Dharma explorations by Stephanie Noble

From over fifteen years of sharing her understanding of Buddhist concepts

  • Walking through a dark valley

    When I’m going through a difficult time, I try to remember to pause and notice what’s going on in my body. What sensations are present that aren’t usually here? For example, have you ever felt an achy heaviness in the chest area? That can be a physical manifestation of loss. Next time you feel that…

  • Great Gratitude Retreat

    I just led a daylong Great Gratitude retreat that seemed to leave everyone in a state of bliss and yes gratitude, according to their end of the day sharing. Going into silence is such a delicious thing to do, although people always think it sounds scary. ‘How can I possibly not talk for hours (and…

  • The Ripple Effect

    The impact of our words and actions cause a ripple effect beyond our immediate circle of family, friends, neighbors, associates and brief encounters with strangers. Each impact affects them and in turn everyone in their circles, rippling out further and further until no being is untouched. This is true for each one of us. We…

  • The power we have and the power we give away

    We each of us have incredible power to impact the world. Every thought that is spoken or acted upon sets into motion a chain of reactions — a ripple effect. Given this nature of things, we can see how important it is to be present, mindful and compassionate.Even the expression on our face at any…

  • The Buddha’s Eight Worldly Winds

    It’s been really windy lately. I notice that I get anxious in high wind, imagining how it is sucking the moisture out of the already dry landscape. I notice worry that the wind will topple a tree. Indeed the oak across the street just fell so my worry finds reason and grows stronger. I see…