Category: Advice for Difficult Times
The Nature of Fear
In this classic piece from the Lion's Roar archives, Joseph Goldstein explores the different types of fear, and how we can sit with fear and hold onto it in our practice.
How to Work With Fear and Pain in a Moment of Crisis
Even when it feels like you're lost in the universe, Emily Horn explains, you can face the unknown with a still and calm heart-mind.
My Bully Became a Buddhist
When Eric Steuer discovered his childhood bully was now a Buddhist teacher, he asked him the question he’d always wanted to: Why did you treat me that way?
Heal the Wounds and Trauma
DaRa Williams, Devin Berry, Noliwe Alexander, and Rosetta Saunders share what they feels is the most helpful message Buddhism can offer in coming decades.
Now that I’m doing Buddhist meditation, should I give up therapy?
I’m in psychotherapy and it’s been very helpful to me. Now that I’ve started doing Buddhist meditation, should I give up therapy?
Buddhism Is Not a Treatment for Mental Illness
A new article in The Atlantic says more Americans with mental illness are turning to Buddhism for mental health treatment. Experts might advise otherwise.
Three Steps to Making Friends with Yourself
Making friends with yourself is the ground, path, and fruition of Buddhist meditation, says Judy Lief. It starts by dropping your mask and looking at the real you with honesty and love.
I Thought I Was Alone
I’ve been a Zen practitioner for thirty years. Ten years ago I was in a deep depression. If I sat down to meditate, demons would torment me.
Finding Hope in Hopelessness
If I have no belief that my vision can become real, asks Margaret Wheatley, where will I find the strength to persevere?
Worried About Worrying
Susan Piver gives advice on working with a mind that can’t stop working over every detail.
Why I Didn’t Attempt Suicide
Zen teacher Brad Warner on the time he considered suicide—and the different kind of death he chose.
The Suffering of Busyness
When life starts moving fast, Charlotte Rotterdam asks herself, “Can I just stop?"
Two Practices for Times of Tragedy
Tibetan Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön and Zen teacher Bernie Glassman offer three-step meditations to help work with tragedy.
The Four Healing Powers Of Mind
The key to health and happiness, says Tulku Thondup, is a mind that is peaceful and positive. This respected Buddhist teacher and author offers insights and meditations to help us access the natural healing power of mind.
The Buddhist Recovery Approach to Addiction
Valerie Mason-John talks to Lion's Roar's Rod Meade Sperry about the Buddhist Recovery approach to contending with addiction.
Silencing the Inner Critic
The nagging, negative voice of self-judgement, says Christina Feldman, is a powerful affliction best met with courage, kindness, and understanding.
The “Difficult Person” Exercise
The Difficult Person exercise provides a tool for us to focus on one particular person with whom we are having a hard time.
The Breath of Love
When life was at its worst, breath was her companion. Now in recovery, Rev. Sarah Siegel finds the breath is still her path to love and a sense of peace.
Learning That My Father Was a Sexual Predator
My father was a caring and somewhat charismatic minister turned therapist. He was also a sexual predator.
Why Society Needs More Love
CNN’s political commentator Van Jones and Buddhist teacher Lama Tsomo on why love lays the ground for real dialogue and change.