Rooftop Refuge: Building Sacred Spaces in Busy Cities
Living in Brooklyn means I’m surrounded by constant motion—sirens, subways rumbling underground, neighbors chatting on the stoop, and the endless hum of city life. It’s exciting and inspiring, but it can also be exhausting. When I first moved here, I struggled to find a sense of stillness. The parks helped, but they were often crowded. […]
Seeds of Patience: How Gardening Teaches Us to Wait Without Forcing
When I first started gardening, I wanted results right away. I’d plant seeds in neat rows, water them carefully, and then rush back the next morning hoping to see green shoots. Of course, most of the time the soil looked exactly the same. I’d stare, poke at the dirt, and even wonder if something had […]
Weeding the Mind: Removing Mental Clutter Like Garden Weeds
One of my favorite parts of gardening is weeding. That might sound strange—most people see it as a chore—but for me, there’s something deeply satisfying about it. I love the quiet focus, the way I can see the difference instantly, and the fact that it’s both simple and necessary. If you let weeds grow unchecked, […]
Designing a Tranquil Sensory Meditation Oasis
When I first started gardening on my Brooklyn rooftop, I was mostly focused on growing things I could eat—herbs for tea, tomatoes for salads, lettuce for wraps. But as my Buddhist practice deepened, I started seeing my garden as more than a source of food. It became a place to slow down, breathe, and reconnect […]
Urban Zen: Creating a Contemplative Garden Space in the City
I live in Brooklyn, where noise and motion are part of the daily rhythm. Sirens, car horns, neighbors chatting, dogs barking—it’s all part of city life. But within that buzz, I’ve carved out something quiet and sacred: a rooftop garden that’s become my sanctuary. It’s not just a place to grow herbs or enjoy a […]
Mindful Gardening: Cultivating Inner Peace Through Plant Care
When people hear that I’m passionate about both Buddhism and gardening, they sometimes seem surprised. But to me, the two go hand in hand. Gardening isn’t just something I do for fresh herbs or pretty flowers—it’s a deeply spiritual practice that keeps me grounded in the present moment. It teaches me patience, acceptance, and appreciation […]