We all lie. We lie to receive approval, to manipulate other people's opinion of us. How contradictory it is; we are taught as children that we must always tell the truth, that we shouldn't lie, yet society teaches us to lie "appropriately" - in order to avoid conflict, to be...

It appears that we all have an opinion as to whether Obama deserves the Nobel Peace Prize or whether it is too premature. After seeing many such opinions expressed here, I have simply one thing to say. Irrespective of the prize, it is clear that Obama has a very focused...

Resentment builds up when we are not real with the people in our lives. It is that which is left unsaid that causes resentment, often little things that pile on top of each other, until the tiniest event can cause an explosive reaction. Try incorporating these habits into your life...

From September 26th til 29th, the Dalai Lama will be joined in Vancouver by a group of visionaries, including several Nobel Prize winners, for an international peace summit. Bishop Desmond Tutu and Eckhart Tolle are among those who will be present. Such an inspiring group of individuals got me...

Meet somebody, fall in love, get married. That's how it goes, right? Hmm. Then what? We hear of divorce rates, couple therapy and affairs, but we also hear of the picture-perfect 50 year happy marriages. What is this need to get married, and why do we think it will fulfill...

This article originally appeared in the Washington Post's "On Faith"

Today, more than ever before, humanity is facing uncertainty. In the midst of global economic crisis and fears of climate change, our vision for the future is blurred. Humanity is restless, and stress levels are soaring.

How can...

Want to find more spirituality in your life but not sure how? Spirituality is not about what you're doing; it's about what you're being. You can find inner peace and greater awareness in the middle of Manhattan, just as you can be stressed out and worried while walking on a...

A Japanese Zen master once received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.

The master served tea. The Japanese tea ceremony is long and complex, and the scientist became increasingly impatient as the master went calmly through the 54 steps of the ceremony. When the tea was ready,...

I was having a conversation with my british bulldog Elizabeth the other day. She is named after her majesty the queen, and on occasion actually mistakes herself for the aforementioned monarch. Our conversations are profound and intelligent, as you would expect from such a regal companion, and Elizabeth often bestows...

Have you ever really wanted something in your life? Something you put all your heart into achieving? What happened when you finally achieved it? Was there a rush of adrenaline? A feeling of triumph? Ok. Then what happened? Chances are, you started working towards a new goal. Maybe something more...

Several years ago, I visited Tierra Del Fuego, an incredibly beautiful island off the tip of Argentina, and home to the southernmost village in the world. This land of jagged snowy peaks is also the home to an enormous colony of beavers. These beavers are not native to Argentina, I...

Romance. The ultimate dream, especially if Hollywood has anything to do with it. The best thing that can ever happen to you: finding your dream partner, with whom you may live happily ever after. Happily ever after. Hmm. Anyone actually managed that?

I managed happily ever after for about...

When we think of the word addiction, we usually think of drugs or alcoholism. Many of us may think that we are not addicted to anything, yet modern society in general is full of addictive behaviors. Anything we use to distract ourselves is a form of addiction. In fact, all...

Recession. Economic crisis. The air is abuzz with these words, from the concerned whispers of colleagues and friends, to the speculation and predictions of the media. Who will sink? Who will swim? How bad is it? How long will it last? Although it came as a shock, the current economic...

Ten years ago, my life changed dramatically. The loss of several of my loved ones along with an abrupt end to my financial security had left the image of who I thought I was lying in pieces.

Exactly how these losses brought me to transform myself from the inside out...