"When I see Lorin Roch's book across the room, I remember there is more to my struggle that what the mind can see. It lifts me high above the small self so I don’t take myself so seriously. This is a perfect book for the pandemic and always."
We delve into books for so many different reasons: guidance, knowledge, curiosity and oftentimes to lose ourselves in a captivating tale that can take us to the farthest stretches of our imagination. Esalen News invites our faculty to share what’s on their nightstand and why.
Esalen faculty Judith Orloff wears many creative hats—psychiatrist, empath and best-selling author. She is also on the UCLA psychiatric clinical faculty and her work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN and in the New York Times.
In Igniting the Power of Your Empathy and Intuition, August 7-9 at Esalen, Judith guides us to understand the powerful connection between our emotions, intuition, empathy and learning how to tap into each of them fully. She shares her latest book find with us here.
Esalen News: What was the last book you read?
Judith Orloff: The Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche.
What drew you to the book?
These sutras that Lorin translated through his brilliant mind, his deep playful soul are the embodiment of love, passion, wisdom, inspiration. I keep the book in my living room so I can reach for it at any random moment. My heart needs this book and its guidance which seems ever-unfolding. Lorin is a close friend as well, so knowing Lorin, and knowing the magic and excellence he put into this book, makes these illuminated passages even more alive to me.
What did you find most inspiring?
I love it that this book is about creating the universe of passion, love, mystery; about the merging of Shiva and Shakti, the feminine and the masculine coming together to create wisdom and almost unfathomable knowledge. There is mystery and magic in even our desperately challenged world, and this book can connect you to it.
What really stood out as you read the book?
This line from the book: “The heart of the universe pulses in all hearts. There is the One, who is the life in all forms. Your heart will sing triumphant songs of being at home everywhere.” And, “You are the temple of desire.” This means everyone, no matter what age, gender, belief system. It is You who are the temple of desire. Yes, you! Lorin helps us reawaken through these energetic miracles of what we call “words."
What other things did you learn?
I have learned that my mind is but a small fraction of my perception and that if I step aside and see beyond the mind, and into the mind, I have entered a secret realm that is not far away at all. Lorin is a trustworthy guide. In his simplicity and devotion, he has created an infinitely accessible guide that gently takes your weary hand so you can enter this realm.
I love transcendence and sometimes it’s hard to find. Especially in this crazy, pain-stricken world, we need a way out of solving a problem on the problem’s level. When I see Lorin's book across the room, I remember there is more to my struggle than what the mind can see. It lifts me high above the small self so I don’t take myself so seriously. This is a perfect book for the pandemic and always.
How would you sum up the book in a few words?
Playful, wise, irreverent, deep, ancient and current, it takes you deep if you like to go there.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
"When I see Lorin Roch's book across the room, I remember there is more to my struggle that what the mind can see. It lifts me high above the small self so I don’t take myself so seriously. This is a perfect book for the pandemic and always."
We delve into books for so many different reasons: guidance, knowledge, curiosity and oftentimes to lose ourselves in a captivating tale that can take us to the farthest stretches of our imagination. Esalen News invites our faculty to share what’s on their nightstand and why.
Esalen faculty Judith Orloff wears many creative hats—psychiatrist, empath and best-selling author. She is also on the UCLA psychiatric clinical faculty and her work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN and in the New York Times.
In Igniting the Power of Your Empathy and Intuition, August 7-9 at Esalen, Judith guides us to understand the powerful connection between our emotions, intuition, empathy and learning how to tap into each of them fully. She shares her latest book find with us here.
Esalen News: What was the last book you read?
Judith Orloff: The Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche.
What drew you to the book?
These sutras that Lorin translated through his brilliant mind, his deep playful soul are the embodiment of love, passion, wisdom, inspiration. I keep the book in my living room so I can reach for it at any random moment. My heart needs this book and its guidance which seems ever-unfolding. Lorin is a close friend as well, so knowing Lorin, and knowing the magic and excellence he put into this book, makes these illuminated passages even more alive to me.
What did you find most inspiring?
I love it that this book is about creating the universe of passion, love, mystery; about the merging of Shiva and Shakti, the feminine and the masculine coming together to create wisdom and almost unfathomable knowledge. There is mystery and magic in even our desperately challenged world, and this book can connect you to it.
What really stood out as you read the book?
This line from the book: “The heart of the universe pulses in all hearts. There is the One, who is the life in all forms. Your heart will sing triumphant songs of being at home everywhere.” And, “You are the temple of desire.” This means everyone, no matter what age, gender, belief system. It is You who are the temple of desire. Yes, you! Lorin helps us reawaken through these energetic miracles of what we call “words."
What other things did you learn?
I have learned that my mind is but a small fraction of my perception and that if I step aside and see beyond the mind, and into the mind, I have entered a secret realm that is not far away at all. Lorin is a trustworthy guide. In his simplicity and devotion, he has created an infinitely accessible guide that gently takes your weary hand so you can enter this realm.
I love transcendence and sometimes it’s hard to find. Especially in this crazy, pain-stricken world, we need a way out of solving a problem on the problem’s level. When I see Lorin's book across the room, I remember there is more to my struggle than what the mind can see. It lifts me high above the small self so I don’t take myself so seriously. This is a perfect book for the pandemic and always.
How would you sum up the book in a few words?
Playful, wise, irreverent, deep, ancient and current, it takes you deep if you like to go there.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
"When I see Lorin Roch's book across the room, I remember there is more to my struggle that what the mind can see. It lifts me high above the small self so I don’t take myself so seriously. This is a perfect book for the pandemic and always."
We delve into books for so many different reasons: guidance, knowledge, curiosity and oftentimes to lose ourselves in a captivating tale that can take us to the farthest stretches of our imagination. Esalen News invites our faculty to share what’s on their nightstand and why.
Esalen faculty Judith Orloff wears many creative hats—psychiatrist, empath and best-selling author. She is also on the UCLA psychiatric clinical faculty and her work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN and in the New York Times.
In Igniting the Power of Your Empathy and Intuition, August 7-9 at Esalen, Judith guides us to understand the powerful connection between our emotions, intuition, empathy and learning how to tap into each of them fully. She shares her latest book find with us here.
Esalen News: What was the last book you read?
Judith Orloff: The Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche.
What drew you to the book?
These sutras that Lorin translated through his brilliant mind, his deep playful soul are the embodiment of love, passion, wisdom, inspiration. I keep the book in my living room so I can reach for it at any random moment. My heart needs this book and its guidance which seems ever-unfolding. Lorin is a close friend as well, so knowing Lorin, and knowing the magic and excellence he put into this book, makes these illuminated passages even more alive to me.
What did you find most inspiring?
I love it that this book is about creating the universe of passion, love, mystery; about the merging of Shiva and Shakti, the feminine and the masculine coming together to create wisdom and almost unfathomable knowledge. There is mystery and magic in even our desperately challenged world, and this book can connect you to it.
What really stood out as you read the book?
This line from the book: “The heart of the universe pulses in all hearts. There is the One, who is the life in all forms. Your heart will sing triumphant songs of being at home everywhere.” And, “You are the temple of desire.” This means everyone, no matter what age, gender, belief system. It is You who are the temple of desire. Yes, you! Lorin helps us reawaken through these energetic miracles of what we call “words."
What other things did you learn?
I have learned that my mind is but a small fraction of my perception and that if I step aside and see beyond the mind, and into the mind, I have entered a secret realm that is not far away at all. Lorin is a trustworthy guide. In his simplicity and devotion, he has created an infinitely accessible guide that gently takes your weary hand so you can enter this realm.
I love transcendence and sometimes it’s hard to find. Especially in this crazy, pain-stricken world, we need a way out of solving a problem on the problem’s level. When I see Lorin's book across the room, I remember there is more to my struggle than what the mind can see. It lifts me high above the small self so I don’t take myself so seriously. This is a perfect book for the pandemic and always.
How would you sum up the book in a few words?
Playful, wise, irreverent, deep, ancient and current, it takes you deep if you like to go there.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
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