We are well into 2016 and I’ve been taking something of a hiatus from social media and this blog. I’ve been reflecting a lot on my life and resolutions, intentions, and projects for 2016 and beyond.

I’m not a big fan of resolutions. Like wedding vows, New Year’s resolutions just make people into liars. The intentions are in the right place but follow-through is usually flawed.

I think it’s better to focus upon intentions than promises. How do I want to be? What do I want to accomplish? Is my to-do list consistent with my values, interests, and priorities? These are good questions to ask in and around the New Year and one’s that I have been asking myself.

2016 will be a year of transition and change and the status quo. I think this will be the case at both a personal and societal level (see above people cueing up hours before Trump’s rally appearance in Burlington, Vermont).

I can explain that paradox by saying that there will be new things in 2016 and some of the same things.

In this vein, writing will continue. I am working on two major academic projects. The first will be an academic manuscript on mindfulness. The scholarly volume will be a compilation, distillation, and synthesis of everything that I have learned about mindfulness and the Buddha’s teachings over the past 30-some years. I am also pleased to be working on what just might be the first of its kind–a textbook on mindfulness. This book will be used by undergraduate and graduate courses with an exclusive or partial mindfulness focus. Stay tuned.

Upcoming Workshops

Barre Center for Buddhist Studies: Solitary But Not Lonely: Going Within in an Extroverted Culture. This workshop is full but you can sign up on the waiting list here >>

At Kripalu: Mindfulness A to Z: Insights and Practices for Awakening Now: The workshop based on the book! 5 nights at lovely Kripalu in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Mass. 22.5 continuing education credits available. Seats available: Register now >>

I am very excited to be teaching a new joint workshop with my dharma brother, Jaimal Yogis, this summer at Kripalu. Jaimal is the author of the bestselling books, Saltwater Buddha and the Fear Project. Saltwater Buddha, the documentary film, will be released soon!

FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF THROUGH MINDFULNESS AND NATURE

Awaken to your luminous life in this moment. Mindfulness and meditation practice can provide refuge, sanctuary, and deep inner peace. Reclaim unity and oneness in a program that offers

• Basic mindfulness skills using formal and informal meditation practices
• Nondual states of awareness that can be accessed through contemplation and writing
• Ways to develop and apply a love of solitude to the hectic demands of life
• A working knowledge of the Buddha’s psychology of awakening.

This life-changing weekend engages you through mindful self-exploration, humor, poetry, heartfelt discussion, and a creative method for leaving your painful and limiting stories behind. It also includes time at Kripalu’s lakefront to explore the transformative power of water.

Registration is now open for June 12-14 2016

Listen to my recent Vibin Higher podcast interview