Jeff, One of the many reasons I turn to your meditations each day is your openness about your personal struggles. By sharing your experiences you teach us how the practice of sitting helps us become better humans. One thing I’ve noticed when I welcome in those uncomfortable moments of awareness is that I have an intensely physical reaction — an indication to me that I’ve connected with honesty. It’s a relief to recognize what is there, accept it, and begin to work with it. Often, muted echoes of that discomfort remain, but I can let them pass by me in the stream. Always grateful for your teaching.
Man this is so so so helpful to me in this moment. Sometimes (most times really) I feel so isolated and alone in my self flagellation, like no one else can possibly feel these feelings. But intellectually I know that can’t be true. I know there’s no way I’m alone in this. Me knowing that in more of a somatic way, in my body would be helpful.
The world and our country here in the U.S is absolutely heartbreaking right now and I’m just so grateful to be connected to you and your so-called “ramblings” because those ramblings help me feel more sane. And I’m grateful for that. ❤️
Absolutely loved this, from a thinker and overthinker, who gets stuck in their own patterns on the regular but is also moving toward cracking open the habits. This did not at all come across as a ramble. Many thanks :)
Dear Jeff, In 2021 our son gifted me a 1 year free 'Calm.' I haven't missed a day since 2021 of practicing this ancient art of meditation — it's never too late to learn (turned 80 in Dec).
The most exciting part is that I'm learning of my Humanness ... Siting — one breath — again, and again, and again — this may sound repetitive but it's not!
'Again, and again, and again' in this sacred open stillness within — human conditions and thought patterns expose our humanness, in the light of Awareness. Just as you've shared with all of us today, thought patterns reveal our humanness; and how one can move forward with or without human conjectures. Acceptance. One breath. Over the years I'm learning that part of being human is being in the centre of everything in life. Being able to trust what’s under the noise. Being mindful transforms me in a positive way from this open sacred space. One breath at a time allows me to move forward wisely. The Joy of this I can do it any time, any where, regardless of the activity!
How can you tell I've been with Daily Trip's since forever! You are a welcoming and lovely individual; a family man; role model; teacher; instructor; and author.
All my life I've had a bumpy road but it's only within these last few years that I've been able to see (even though I use a CNIB cane); and humbly grow in grace ; and understanding of my humanness; and compassionately notice and observe humanity. I thank you Jeff for your practice, and sharing with others around the world. 'If we can truly let go of the need to be any specific way, then we free ourselves up to change right along with life'. Thank you.
Carol, Thank you for what you wrote. There is so much that resonates with me -- that it's never too late to learn, how sitting (and Jeff's approach to meditation) teaches us to better navigate our humanness, acceptance, and compassion. Grateful to be part of this community with you. Tamar
This part made me laugh: "As a meditation teacher, I wish I could say “Hey, just notice how you are,” and suddenly everyone would be able to perfectly see the story or pattern that they’re in. But I can’t do that myself. Insights don’t happen on demand." It would be nice if self-awareness were so easy!
Jeff, I have read and re-read this rich, wise, brave piece. I’m saving it. I can absolutely relate. It reminds me that whatever I’m struggling with, lots of other people probably are too. Enormous thanks for this!
Loved everything about this essay and meditation. After 5 years of meditating with you Jeff I’m becoming a believer that the practice works in deeply transformational
and subtle ways. Self awareness and acceptance are key. They allow me to acknowledge and let go of my unwanted patterns faster. They give me permission to pause in any given moment and be in it, truly in it, not rushing to the next thing, whether cooking, cleaning, or organizing a bookshelf, and in that moment magic happens.
This is the first January in my long life that I have accepted my pattern of post holiday depression. I have welcomed my cold and lying in bed. Welcomed not having any New Year’s resolutions, and welcomed the unknown that lies ahead. It’s actually quite liberating. Thank you Jeff for taking me on this journey.🙏
Thank you, Jeff for the reflective and honest ramblings through self acceptance. It comes at a time for me when I needed to hear it, and it's always comforting to remind myself I'm not alone on this journey. I love the party reboot, that one is always a favorite on Calm for me.
Thanks for this essay, Jeff. Your candor is in itself a gift to all of us—and a refreshing change from meditations that just tell you to “be aware” and “accept” without explaining what the process was for someone to get there. And acknowledging that there is a bit of chance involved feels somehow liberating. Thank you and excited to join the 2026 party. 🎉
I have been using Calm for several years and Jeff’s daily trip is my go-to meditation. Substack and the DNP are new to me, and being an introvert by nature, I am a bit hesitant to “step out” of my comfort zone of doing things solo. However, after listening to “Welcome to the Party” and reading the comments I feel like this is all good and I welcome it. It’s like Jeff is in my head and understands all the struggles and perplexities of existing as a human. He helps me navigate in this crazy world… thank you.
Jeff - I appreciate your openness about your life. We all have many similar challenges and it makes us feel more "normal" (if there is such a thing). One of the things I am not clear on is when a therapist is more warranted than just meditation. I have found having that third party available can dig me out of ruts since I am blind to some experiences. It seems that many of the ruts we fall into are due to our own internal conflicts where an outsider may see them. I've always said "you don't know what you don't know." P.S. I do understand that not everyone has the financial resources to see a therapist.
Jeff, One of the many reasons I turn to your meditations each day is your openness about your personal struggles. By sharing your experiences you teach us how the practice of sitting helps us become better humans. One thing I’ve noticed when I welcome in those uncomfortable moments of awareness is that I have an intensely physical reaction — an indication to me that I’ve connected with honesty. It’s a relief to recognize what is there, accept it, and begin to work with it. Often, muted echoes of that discomfort remain, but I can let them pass by me in the stream. Always grateful for your teaching.
Beautifully articulated. I feel the same way!🙏
Man this is so so so helpful to me in this moment. Sometimes (most times really) I feel so isolated and alone in my self flagellation, like no one else can possibly feel these feelings. But intellectually I know that can’t be true. I know there’s no way I’m alone in this. Me knowing that in more of a somatic way, in my body would be helpful.
The world and our country here in the U.S is absolutely heartbreaking right now and I’m just so grateful to be connected to you and your so-called “ramblings” because those ramblings help me feel more sane. And I’m grateful for that. ❤️
You are definitely not alone in your self flagellation practice. I have one of my own! 😂
It is such a relief to know there are other humans just like me.
Aww! Solidarity sister! Much love. ❤️
😂…the seven dwarves
Right!?! Had me cracking up, too
Belly laughs here when Jeff said that!
Sending heartfelt gratitude for this beautiful essay and meditation. 💗🙏😊
Absolutely loved this, from a thinker and overthinker, who gets stuck in their own patterns on the regular but is also moving toward cracking open the habits. This did not at all come across as a ramble. Many thanks :)
Dear Jeff, In 2021 our son gifted me a 1 year free 'Calm.' I haven't missed a day since 2021 of practicing this ancient art of meditation — it's never too late to learn (turned 80 in Dec).
The most exciting part is that I'm learning of my Humanness ... Siting — one breath — again, and again, and again — this may sound repetitive but it's not!
'Again, and again, and again' in this sacred open stillness within — human conditions and thought patterns expose our humanness, in the light of Awareness. Just as you've shared with all of us today, thought patterns reveal our humanness; and how one can move forward with or without human conjectures. Acceptance. One breath. Over the years I'm learning that part of being human is being in the centre of everything in life. Being able to trust what’s under the noise. Being mindful transforms me in a positive way from this open sacred space. One breath at a time allows me to move forward wisely. The Joy of this I can do it any time, any where, regardless of the activity!
How can you tell I've been with Daily Trip's since forever! You are a welcoming and lovely individual; a family man; role model; teacher; instructor; and author.
All my life I've had a bumpy road but it's only within these last few years that I've been able to see (even though I use a CNIB cane); and humbly grow in grace ; and understanding of my humanness; and compassionately notice and observe humanity. I thank you Jeff for your practice, and sharing with others around the world. 'If we can truly let go of the need to be any specific way, then we free ourselves up to change right along with life'. Thank you.
S i n c e r e l y
Carol from Canada
Carol, Thank you for what you wrote. There is so much that resonates with me -- that it's never too late to learn, how sitting (and Jeff's approach to meditation) teaches us to better navigate our humanness, acceptance, and compassion. Grateful to be part of this community with you. Tamar
This part made me laugh: "As a meditation teacher, I wish I could say “Hey, just notice how you are,” and suddenly everyone would be able to perfectly see the story or pattern that they’re in. But I can’t do that myself. Insights don’t happen on demand." It would be nice if self-awareness were so easy!
Jeff, I have read and re-read this rich, wise, brave piece. I’m saving it. I can absolutely relate. It reminds me that whatever I’m struggling with, lots of other people probably are too. Enormous thanks for this!
Loved everything about this essay and meditation. After 5 years of meditating with you Jeff I’m becoming a believer that the practice works in deeply transformational
and subtle ways. Self awareness and acceptance are key. They allow me to acknowledge and let go of my unwanted patterns faster. They give me permission to pause in any given moment and be in it, truly in it, not rushing to the next thing, whether cooking, cleaning, or organizing a bookshelf, and in that moment magic happens.
This is the first January in my long life that I have accepted my pattern of post holiday depression. I have welcomed my cold and lying in bed. Welcomed not having any New Year’s resolutions, and welcomed the unknown that lies ahead. It’s actually quite liberating. Thank you Jeff for taking me on this journey.🙏
Thank you, Jeff for the reflective and honest ramblings through self acceptance. It comes at a time for me when I needed to hear it, and it's always comforting to remind myself I'm not alone on this journey. I love the party reboot, that one is always a favorite on Calm for me.
Jeff, thank you for the ramble and the realness. I can relate to much of what you shared.
Thanks for this essay, Jeff. Your candor is in itself a gift to all of us—and a refreshing change from meditations that just tell you to “be aware” and “accept” without explaining what the process was for someone to get there. And acknowledging that there is a bit of chance involved feels somehow liberating. Thank you and excited to join the 2026 party. 🎉
I have been using Calm for several years and Jeff’s daily trip is my go-to meditation. Substack and the DNP are new to me, and being an introvert by nature, I am a bit hesitant to “step out” of my comfort zone of doing things solo. However, after listening to “Welcome to the Party” and reading the comments I feel like this is all good and I welcome it. It’s like Jeff is in my head and understands all the struggles and perplexities of existing as a human. He helps me navigate in this crazy world… thank you.
I love you sensai
Jeff - I appreciate your openness about your life. We all have many similar challenges and it makes us feel more "normal" (if there is such a thing). One of the things I am not clear on is when a therapist is more warranted than just meditation. I have found having that third party available can dig me out of ruts since I am blind to some experiences. It seems that many of the ruts we fall into are due to our own internal conflicts where an outsider may see them. I've always said "you don't know what you don't know." P.S. I do understand that not everyone has the financial resources to see a therapist.
Thank you 2025. Welcome to the party 2026! All the best, Jeff.