Joyful Path Meditation and Healing Center

02/01/2026

February Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/joyfulpath/1nlz6etllr-10147526

02/01/2026

The beloved 1993 film Groundhog Day is widely regarded as a cinematic representation of Buddhist principles, specifically samsara (the cycle of reincarnation/suffering) and karma. Phil Connors (played by Bill Murray), trapped in an endlessly recurring day, mirrors the journey to enlightenment by shedding ego and selfishness to act with compassion, as a bodhisattva. Key Buddhist connections include samsara, the repetitive, mundane nature of the day representing the cycle of birth and death, viewed as suffering to be escaped; karma and transformation, as Phil is forced to endure more than 10,000 identical days, learning that his selfish actions (“bad karma”) keep him trapped, while selfless service (“good karma”) allows him to break the cycle; and the Bodhisattva Path, where Phil—instead of escaping the loop alone—starts to use his time to help others in the town, embodying the Mahayana ideal of a bodhisattva who helps all beings. Finally, the film encourages viewing each moment as a new beginning (mindfulness and “Beginner’s Mind”), breaking habitual, negative patterns to live with awareness. Some have called the film an “underground Buddhist classic” due to its emphasis on overcoming ego and cultivating compassion.

02/01/2026

01/29/2026

We're getting ready for Losar, the Tibetan New Year .... Feb 18, 2026. What are you cooking up for the holiday?

At Tibetan New Year — Losar — which usually falls sometime during February or March, a typical central Tibetan family in the countryside will take a 5-day holiday to pray, sing, dance, drink a fair amount of chang, (a kind of beer typically made from barley), and eat a whole lot of food.

01/27/2026

For a long time peope equated mindfulness with meditation. However, there are different kinds of meditation that involve different cognitive mechanisms. Some of the most potent meditations combine many mechanisms together into a single practice. These meditations are more difficult to research because they are more complex and often require a teacher. In this study, we begin to see the powerful effects of combined mechanisms in a retreat setting.

A one-week mind-body retreat led to consistent changes in the brain and at the molecular level that were associated with greater resilience, reduced pain, and improved recovery from stress. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego report that a short, intensive retreat combining sev

12/24/2025

Sending you all our best wishes for peace, love, and joy this holiday season!

12/03/2025

Loving kindness meditation is at 6:30 central tonight. Hope to see you soon!

Register at joyfulpath.org.

12/03/2025

Dear Friends,

This Giving Tuesday, we're feeling grateful for all the quiet acts of generosity that keep Joyful Path alive—from new meditation leaders to residents and volunteers who show up week after week. If you’d like to support this shared refuge, please visit https://joyfulpath.org/giving/

Inspired by the generosity of our community members, friends, and family, here's our gift to you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO8dPauFYeE

12/03/2025

Giving Tuesday and December Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/joyfulpath/1nlz6etllr-10146238