Buffalo seasons Awareness in life

No Mud, No Lotus: The Transformational Power of Dis-Ease
At its heart, Buddhism does not deny the presence of dis-ease—it teaches us how to be in relationship with it. Rather than turning away, it invites us to lean in with curiosity and compassion. Dukkha is not seen as a flaw in the system, but as a gateway to understanding. Through mindfulness and presence, we learn that pain and joy are not opposites—they are intertwined. The lotus, after all, blooms not in spite of the mud, but because of it. In this way, Buddhism offers a deeply hopeful path, one rooted not in avoidance, but in transformation.

Holding the Whole Person: Depth Therapy for Trauma, Grief, & Meaning-Making
As a psychotherapist with training in depth psychology, existential philosophy, narrative theory, and Buddhist practice, I have found that integrating these perspectives provides a flexible and deeply humane foundation for clinical work. Clients often arrive in therapy not only seeking relief from symptoms, but longing to understand themselves, repair internal fractures, and live with a sense of purpose and authenticity. These traditions, when held together in dialogue, support that process by inviting the individual to meet their suffering with awareness, responsibility, and symbolic depth.