Margaret Meloni

Many years ago, a coworker, whom I really admired, lost her husband to cancer. At this stage in my life, I had some experience with death and grief, but nothing as intense as what she was experiencing. I recall sending her a card and writing something along the lines of, “If you need anything, just ask. As always, I am here for you.” Later, I would regret my choice of words. Not because she asked for anything. She did not. I realized that my words were hollow and they only made me feel better...

When someone you didn’t like dies, grief can feel messy and confusing. You might sense a flicker of sadness, followed by relief, and then guilt about the relief. You may feel nothing at all and judge yourself for it. You don’t need to force your heart to fit a script. Learn to meet what is here—kindly, clearly, and without pretending. Your task is not to manufacture a “proper” response, but to respond skillfully to whatever is present now—with mindfulness, compassion, and wise intention....

At one time or another, most of us have found ourselves at an event thinking, “Oh, I wish Mom were here for this,” or, “Mom would have loved to see you get married.” Sometimes, it’s something as simple as, “It’s too bad Mom didn’t see her roses bloom this year.” Conversely, we might think, “I’m really glad Dad isn’t here to see what’s happened in his city,” or, “Dad would be so upset at this turn of events.” Click below to listen, or keep reading for more. It’s natural to find ourselves...

Check out this recent episode of the Death Dhamma podcast and consider a change in perspective. By embracing both the agreeable and disagreeable aspects of any situation, you can begin to foster a more balanced approach to life’s challenges. And that is what this episode of The Death Dhamma podcast will help you accomplish. This episode also highlights a fascinating encounter between the Buddha and a Brahmin teacher, where the limitations of sensory perception are unveiled. Here, the Buddha...

Imagine three scenarios in which people’s cars break down by the roadside. Our emotional responses will likely vary significantly based on our connection to them. A stranger? Mild compassion. A neighbor? More involvement. A best friend? Deep emotional turbulence. Before we hit the road, let’s revisit equanimity—how it weaves together with metta (loving-kindness), karuna (compassion), and mudita (sympathetic joy)—and consider how we can practice equanimity in everyday life. Sometimes called...