Marcus Trapp 6/3/20 Marcus Trapp 6/3/20

The Heart of a New Social Contract

Ginny Whitelaw reflects on the injustice of our current social contract and the urgent need for a new one.

Marcus Trapp 5/18/20 Marcus Trapp 5/18/20

Brave New World

Andy Robins explores expansion and contraction that is felt around the world.

Marcus Trapp 5/4/20 Marcus Trapp 5/4/20

We Are All Zen Women

Rebecca Ryan explores the roles of women in the world of Zen.

Marcus Trapp 3/4/20 Marcus Trapp 3/4/20

Women's History Month: Think About, Celebrate a Strong Woman

Adrienne Hampton reflects on Women's History Month and a strong woman in her life.

Marcus Trapp 1/30/20 Marcus Trapp 1/30/20

Life Hurts...There Is No Avoiding It

Andy Robins reminds us that pain is a part of life. The Zen Leader reminds us that the first step is to transform the energy.

Marcus Trapp 12/6/19 Marcus Trapp 12/6/19

Wonderfully Wonky by Design

Here, and in coming articles, Jen Ayres reflects on her experience in ZL1 in the French Alps.

Marcus Trapp 10/7/19 Marcus Trapp 10/7/19

A Backflip Into The Unknown

Jen Ayres reflects on the overwhelming uncertainty in the UK and life in general. Seeking clarity, she turns to Zen practice and receives a profound reminder from Ginny Whitelaw that uncertainty is not a burden but an opportunity for transformation—encouraging her to embrace the unknown with presence, breath, and openness.

Marcus Trapp 5/10/19 Marcus Trapp 5/10/19

That's My Inner Voice?

Following her blog post last month, discussing her frustrations with maintaining a regular meditation practice, Jen Ayres has been getting to know her inner critic - with a little help from the brilliant Michael Singer.

Marcus Trapp 1/4/23 Marcus Trapp 1/4/23

Being What is Needed: A Message From Kate

Kate Watters, president of the Board of Directors for IZL, explores different ways to be what is needed.

Marcus Trapp 12/29/22 Marcus Trapp 12/29/22

Being What is Needed: Listening With My Body And Senses

Cris Nakano, a member of the Board of Directors for IZL, shares her journey of listening and sensing.

Marcus Trapp 12/16/22 Marcus Trapp 12/16/22

Being What is Needed: How IZL Can Help you Get There

Dave Stahlberg, a Zen practitioner, shares his experience at a Zen Leader program and how it has impacted his life.

Marcus Trapp 4/11/22 Marcus Trapp 4/11/22

Making Peace In The War Of Perfectionism: 4 Prompts To Practice Self-Compassion When The Battle Is Inside Yourself.

But in some ways, it can still be beautiful. Just like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where we put broken pieces of pottery together with gold, there is simple beauty beyond perfection in embracing our imperfections and flaws as artfully raw and human.

Marcus Trapp 2/28/22 Marcus Trapp 2/28/22

Belonging

I am learning about belonging. The teachings of belongingness have come to me slowly from many wise people, communities, and nature. These teachings over the years are like walking a labyrinth, leading me towards the center and away, and towards the center and away from it again and again. A journey.

Marcus Trapp 2/8/22 Marcus Trapp 2/8/22

Knowing

This delightful shift in Zazen shows up off the cushion in the remaining 23 hours and 40 minutes of the day as trust in myself. I approach my work feeling solid in what I have to contribute, not leaking energy with fear of judgments.