Author: Michael Stevens

I remember one of my yoga mentors saying that walking is simply a controlled fall. As we step out, the forward leg keeps us from falling forward—so we continue in that way. What would...

The Dharma sometimes appears very esoteric. The term esoteric has its root in the Greek word esōterikos, ‘belonging to an inner circle.’ The teachings and practices seem to have limited appeal and only a...

Vajrayana Buddhism seems overwhelming at the beginning—too many practices and principles. It is important to ease into the process and discover for yourself what piques your curiosity. Then follow that interest. All aspects of...

Maps refer to this landform as Steens Mountain. The Northern Paiute name is Tse’tse’ede, meaning “The Cold One.” It is an apt designation for the glacially carved fault-block uplift that rises nearly 10,000 vertical...

The vast Alvord desert is located in southeast Oregon in the shadow of 9,700 foot Steens Mountain. It is a remnant of an ancient pluvial lake created when the last ice age retreated about...

We are hiking at about 9,300 feet in elevation, witnessing the source of a creek that tumbles down the headwall of Big Indian Gorge, a glacially carved valley in Steens Mountain. Near one of...

I am astonished to see a sharp-shinned hawk alight in our back yard. I assume the raptor dropped its prey from the juniper above and desires to retrieve it. As I gently move toward...

Clouds are trying to swallow the dawn this morning. A storm is rolling in just as the sun makes its appearance. A few rays of light scatter into the condensing water vapor that is...

My root teacher in the Buddhist tradition frequently said, “When you notice the mind naturally settling, just continue in that.” This was his distilled guidance concerning meditative practice. He seemed to embody this, remaining...

Many world religions have prophecies about an apocalyptic end to our existence, and those who believe a certain way will be miraculously saved. I wrote a paper on the eschatology of Jesus’ message during...