Like the Beatles, do you believe love is all we need? You can count Raphael Cushnir among the believers. He is an emotional and present moment awareness coach whose heart opened after a profound experience of grief.
Today, Cushnir coaches people from all walks of life on the spiritual practice of love. He’s written six books, all sourced from a moment in which he decided to stop turning away from pain and embrace it as an opportunity to “wake up.”
Cushnir shared his advice with Esalen’s Christine Chen on practicing love for freedom and authenticity in your life. Cushnir’s upcoming workshop on campus is called: Setting Your Heart on Fire, A Passionate Practice to Liberate Your Life, June 25-27, 2021.
Christine Chen: What does it mean to live with love?
Raphael Cushnir: The wisdom of mind and body connect, converge and complete at the heart. There we have access to our greatest power, purpose, connection and joy. When we learn how to quickly and effectively tune into the heart, especially when it's most difficult, it's then possible to live in alignment with love.
CC: Are we capable of falling in love with every moment?
RC: Falling in love with every moment means loving them with radical acceptance, inclusion and attunement, even when we don't like or want what's happening. This yes to life, and to all experience doesn't mean we're stuck or victimized by it. To the contrary, this kind of love is what allows and fosters the greatest possible change, whether that's in regard to our inner experience or to anything "out there" regarding the state of the world.
CC: Does love heal all? How?
RC: Love does indeed heal all, because it makes whole what has been previously hurt, torn, repressed or denied. This refers to the personal, social and natural realms. But...it's important to stress that healing doesn't always mean that the person or situation gets better. Sometimes things need to evolve, or even pass away, in order for the greater life force to continue expressing. Therefore, someone might experience an amazing healing into wholeness by aligning with love, even if they are not able to overcome their actual disease.
CC: You offer something called “inner surfing” as a practice and a way into the heart. Can you explain?
RC: Surfing in the ocean involves two things moving in exquisite union - the surfer on the board, and the wave beneath. Surfing in the body is similar, but your attention is the surfer, and the wave is the present moment emotional sensation in your body. We use this approach especially with difficult or painful emotions. If you're able to ride such an emotion like a wave, this allows it to be felt in the exact way it needs to in order to release within just a few minutes. It's important to note that you can't surf a wave from the shore. Meaning: traditional mindfulness from a distance won't allow the process to succeed. You need to bring your attention all the way to the place in the body where sensation is greatest. It's an engaged, relaxed, surrender to the wave that creates a great ride and brings you to your "inner shore," which is a place of renewed, expanded, peaceful presence.
Learn more about Raphael Cushnir, his books, and his workshops at Esalen.
“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?
Christine Chen is a two-time Emmy winning journalist, best-selling author, California native, and senior teacher of yoga and Ayurveda.
Like the Beatles, do you believe love is all we need? You can count Raphael Cushnir among the believers. He is an emotional and present moment awareness coach whose heart opened after a profound experience of grief.
Today, Cushnir coaches people from all walks of life on the spiritual practice of love. He’s written six books, all sourced from a moment in which he decided to stop turning away from pain and embrace it as an opportunity to “wake up.”
Cushnir shared his advice with Esalen’s Christine Chen on practicing love for freedom and authenticity in your life. Cushnir’s upcoming workshop on campus is called: Setting Your Heart on Fire, A Passionate Practice to Liberate Your Life, June 25-27, 2021.
Christine Chen: What does it mean to live with love?
Raphael Cushnir: The wisdom of mind and body connect, converge and complete at the heart. There we have access to our greatest power, purpose, connection and joy. When we learn how to quickly and effectively tune into the heart, especially when it's most difficult, it's then possible to live in alignment with love.
CC: Are we capable of falling in love with every moment?
RC: Falling in love with every moment means loving them with radical acceptance, inclusion and attunement, even when we don't like or want what's happening. This yes to life, and to all experience doesn't mean we're stuck or victimized by it. To the contrary, this kind of love is what allows and fosters the greatest possible change, whether that's in regard to our inner experience or to anything "out there" regarding the state of the world.
CC: Does love heal all? How?
RC: Love does indeed heal all, because it makes whole what has been previously hurt, torn, repressed or denied. This refers to the personal, social and natural realms. But...it's important to stress that healing doesn't always mean that the person or situation gets better. Sometimes things need to evolve, or even pass away, in order for the greater life force to continue expressing. Therefore, someone might experience an amazing healing into wholeness by aligning with love, even if they are not able to overcome their actual disease.
CC: You offer something called “inner surfing” as a practice and a way into the heart. Can you explain?
RC: Surfing in the ocean involves two things moving in exquisite union - the surfer on the board, and the wave beneath. Surfing in the body is similar, but your attention is the surfer, and the wave is the present moment emotional sensation in your body. We use this approach especially with difficult or painful emotions. If you're able to ride such an emotion like a wave, this allows it to be felt in the exact way it needs to in order to release within just a few minutes. It's important to note that you can't surf a wave from the shore. Meaning: traditional mindfulness from a distance won't allow the process to succeed. You need to bring your attention all the way to the place in the body where sensation is greatest. It's an engaged, relaxed, surrender to the wave that creates a great ride and brings you to your "inner shore," which is a place of renewed, expanded, peaceful presence.
Learn more about Raphael Cushnir, his books, and his workshops at Esalen.
“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?
Christine Chen is a two-time Emmy winning journalist, best-selling author, California native, and senior teacher of yoga and Ayurveda.
Like the Beatles, do you believe love is all we need? You can count Raphael Cushnir among the believers. He is an emotional and present moment awareness coach whose heart opened after a profound experience of grief.
Today, Cushnir coaches people from all walks of life on the spiritual practice of love. He’s written six books, all sourced from a moment in which he decided to stop turning away from pain and embrace it as an opportunity to “wake up.”
Cushnir shared his advice with Esalen’s Christine Chen on practicing love for freedom and authenticity in your life. Cushnir’s upcoming workshop on campus is called: Setting Your Heart on Fire, A Passionate Practice to Liberate Your Life, June 25-27, 2021.
Christine Chen: What does it mean to live with love?
Raphael Cushnir: The wisdom of mind and body connect, converge and complete at the heart. There we have access to our greatest power, purpose, connection and joy. When we learn how to quickly and effectively tune into the heart, especially when it's most difficult, it's then possible to live in alignment with love.
CC: Are we capable of falling in love with every moment?
RC: Falling in love with every moment means loving them with radical acceptance, inclusion and attunement, even when we don't like or want what's happening. This yes to life, and to all experience doesn't mean we're stuck or victimized by it. To the contrary, this kind of love is what allows and fosters the greatest possible change, whether that's in regard to our inner experience or to anything "out there" regarding the state of the world.
CC: Does love heal all? How?
RC: Love does indeed heal all, because it makes whole what has been previously hurt, torn, repressed or denied. This refers to the personal, social and natural realms. But...it's important to stress that healing doesn't always mean that the person or situation gets better. Sometimes things need to evolve, or even pass away, in order for the greater life force to continue expressing. Therefore, someone might experience an amazing healing into wholeness by aligning with love, even if they are not able to overcome their actual disease.
CC: You offer something called “inner surfing” as a practice and a way into the heart. Can you explain?
RC: Surfing in the ocean involves two things moving in exquisite union - the surfer on the board, and the wave beneath. Surfing in the body is similar, but your attention is the surfer, and the wave is the present moment emotional sensation in your body. We use this approach especially with difficult or painful emotions. If you're able to ride such an emotion like a wave, this allows it to be felt in the exact way it needs to in order to release within just a few minutes. It's important to note that you can't surf a wave from the shore. Meaning: traditional mindfulness from a distance won't allow the process to succeed. You need to bring your attention all the way to the place in the body where sensation is greatest. It's an engaged, relaxed, surrender to the wave that creates a great ride and brings you to your "inner shore," which is a place of renewed, expanded, peaceful presence.
Learn more about Raphael Cushnir, his books, and his workshops at Esalen.
“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?
Christine Chen is a two-time Emmy winning journalist, best-selling author, California native, and senior teacher of yoga and Ayurveda.
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