Finding Your Best Self During Conflict
“Patience with friends is easy; patience with those you dislike is what counts.” — The Dalia Lama Working as the conflict transformation specialist in a healthcare system, I speak with... Continue reading
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Waking Up in the Garden with Meditation
I’ve been wanting to get my hands dirty in Karmê Chöling’s organic garden since I arrived two months ago. It grows on one acre of soft, enthusiastic soil that hugs... Continue reading
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What Would Sensei Do?
This post was originally published at Ten Years, One Step on November 11, 2016. The events this week are reverberating far and wide. Waking up Wednesday morning from a wave... Continue reading
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What is Real?
It’s been a real Winter here, for the most part. Cold weather but some unseasonably warm days, too. Blizzard-like conditions and some gloriously clear skies like the one above. Completely... Continue reading
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Embodying Conversation
Can society engage in kind communication? Landing in the present moment by embodying our experience allows us to communicate with genuine expression. A new year has dawned. Crystal sunlight sparkles... Continue reading
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With Hello, There’s Goodbye
I left Karme Choling – a Shambhala retreat center in northern Vermont – after working there for almost three years. Driving away on that snowy December morning, I felt surprised.... Continue reading
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The List
Karme Choling: what you have taught me, what I have learned, and what I will remember. A.K.A., the List. I’ve learned how to open I’ve learned how to love I’ve... Continue reading
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Filling the Pond Together: Year End Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Precious Sangha, Ponds are known for their abundant life and the nutrients they provide for a wide variety of species. Karmê Chöling’s pond is all of that, plus a... Continue reading
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A Reflection on Three Summers at Karmê Chöling
Karmê Chöling. What is there to say, really? I have been a summer volunteer at KCL for the past three summers. Living and practicing for short periods at KCL has... Continue reading
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Upgraded Internet Service Helps Spread the Dharma
Last month, Karmê Chöling’s Technology Department completed the final phase of its upgrade to fiber-optic internet access. This upgrade enables Karmê Chöling to now live stream talks by the Sakyong and... Continue reading
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Welcome to the New Front Desk Team!
Along with the seasonal falling of the leaves, gradual changes are taking place in the staff mandala of Karmê Chöling. Within Guest Services, we have two new faces at the Front Desk,... Continue reading
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fireball
i am a fireball, learning how to be a lake. both are me; a lake of fire walking across itself to kiss your forehead my dear, take my hand walk... Continue reading
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Notes from the Road
Long-time staff member Pam Linnell shares contemplations from her summer road trip. August 1, 2016 Salisbury, VT Waterhouse’s Camping and Marina, Lake Dunmore “Camping the way it used to be.” The... Continue reading
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The Five Buddha Families
“I always seem to be fending him off,” Joan blurts out. She’s hosting a dinner party while her husband out of town and she’s aware of how little affection she... Continue reading
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Leveling Up
This poem was written during a Level 1 retreat in July 2016 taught by Shastri Nick Kranz at Karmê Chöling. Photos are also by Kassie Harris. A million tiny faces... Continue reading
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A Strawberry Solstice Open Mic Night
On June 20, 2016, Karmê Chöling staff and guests gathered around a lively fire to celebrate the summer solstice with an open mic. Programs manager Emily Forse played the part... Continue reading
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An Untitled Poem
i trimmed back the blueberry bushes because their branches are like old memories and i knew i should be thinking about which branches were healthiest but i was thinking... Continue reading
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Ten Things I Learned While On Staff at Karmê Chöling
Immediately after finishing college in 2008, I spent one year on staff at Karmê Chöling. It was easily the most important single year of my life, and perhaps the most... Continue reading
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A Texan in Vermont
When it snows where I come from the whole city tucks away in confusion. When it snows at Karme Choling life springs into action the birds hop and play... Continue reading
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Welcome to the Karmê Chöling Blog!
I am so pleased to write the inaugural post for Karmê Chöling’s blog! As the Marketing Specialist here, I promote the center and all of our offerings. I am so... Continue reading