Namchak Community Blog

Lama Tsomo helps us understand what to do with our wandering “puppy” minds while meditating, but what about the mind-wandering that occurs in our everyday lives? In a recent conversation with Lama Tsomo, Dr. Richard Davidson, neuroscientist and founder of the Center...

Why meditate? Well, to put it simply, because it works. Neuroscience research shows that when the brain is trained with meditation practices that our habits become a little bit different—and for the better. See below for some recent and exciting meditation research...

Despite our efforts to keep life manageable, the world is overwhelming. The issues we deal with in our personal lives – health, relationships, work – are further compounded by those affecting the global community. War, poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation...

When Lama Tsomo was asked how she tackled the prodigious task of learning Tibetan, she had this to say. (The parallel to starting a meditation practice may surprise you!) "The first thing I did was give up. I was in my 40s when I started studying and I thought, 'This...

With so many retreats out there, deciding which one to attend can be tough. You can go to a retreat for meditation, writing, yoga, running, and more. You could probably even find one retreat to do all of those in one week. Everyone’s schedules seem only to get busier,...

The following is an excerpt from Lama Tsomo’s book, Why is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? First Key to a Daily Practice: Working It Into Your Schedule This is a key to success in your practice, so let’s spend some time on this one. It’s best, but not essential, to do...

This practice may be easiest to understand by watching first. Start by watching this video. Then you can practice on your own or with Lama Tsomo’s guidance. Here’s a run-down to go along with the video. Grab a tissue, as Lama Tsomo always recommends a quick nose blow...

It’s time to recharge those goals that we’ve let slip since January. Whether your goal was to eat cleaner, bike to work daily, or get eight hours sleep every night, it’s time to get back to it. Here are some ways to kickstart your goals: Know Thyself. Write a letter...

The following is an except from Lama Tsomo’s book, Why is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? We now know that, since we’re made of Buddha Nature, we too can reach the end of all suffering, permanently. We can finally end our wandering and go back Home. For good. The...

This piece is part of a series meant to give readers an inside view of the Clearing the Lens Retreat that was held in June . Participants cultivated awareness within themselves while engaging with others to deepen sangha and gain tools to live happier and more...