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 :)
Edits and rewrites are golden. Tis a pleasure and relief to be reminded that one’s fellow writers, thinkers and no-think-ers edit, write, and repeat. So well-done and thank you again…
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 from Canada, what an honour to share this practice and this community with you, my friend. Thank you for these words. Just reading them put me in a more present and open and appreciative space. Sounds like you have a deep and deeply humane practice. Much love to you – Jeff.
Dear Jeff, Thank you for your response to my comment ... Every day we have many wonderful opportunities to share with others, either in person, through text, or via email in rediscovering ourselves through the practice of meditation. I truly value the work that you do Jeff, through Calm; your meditation practice, and your sharing with others around the world. I am ever grateful that you are my like-minded friend. My husband Neil and I have been married 44 years with blended family of 6 adult children; 15 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. Every day is fresh living with an open heart — present. Carol (Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC) 🙂
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
Dear Tamar, Thank you for your comments ... Jeff is a great inspiration!
Yes, we Humans now understand better about the human condition; human thought patterns; human behaviours; and human attitudes. We are all so unique and yet the same. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments. Carol
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!
I absolutely agree with you @Joe Mazza!! I was reading Jeff's email thinking "What a rare person and TEACHER to share this place of vulnerability". I feel SO GRATEFUL to have wonderful teachers like Jeff and Jack and Joseph and Dan and in my lifetime - here on planet earth right now going through the exact quagmire so I can hear how they do it and I can try it on my own.
So with all the potential for papancha - i am going to think about all the wonderful teachers we have access to like never before on this planet.
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.
Oh Jeff... please don't attempt to constrain your wonderful spirit and insights into the box of conventionality. There's enough of that in the world already. There's only one you and you are magical, for all of the reasons people point out in these comments and for all of the reasons you share with us in your essays and meditationa while making us laugh and creating space for us to find our own peace 🙏
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. 🎉
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 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.
I think if you have the resources, seeing a therapist is a terrific idea. It has helped me often in my life, although I’m not seeing one now. For exactly the reasons you say, just to have somebody reflect what they’re seeing from outside of your box. Some people are also wired to have more healing and more insight when the space is being held by another compassionate and non-judgmental human being, part of being social I guess.
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.🙏
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.
Thank you Tamar
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. ❤️
Self flagellators who also care about the world – unite!
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. ❤️
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 :)
Glad it connected to Alexandra. A ramble that took four rewrites and a lot of editing!
Edits and rewrites are golden. Tis a pleasure and relief to be reminded that one’s fellow writers, thinkers and no-think-ers edit, write, and repeat. So well-done and thank you again…
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 from Canada, what an honour to share this practice and this community with you, my friend. Thank you for these words. Just reading them put me in a more present and open and appreciative space. Sounds like you have a deep and deeply humane practice. Much love to you – Jeff.
Dear Jeff, Thank you for your response to my comment ... Every day we have many wonderful opportunities to share with others, either in person, through text, or via email in rediscovering ourselves through the practice of meditation. I truly value the work that you do Jeff, through Calm; your meditation practice, and your sharing with others around the world. I am ever grateful that you are my like-minded friend. My husband Neil and I have been married 44 years with blended family of 6 adult children; 15 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. Every day is fresh living with an open heart — present. Carol (Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC) 🙂
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
Dear Tamar, Thank you for your comments ... Jeff is a great inspiration!
Yes, we Humans now understand better about the human condition; human thought patterns; human behaviours; and human attitudes. We are all so unique and yet the same. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments. Carol
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!
You are very welcome Pass the Pizza!
I absolutely agree with you @Joe Mazza!! I was reading Jeff's email thinking "What a rare person and TEACHER to share this place of vulnerability". I feel SO GRATEFUL to have wonderful teachers like Jeff and Jack and Joseph and Dan and in my lifetime - here on planet earth right now going through the exact quagmire so I can hear how they do it and I can try it on my own.
So with all the potential for papancha - i am going to think about all the wonderful teachers we have access to like never before on this planet.
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.
Definitely not alone Sonya, makes me feel buoyed up reading all these comments and feeling all these connections
Sending heartfelt gratitude for this beautiful essay and meditation. 💗🙏😊
🙏
😂…the seven dwarves
Right!?! Had me cracking up, too
I would say have I giggled or laughed at some point during the vast majority of Jeff's meditations. What an absolute gift to the world ❤️
😂 - that’s what I’m actually going for most of the time!
Belly laughs here when Jeff said that!
Oh Jeff... please don't attempt to constrain your wonderful spirit and insights into the box of conventionality. There's enough of that in the world already. There's only one you and you are magical, for all of the reasons people point out in these comments and for all of the reasons you share with us in your essays and meditationa while making us laugh and creating space for us to find our own peace 🙏
I save up all the good parts of my humanity for the essays and the meditation, then come unravelled for the week 😂
What a relief to be able to do these sessions. Saving life
Isolte ❤️
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. 🎉
Appreciate you Varda!
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!
Right?
Of course, if self-awareness were so easy, it would not be nearly as satisfying! 😆
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.
I think if you have the resources, seeing a therapist is a terrific idea. It has helped me often in my life, although I’m not seeing one now. For exactly the reasons you say, just to have somebody reflect what they’re seeing from outside of your box. Some people are also wired to have more healing and more insight when the space is being held by another compassionate and non-judgmental human being, part of being social I guess.
I'm not feeling stuck now but definitely saving this for when I do!
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.🙏
Wow Kay! You’ll have to teach me your practice when I visit in March!
I learned EVERYTHING I know from you!😊🙏❤️
This was needed. When you relayed to us to “ accept yourself as you are”, it was talking directly to me. I hope more people felt the same way. Thanks.
Glad it landed Sara