When the COVID epidemic forced everyone indoors almost 6 years ago, there was a sudden increased awareness of the importance of indoor air quality. The climate crisis has caused increased wildfire smoke, blanketing U.S. cities at times. We are all exposed to increasing levels of chemical pollutants – from wood burning stoves, gas appliances, laundry […]
Winter and Indoor Air Quality Read More »
Travel is many things. An opportunity to see oneself reflected in the mirror of another culture, immersed in the verbal ocean of another language; and an opportunity to be with loved ones. We live in a time of climate emergency, fueled by human caused carbon emissions which are due in no small part to jet
December in Taiwan – Journey to Snow Mountain Read More »
*I gave this talk on July 29, 2023, at an Interfaith Prayer Ceremony standing beneath Luma the Cedar, in Seattle, on traditional, unceded Coast Salish land of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, and Tulalip people. Good evening. My name is Jordan Van Voast, I’ve been a practicing Buddhist for around 30 years. I don’t
Social Activism Liberated from the “Us versus Them” Mentality – Metta Meditation Read More »
I heard about LUMA less than a week ago – an old growth cedar tree in North Seattle destined to be cut to the ground at the orders of a Bellevue based real estate development company, and approved by City of Seattle. What? In the hottest year on the planet in the last million years?
#LUMA – Trees are Life Read More »
Gratitude to all teachers, friends, and acupuncture clients for being a part of my life. Gratitude to the land, and the indigenous tribes of the Salish Sea for their wisdom and guidance in the challenging times ahead. Gratitude to the air, water, earth, sun and spirit. I look forward to seeing and serving you in
Purification by Water and Light Read More »
Last week, this body was enduring pain due to too much heavy lifting and gardening. A little secret – a good long walk naturally adjusts the spine, bringing it into alignment. As usual, I always check the forecast before heading out into the mountains – morning showers in North Bend. Not too bad I figured
Mental Health Day in the Snowy Mountain Paradise – Mount Teneriffe Read More »
I can only dimly imagine what it must have been like for our elected Congressional representatives on January 6, 2021, ordered to lie on the floor and prepare to don a gas mask, with the sounds of gunfire and an racist armed mob echoing in the cavernous hallways of the US Capitol building. I think
Responding to Violence with Love Instead of Fear Read More »
The darkness is fully upon us, and I invite her in so that I can know her more intimately. The darkness is not only in the form of winter, cold, and COVID aloneness, but of human depravity and ignorance in the time of the great unraveling. Our human civilization has wandered far from the path
Embracing the Darkness Read More »
In my last blog, I shared my experience of being abruptly pulled out of a silent retreat by COVID-19. I had intended to remain in silence for a month. Nonetheless, I felt fortunate to have participated in 12 days of rigorous spiritual exploration. Having been home for nearly a month and not having held an
Building A Better World Starts Here and Now Read More »
Dear CommuniChi patrons and friends, We are living through an unprecedented time of uncertainty. Although CommuniChi has closed its doors until the COVID-19 public health emergency is over, I send prayers for your well being and offer these reflections for your physical/emotional health, and spiritual nourishment. And I invite your questions and concerns if I
Healing Ourselves, Our World, during COVID-19 Read More »
