Dalai Lama Speaks in New York May 4, 2009

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama is coming to New York, NY, to speak about the quintessence of compassion, the essence of Buddha's teachings. This very special event will take place at The New Beacon Theatre on Monday, May 4th at 9:30am and 2pm. Tickets are still available, but running out fast. I think it would be a great experience for anyone. It is one item on my bucket list that I will be crossing off. I can't wait to hear him speak! It'll be my first time!

We don't know what the future will hold for the next Dalai Lama, whether the Chinese government will enforce choosing the successor or if His Holiness and the Tibetan people will be able to carry out the tradition of selecting their spiritual leader.

I don't know if any of you remember in 1995 His Holiness recognized a 6-year old boy, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, as the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet. Since then, he and his family were taken by the People's Republic of China and are still missing till this day. No one knows where they are, if they are political prisoners, or if they are even alive. The outcry has been loud over this, but unfortunately those with the power to do something have done nothing at all.

This is the closest we've come to choosing the next Dalai Lama and the PRC took it away. So I can only say that the fate of the future does not look too promising, but I never lose hope.

Meditation for Beginners

I know some of you get freaked out when you hear the word "meditation" because you associate it with some bald-headed Asian monk chanting "Ommmmm." In some countries this is true, but not to everyday people like you and me. Meditation basically means to quiet the mind. Silence the incessant chattering that wastes our mental energy on insignificant rambling. Once you can achieve this, no matter how small, you will experience clarity and a whole positive outlook and feeling to life. It is truly life changing and it has changed my life forever.

Okay, so for those of you beginners who want to get a feel for meditation, I've made it very simple. See the candle flame? Just stare at it for 3-5 minutes and try not to let any thoughts come in. If they do, just recognize that you have those thoughts and then push them out. The reason we do this is to prove we have control over our own minds. Our thoughts don't dictate us, we dictate them.

Also, it is more effective if you use a real candle flame because when you stare at the flame for, let's say, 30 seconds you can close your eyes and still see the flame. Then you can meditate on the flame with your eyes closed. It's also important that you do this in a quiet room without any distractions.

For beginners, I recommend trying this exercise for 5 minutes a day (preferably first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed). Then gradually it will become easier to meditate for 20-30 minutes a day, which is ideal! And let's be honest, what's 5 minutes out of our day? Believe me, you will feel amazing after!

Wednesday's Word

Every thought you have and speak is an affirmation. It is either positive or negative. You can change your life when you change your thinking. Choosing to think and speak in positive ways can give us the ability to make different choices and create different experiences. Choose to think thoughts of love and peace and joy and that's what your life will be.

With love & sweet regards.