It’s been a while since I’ve written, so I wanted to share some reflections and a guided meditation.
I’ve been dreaming about my late father recently. In one dream, I called out to him as he walked by. In another, we shared a hug. Perhaps it’s the season, or something else stirring in my psyche.
Autumn reliably evokes nostalgia in me. It often brings me back to mornings walking to school in the crisp, fall weather of the Northeast, the smell of wet leaves, my hands stuffed into the pockets of my favorite blue fleece jacket. Those long walks offered a quiet solitude that I wasn’t able to fully appreciate at the time, but recall with sweetness now.
Our children are two and four. The tantrums and meltdowns are balanced by innumerable moments of utter sweetness and joy: the staccato rhythm of our daughter’s enthusiastic voice at breakfast, “Push—me—in—Aba!” The quiet in our son’s eyes as he asks before bed, “What’s water made of?”
After a few decades of practice, I notice something different about being present these days. There is still a bittersweetness, an ache, but it feels softer, more settled.
I can hear my teachers echoing the Buddha, encouraging us to cultivate awareness of impermanence—to step back from the incessant pressure of life and watch how everything shifts and changes, including our own thoughts and feelings.
I find that living with an awareness of impermanence is more than remembering, “This too shall pass” (though that certainly helps in harder moments). When I know in my bones that nothing lasts, my heart feels freer, more able to offer itself, as the trees offer air and shelter.
I step into the kitchen and see my wife smiling in her overalls and red flannel shirt. The morning light pours through the window. I pick up my daughter and feel her little body bouncing on my hip as we dance together.
Life is just this much. A maple leaf flames red. Dusk arrives.
Heartbreak visits. It lingers, fades, and returns in dreams.
All of this has me reflecting on gratitude. I recorded a 20-minute guided meditation, which you can listen to below. I hope it’s supportive.
Guided Meditation: Shelter with What Is (Gratitude)
Get the skills you need to listen deeply, speak clearly, and make a difference with this online course series. Join thousands of others who have taken this transformative training.
Exclusive opportunity for past graduates: Integrating mindful communication takes time, practice, and support. Join Oren for monthly Q&A sessions for ongoing learning and coaching.
Online Meditation Group with Oren
Drop in by donation, or join as a member for access to all live sessions, recordings, and an audio library of guided meditations and teachings. Meets Wednesdays (4–5:30pm PT) and 1st and 3rd Saturdays (8-9am PT).
Note: There will be no sangha meeting NEXT week on November 25 due to the fall holiday.
Saturday Practice Session: (with Lily) Drop in by donation, or join as a member for access to all live sessions, recordings, and an audio library of guided meditations and teachings.
Special Holiday Grad Series: Six Live Q&A and Coaching Sessions. Integrating mindful communication takes time, practice, and support. Join Oren for six weekly sessions in December and January to deepen your skills and receive personalized coaching.
By donation: Join Oren for this Sunday morning session through Community Meditation Center exploring Buddhist teachings on Wisdom and their application to modern life.
Exclusive opportunity for past graduates: Integrating mindful communication takes time, practice, and support. Join Oren for monthly Q&A sessions for ongoing learning and coaching.
An Insight Meditation retreat offered over the winter solstice. Residential and remote/online options are available.
Exclusive opportunity for past graduates: Integrating mindful communication takes time, practice, and support. Join Oren for monthly Q&A sessions for ongoing learning and coaching.
Exclusive opportunity for past graduates: Integrating mindful communication takes time, practice, and support. Join Oren for monthly Q&A sessions for ongoing learning and coaching.
Hybrid Retreat: Silent intensive retreat in the practice of lovingkindness with Oren Jay Sofer, Yong Oh, and Jessica Morey.
This five-day online retreat explores the practice of Insight Meditation as a way of deepening our understanding and learning to find balance and freedom within the flow of change.
An Insight Meditation retreat offered over the winter solstice. Residential and remote/online options are available.
Like what you've read?
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter and get seven guided meditations plus an eBook.