One Hand Speaks

This year I took the time to visit the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal. It is a short 35 minute plane flight and an important pilgrimage site. Though the trip was just an overnight visit, I had a very special time in Lumbini, Nepal. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My last few days before I leave for my 3rd visit to Nepal. Feeling very organized and prepared Traveling with simplicity as I have a new suitcase and "personal sized" travel backpack.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Lumbini, Nepal - The birthplace of Buddha. Contact. Follow.

I have been doing a weekly podcast for the past six years. Today's podcast celebrates my 6 year anniversary with a thank you to all my listeners and supporters. Let listen to what the start of year 7 brings! Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: 6 years and 315 podcasts deep. Resources: Podcast #264 - 5 Year Anniversary Podcast. Podcast #210 - 4 Year Anniversary Podcast. Podcast #158 - 3 Year Anniversary Podcast. Podcast #108 - 2 Year Anniversary Podcast. Podcast #055 - 1 Year Anniversary Podcast. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’d take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and

There are times indeed when traveling to remote Buddhist locations in small villages that Western conveniences fail to exist. Or at least in the way we want them to. These are the simple things like coffee, a soft bed, heat, and a hot shower. This year I traveled to the small village of Halesi, Nepal to visit the caves of Maratika. I went five days with no shower. Well, I was able to take a shower. Or at least get close to something I can call a "shower." This was a shower in a bag. Pilgrimage should not be easy. Not having a shower was only one part of this 5 day trip. It was certainly an experience worth podcasting. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Halesi, Nepal and the Maratika Caves of Padmasambhava. No hot water and in some cases no running water for 5 days. Makeup wipes as my only way to clean my body.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepa

A sitting toilet is not very common in the general public space of Nepal. And certainly not outside the city of Kathmandu. This means there is a lot of squatting and pooping in Nepal. Additionally, there is a cultural non-use of toilet paper. Also, public bathrooms tend to be pretty gritty overall and the desire to put one's bag or backpack on the floor does not exist. Therefore, it takes a bit of work drop the pants, squat, and poop. Did I mention that soap is not a commonly found liquid in Nepal's (hard to find) public bathrooms. Add the one handed thing to this process and we have a podcast worth sharing.  Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Squatting and pooping is the main theme in Nepal. Most public bathrooms are very gritty and unsanitary. There is no desire to put one's bag or backpack on the floor in most bathrooms. Toilet paper and soap are not common (if at al all found) in Nepals public bathrooms. Having one han

An interesting thing has started to unfold in Kathmandu, Nepal. I had a similar experience in Tibet. However, I am starting to use this "trick" more and more in Nepal. This most recent visit had this gestured interaction truly take hold for me. I call it the "Beggar's Pass." It is a one handed thing and worthy of a podcast. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: So much of this gestured interaction is the result of the cultural perception of one handedness in Nepal. This has released me out of the attention of many a beggar while walking around Kathmandu. It's "The Beggar's Pass."  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  B

This will be my third pilgrimage visit to Kathmandu, Nepal. Each time I go I have very unique one handed experiences based on the Nepali cultural perception of not having two hands. Most of the time it is not a big deal. But sometimes it kinda is a big deal. Either way it is good practice in not clinging to what other people think. And it makes for some pretty un and enjoyable experiences. (Here are five short one handed stories from Kathmandu, Nepal. (And maybe a bonus 6th super story.) Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Five unique one handed experiences. Sometimes the cultural subtleties of Nepal come out in funny ways. Never a dull moment having one hand in Nepal.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathman

In transition and floating from airport to airport with many layovers going from Boise, Idaho USA to Kathmandu, Nepal. Way back in the early 90s during my "Seattle Days" I earned the nickname of King Floater. I was sleeping on people's couches and working full time waiting to leaving Seattle for Boise. I cannot say I was homeless but I was certainly in vagabond mode. The nickname came about when a person I did not know well put me up for about 3 weeks. When he heard what I was doing and how I was doing it he said, "Wow, you are the king of floating around." This podcast is about me back in King Floater mode floating to Kathmandu, Nepal. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My time at Hamad international airport on my way to Nepal. A current update as to how I feel and what is going on in my present moment Just a bit about my transitions from airport to layover to airplane time to airport to layover to airplane time.  Resources:

On Wednesday, March 15th I will be leaving for my third visit to Kathmandu, Nepal. This is my countdown to Kathmandu. If you been following the podcast you know I am posting all my podcasts in advance. Therefore, I am not sure when you are listening to this or in what order. But this is my last podcast before I board my flights to Nepal. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My last few days before I leave for my 3rd visit to Nepal. Feeling very organized and prepared Traveling with simplicity as I have a new suitcase and "personal sized" travel backpack.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home

This is just about my hunt for what I call "the perfect travel bag." I am mostly referring to urban laptop/book bags or a travel backpack. I have bought quite a few over the years and have tried many brands, sizes, and configurations. Despite all of that, I am still looking for the perfect bag. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: The eternal hunt for the perfect travel backpack. What does it mean to find "the perfect bag." Better to deeply realize what can live without in a backpack. I love Osprey bags. But for Nepal 2023 I will be trying PacSafe. Resources: PacSafe – The #1 anti-theft traveling backpack and travel gear on the planet. Osprey – The backpack company I mostly use and the closest to "the perfect bag" as I can find. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’

I was recently speaking with a friend of mine and we got on the topic of doing taxes since we both run businesses. I mentioned to him in the past I did not do my taxes for 5 years. Then I told him how I eventually ended up working with H&R Block. My friend was laughing so hard as I was telling him about the moment I stopped running from my taxes. My friend finally said in between breathing and laughing that this H&R Block account was really the "Tax Whisperer." Then we both laugher very deeply and loudly. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: I did not file taxes for 5 years. Fear of the unknown This guy saved my (tax) life. A fresh outlook! Resources: H&R Block – The website of my Tax Whisperer and other Tax Angels. A tax preparation company.  Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond

I recently went to get validated and fingerprinted as the last part of the TSA Pre-Check process. While there I had a very short one-handed conversation with a mother and her two daughters. The older one asked me why I am the way I am in a way I have never heard. This is that story. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Another great one handed interaction with children in public? Resources: A Sweet One Handed Moment – Podcast #029 tells the story of one handedness in a coffee shop in Boise. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’d take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write you

This is a story about a moment I had traveling with my mother. She wants to do a bit of international travel before she gets too old. So I took her to Hawaii as it was one of her dream vacation destinations. Traveling with my mother is a whole different experience. I can truly say I learn a lot about myself and her. This is one of those lessons I learned traveling with my mother. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Traveling with my mother. The things we learn about each other and what I learn about myself. Take a note, "always have coffee for my mother." Resources: Taking my mother to Mexico – Podcast #060 tells the story of international travel time with my mother. Taking my mother to Hawaii – Podcast #073 tells the tale of taking my mother to one of her dream destinations. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted

As an authorized Dharma Teacher and long-time leader of the Boise Dharma Center, I have been called upon for some of life's bigger moments. I have bestowed wedding vows and married couples. I have been asked to speak and eulogize at people wakes and funerals. My name is on a list at my local hospital if someone wants to speak with a Buddhist. Of all the calls I have received, this story shares one of the most unique and weird experiences I had ever been called upon to fulfill. It request of a man who just died and his Mormon family realized he was actually Buddhist and wanted a Buddhist Cremation. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: A Mormon family calls me to preside and deliver a Buddhist Death ceremony? After the death of this family member, and in his will, the family learned he was Buddhist and wanted a Buddhist Cremation. The brother gave me a fire extinguisher, an "expired" Amazon gift card, and and all of his brother's

It has been almost three years the student loan payment pause has been active. Seven times there has been an extension on the pause. Currently, the Supreme Court is schedule to hear a case brought forth suggesting student loan forgiveness is illegal. So much is unknown regarding student loan reform payment pause, and forgiveness. Here is my student loan story. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Student loan debt forgiveness. Will it happen? Resources: How I Got Into College – Podcast #044 tells the story college acceptance and student loan debt. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’d take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art f

I have a few very clear memories of Jimmy Carter. Not so much his actually presidency. It was all the fervor and excitement leading up to his election. Then after leaving office, President Jimmy Carter has done an incredible amount of humanitarian work. All this is on my mind as he has decided on home hospice care as he approaches the end of life. These are a few of my memories and some of my thoughts. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: The 39th President of the United States of America. Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2002. Decades of Humanitarian Work. Resources: The Carter Center – "Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope." Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’d take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes

I can only say it was a normal day later in the evening walking into the grocery store. Little did I know I was about to have a Kung Fu Ice Cream Moment. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: The funny and cool random things that unfold in our life at the uniquest of moments. Resources: Shaolin Kung Fu Temple – The famous Shaolin Temple in China. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’d take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Pla

My tickets are bought and I am on my way to Nepal this March 2023 for my third Buddhist Pilgrimage. I am super excited to return to visit sacred Buddhist sites, do some shopping for my small online dharma store, visit old friends, and practice a lot of dharma. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My third trip to Nepal as mostly a Buddhist Pilgrimage. I will be visiting Makatika cave, where Padmasambhava practiced and hopefully a cave where the great Yogi Milarepa meditated. There will be some dharma supply shopping. Time will be spent with friends I have made in Kathmandu from my last two visits in 2020 and 2022. Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and t

I went to San Diego for an Aikido Seminar that I started going to 19 years ago. It was great to see old friends, make new friends, and do some training. I was hanging after-hours at JiAi Aikido dojo with a couple other Sensei and other people sleeping at the dojo when this funny one handed Aikido story was shared. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Visiting Jiai Aikido in San Diego for the 19th Annual Aikido Bridge Seminar. After hours hang time at the dojo. Resources: Aikido Shimboku Kai - The aikido affiliation on my dojo, Three Shapes Aikido. Three Shapes Aikido - My Aikido Dojo. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’d take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search f

All my life I have watched my mother love Egyptians, their history, and the Great Pyramids. It is her dream vacation. I am planning on taking her this year. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My mother's dream vacation. Repaying my mother's kindness. Resources: My mother wants to be a traveling Gypsy - Podcast #080. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’d take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

Many people I have encountered toward the end of last year and into the new year have mentioned how difficult their 2022 was for them. Not many people at all said they had a good 2022. Mostly people mentioned in a very provocative tone they hope 2023 will be better than 2022. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: 2022... How was it for you? Resources: 2022 Year in Review - Podcast #296. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you’d take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy an