zen reflections

LETTERS ON CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE — a monthly newsletter

Sign up to receive Zen Reflections: Letters on Contemplative Life, a monthly newsletter navigating the rich intersection of literature and the living practice of wisdom.

why read zen reflections?

In our fast-paced lives, deep reading, thinking, and  reflection increasingly elude us.

Zen Reflections offer a place to slow down and to make time for contemplation, which nourishes the human mind.  

Each issue is a reflection, a kind of short essay that considers our world in light of civilizations’ ideals. 

Zen Reflections looks at texts that express enduring truths about human experience. 

These letters draw on the wisdom of literary, philosophical, poetic, and spiritual works to deepen the meaning of everyday life. Each little essay recalls the moral, spiritual, and cultural resources that have been created over time to sustain the soul. 

Wisdom is practical. Reflecting on current events in light of Buddhism as well as classic and contemporary literature—from both East and West—you can recover the wisdom that makes life flourish.

Each short essay  invites you to consider the values of important truths—such as compassion, impermanence, and interconnectedness—to enrich your thinking, curiosity, joy, wonder, and inspiration, and to deepen your experience of friendship, and of everyday life.

We look forward to joining you on the journey of deepening wisdom that unfolds moment by moment, word by word, one day, and one page at a time.

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6 Reviews on Bodhi Heart
My biggest struggle [before coaching] was discovering the source of my frustration – my growing discontent with the sensation of feeling “stuck” – and how to act upon it by examining my values and what I want in life. I was feeling confused. I was not sure where to begin. I immediately noticed [in working with Soken] that I was able to be more aware. I was paying more attention to life and how I live it as opposed to feeling like a bystander, and I started to welcome a sense of compassion that I felt I had become estranged with. There was a particular moment where I realized that I wanted to do more good in the world, and that I had as much agency as ever to do so. We had a call where I began to open up about things which brought me joy and I felt as if I was seeing a future that I previously hadn't thought possible - but now felt within reach. I feel like I am now on a path, with a plan. I have direction and can move forward, and enjoy the journey as opposed to feeling frustrated from not having one. Coaching will help you understand the way you view life, uncover your truths, disprove limiting beliefs, reconnect with love, and aid in forging a path where you can be resolute in carrying out your purpose.
Patrick Senior Software Engineer at Etsy, Austin, Texas
I didn’t really know what coaching was, so I was hesitant about it. The turning point for me was feeling like I really had to make a change. I knew I needed reliable objective guidance to help me see beyond my own thinking. I didn’t want therapy, which looks backward. I wanted to look forward. I needed something creative, energizing, and action-orientated. Soken held a space for me so I could ask—and gain insight and answers to—the pressing questions that had been plaguing me for a long time, especially what my next big steps ought to be with certain friendships, career moves, and personal development. Coaching with Soken also allowed me the time and space I needed to seriously think about what I needed, the kind of life I wanted, and what I envisioned for myself. I've since continued this journey of self-reflection and I can only say I'm better because of the time I spent working through these questions and establishing a deep foundation for growth and reflection with Soken.
AmitaLegal Services, New York, NY
Coaching with Bodhi Heart is full of heart, muscle, and brains! I was struggling with turning my vision into concrete steps and clarifying my goals. At first, I was intimidated by coaching but immediately I noticed Soken was so easy to speak with, he listened really well and was able to reiterate my agenda and interpret them simply and intuitively. Right from the beginning I felt listened to, making it easy to make progress with this work. Within the first two weeks we had a series of short-term goals that felt (and were) achievable, even during an especially busy time. Soken is enthusiastic, but he really does listen well, and is empathetic to all the pressures of life on people. His expectations were solidly focused on my personal satisfaction with our progress, and not unrealistic or overachieving. I feel infinitely more focused and capable of setting goals and plotting a pathway to achieve them. Clarifying these took patience and time, and Soken was an integral guide in that process. I strongly recommend this process, Soken has a firm grasp of how to elicit intentions and how to move from there towards goals. For me these are long term goals, but along the way we found short-term, achievable objectives that made the journey incredibly productive and satisfying. I highly recommend Soken Graf for coaching. He helped me build my confidence, clarify my goals, and establish a pattern of success that led to me knowing I can build my dreams, no matter how big!
Andy LeeWriter, Albany, NY
Working with Soken is an essential part of my spiritual and physical health. After years of experiencing the physical benefits of Rolfing, and the mental benefits that come with living a pain-free life, I embarked on a series of spiritual coaching sessions during the pandemic. Working more deeply with Soken in the midst of such a tumultuous time in the world, during which I began exploring a career transition and possible relocation, has created the space for me to reflect and change certain long-held behaviors, beliefs and judgments while looking ahead with clear eyes. Soken’s wisdom, compassion, and light make this an amazing experience that meets you where you are, giving you invaluable and sound tools for growth and self-care. I can't recommend Soken highly enough.
SarahArt Broker, New York, NY
My experience with coaching so far has been unexpectedly great! My biggest struggle that transformed as a result of coaching was changing my uncreative thought patterns. Prior to coaching, I felt like I was stuck in a negative story. When we first started working together, Soken helped me see my goals and was very generous in the process. One day after coaching, I experienced a moment of clearheaded positive projection like when drains drain again. I'm very grateful and it's continued. I now feel what was depressing uncertainty around me is rather a cloud with boundaries and a source of inspiration—and it can be experienced differently and made so much better and more beautiful. I’m in a happier place with my work and can’t even begin to express my thankfulness for this. Soken is a well of incredible knowledge. He gives an example of non-judgmental and creative hopefulness. It's been really fun as well. I laughed as much as thought deeply and better. I am very grateful I had the chance.
Lydia M.Ph.D. Canditate, New York, NY
I had been battling a mysterious illness and I thought I knew what was important to me — my career. But, what I learned [in a series of coaching conversations] was that I needed to focus on my health, so that I could get back to the people and things that mattered to me — which is making other people’s lives better. I had seen a lot of doctors, therapists and nutritionists. I left many of those sessions in tears and confused. With coaching, I always felt the opposite - energized and clear on what I needed to do. Our [coaching] sessions inspired me to take action. And even more than that, it empowered me to look for different actions I could take within certain situations. Instead of going round and round with a situation, I found strategies to move forward, and as a result I feel much better. Coaching is helpful in that you get an outside perspective — someone who offers empathy and powerful questions — and you get to know yourself better than you did before. And you’re in control, you still get to make your own choices. If a friend asked me about coaching, I would support them 100%. I think it can be incredibly helpful. My health has improved in a way that sometimes brings me to tears. And at work, I have been approved for a promotion. These sessions helped me heal, and I’m looking forward to the future.
Destiny TalleyHR Manager, Austin, Texas
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Yelp
32 reviews on yelp
Yelp
18 (Hidden) reviews on yelp

Unfortunately, Yelp doesn’t show all of our client’s reviews on their website. 18 of 50, almost half of them, are hidden. But we want you to be able to see them all. See the excerpts below or read the full review by clicking the “Read on Yelp” button and logging into your Yelp account.

1. Rebecca E.

Incredible Healer

Soken is an incredible healer. I have had the worst year of my life suffering from chronic pain (headaches/ migraines) while trying to take care of a baby in a pandemic. Soken has not only helped me with the physical pain but he has become a friend, healer, mentor, in the process… 

Read on Yelp

2. Andrea L.

Coaching
was Amazing

Soken Graf at BodhiHeart Coaching was amazing, helping me to clarify dreams, establish goals, and set up achievable steps to bring goals to reality. He listened carefully, held space for my needs, and was incredibly enthusiastic and focused. Highly recommend!!

Read on Yelp

3. Cara R.

calming & reassuring

The [Coaching] sessions are so calming and reassuring. I am glad to have found and been coached by Soken. These sessions have really gotten to the core of my issues and now I have practical solutions for them. Soken is the coach you need.

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4. Marni G.

fantastic coach!

I highly recommend Soken as he's a fantastic coach! Soken really helped me set clear goals and measures, helped me to get to insight … Soken's coaching helped me overcome the fear of taking the next step. Soken is sensitive and provides compassionate support through the process.

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5. Thomas A.

real insight

Soken will ease your physical presence with Rolfing ... and your overall life with his contemplative guidance program. If you're ready to expand every part of your mind and prepared to pull up your sleeves and earn some real insight, Soken and Bodhi Heart is your best bet in nyc - likely on the eastern seaboard.

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6. Rafaella R.

life changing journey

I have been working with Soken for the past couple of years and he has supported me greatly in starting a life changing journey …

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7. Monica V.

live and Thrive

I recommend this service to anyone seeking for physical work and/or for the seekers for a more fulfilling life that mirror the inner and deep desires of oneself in light of building a more harmonious world where we can all live and thrive and not just survive ...

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8. Anaina M.

wisdom & understanding

The meditation guidance and talk last night was phenomenal. I have had instruction on Metta meditation before, but your explanation offered so much wisdom and direct understanding. Much Gratitude to You Soken.

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9. Steve G.

regain focus

Soken's therapy was helpful in allowing me to regain my focus on Traning for cycling. My hip pain has subsided and given me new confidence

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10. Alistair B.

making the impossible possible

Soken has resolved issues related to mobility in my hips and back that a collection of physiotherapists, bodyworkers and chiropractors has said either weren't problems to solve or impossible to solve.

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11. Alex C.

extremely active

…I am extremely active in sports and anytime I will get one those pains that are un-stretchable or how about when you try to sit and there is not one position that you can be comfortable in! Now I know who to go see or even better recommend to friends in pain…

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12. Lisa S.

a treasure

Soken is a treasure. I came to him with a long-standing knee injury. In one session he was able to get rid of the pain. He's also helped a number of other people I know. He's thoughtful, kind, insightful, and quite effective…

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13. Brian B.

Long-Term Positive Effects

…He takes body work to the next level. Each session with Soken has long-term, positive effects. He heals…

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14. Kyle M.

My soul's quest

…my self-esteem has noticeably strengthened and I feel invigorated to pick up my soul's quest where I left off when I turned from the road and detoured through darkness. I am very grateful that we have this cutting edge technology to rescue the spirit …

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15. Tressa B.

mind numbing stress

…As someone who has a wide range of experience with healing techniques, I think Soken's approach is superior. In my case, after only 1 session, I felt a great release from mind-numbing stress that had plagued me for weeks before. Something actually re-aligned in my body that calmed it down…

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16. Sam R.

four knee surgeries

…I had had four knee surgeries in four years and after each surgery my knee had never truly healed…I have been seeing Soken for over a month now, and I have honestly never felt better, more balanced or at peace with myself … I have not felt this good since the injury occurred over five years ago…

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17. Melissa P.

joyful sense
of well-being

The benefits I immediately began to receive were nothing short of revolutionary.… It is hard to describe other than to say I felt as if I were a different body altogether, with a naturally joyful sense of the well-being I had once possessed as a child…

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18. Ahlis H.

pure zen

My life has changed thanks to the monthly four week meditation classes Soken guides and teaches on what it is like to meditate from a pure Zen place with a modern twist. I am a completely different person and continue to grow and learn about myself and the universe and all that is.

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