each view life, and what we see or do not see....

Waka Poetry – Part I

I enjoy writing Waka Poetry. If you are not familiar with Waka, please read description below, followed by some Waka. Wake Poetry - Providence Life Coaching & Reiki Counseling "Waka translates simply to "Japanese poem," but for most of us with a passing acquaintance with Japanese poetry, we’re more likely to think of haiku as the true poetry of Japan. While it is true haiku was the predominant form of Japanese culture, and certainly most recognized by non-Japanese, waka inspired it. It was an art form, first begun in the 8th century CE, which continued in popularity through the modern era.
Like haiku, waka depends upon syllabic structure for each verse line. The two main types that remained popular are Choka and Renga. In Choka, the waka poem begins with two lines of five and seven syllables. It ends with three more lines that are 5-7-7....

Spiritual Change: Tie Your Shoes Differently

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” Laozi

It was 1989 and I was just feeling ready for life to move forward for me, after a series of very challenging years.  I asked an old friend named Bill while sharing thoughts on life and spiritual growth, “What do I need to do to begin the process of change in my life in a profound way?” Bill was one of the most trusted and supportive men in my life when I was beginning this process of spiritual development. He was a wise, gentle and loving person who made a great life for himself after a messy beginning. You could always count on “Old Bill” to offer a warm hug and caring advice. At this point in my life, I did not trust many people and took even less advice. Asking for help was not one of my strengths....