Practice, Personal Reflections
Oren Jay Sofer
The Seeds Buried in Grief: Why is it so hard to ...

Today marks one year since the Hamas attacks in Israel, and nearly that long since Israel’s retaliation in Gaza and the West Bank began—a year of loss, unimaginable grief, spiraling violence, and a growing humanitarian crisis.

The Seeds Buried in Grief: Why is it so hard to talk about Israel-Palestine?
Practice, Personal Reflections
Oren Jay Sofer
Orienting towards the Good to Meet Heartbreak

Orienting towards the good in life is a skill. Practicing it taps into a wellspring of healing, vitality, and strength.

Orienting towards the Good to Meet Heartbreak
Practice
Oren Jay Sofer
Reestablishing Your Center in the Midst of Chaos

How do we find steadiness and clarity in the midst of chaos and upheaval? The answer may be closer than you think.

Reestablishing Your Center in the Midst of Chaos
Practice
Oren Jay Sofer
How to Navigate Holiday Conversations with ...

Practical strategies for navigating holiday conversations with clarity, skill, and love.

How to Navigate Holiday Conversations with Family
Practice
Oren Jay Sofer
Gratitude and Grief

Gratitude and grief may seem to be in tension with one another, but gratitude and loss are inseparable. Awareness of what is present calls forth what is absent. Grief embodies our humanity …

Gratitude and Grief

Poetry

How to Care

How to Care

It can be easier to be kind to others than to yourself, isn't it? How can you develop more kindness and warmth to yourself? I wrote this poem during a difficult time in my life, when I realized how cruel I was to myself. Learning to love myself more just as I am has been tremendously freeing. I hope you find this poem helpful in your own life and meditation practice. Written at the Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA.

Wise Friends

Wise Friends

True friendship is a key component of the spiritual path and essential support for resilience, wellbeing, and wisdom in life. The Buddha spoke of the importance of having wise companions on the path. This poem reflects on the value of friendship and trust in meditation, Dharma practice, and spiritual maturity. Written at the Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA.