Zen Dog – aka Larry, or “ZD” – is the creative mind behind Zen Dog Tea House. Part tea house, part artist boutique, soak up the good energy and positive vibrations at Zen Dog Tea House.

Located in the Ballard / Crown Hill neighborhood in Seattle, Zen Dog welcomes people into his home that has transformed into a business that showcases tea, art and statues portraying some of the most wonderful Eastern deities. 

About Zen Dog. I don’t know where to begin? Besides his friendly and welcoming demeanor, the man is nothing but a swirling ball of good vibes. Although what he touches doesn’t necessarily turn to gold, his simplistic and cheerful personality touches everyone’s heart. 

Upon entering the red gates that are surrounded by trees that have dangling lanterns, ZD will “escort” you the wooden Chinese tea table where you can eye ball a menu of different teas. 

Black, green, floral, herbal, moon blends – you name it, he’s got it. Zen Dog selects teas grown in natural and pristine areas in China and Taiwan and that are free from pesticides and chemicals. He prides himself on the quality and the process of sipping tea. 

Every tea guest has the opportunity to select a certain tea for tasting. After breaking off a piece of tea off the “cake,” ZD washes and infuses the tea with multiple douses of hot water. While the tea steeps, ZD will hand you his Iphone so you can select the type of music you’d like to muse to. (I chose Buddha Bar Lounge as it brings back memories of the Buddha Bar in Prague & Paris).

Once perfected, ZD pours the tea into everyone’s cup. And a cuppa is a-latte. After several rounds of sipping green teas and the “coffee replacement” tea, I felt a buzz that I only get from energy healing. 

The powerful boost of freshly brewed organic tea zips through your blood stream quicker than a shot of sugar. If you’re not feeling up for anymore tea, just turn the cup over. If not, expect round and round of tea until whatever leaves are brewing diminishes in flavor. Each time ZD adds water, the flavor changes and dilutes compared to the first dose.

After pleasant conversation and gazing into this magical man’s eyes, I couldn’t help but think he looked familiar. Certainly, he resembled the wizard from Lord of the Rings, but my healer friend nailed it. Merlin. This guy (and his tea) is like Merlin’s Magic – a wizard that is no longer in training. A true majestic creature that has nothing but love to give and smiles to share. 

After having countless shitty days, a couple hours spent at Zen Dog’s completely washed the negativity away. ZD was also kind enough to show us his artist studio and gallery where workshops take place. 

I felt as if I was home, stuck in a bubble of beautiful Reiki energy and I didn’t want to leave. Maybe it was the moon blend’s First Love tea kick-starting my kundalini energy? I didn’t know, but I felt as if I were at least 2,000 miles outside of the rift-raft stress of Seattle. 

His home is a sanctuary, and a place to call, “Om.” The manicured lawn is outlined by rows of bamboo trees that delicately privatizes a gazebo and a small pond filled with colorful Chinese fish known as Koi. 
Inside, you can stare at Buddha or admire the beauty of the goddess, Kuan Yin statue. Or try your luck by rubbing the prosperity frog. He also has a rack of teas stored in glass jars so you can play scratch and sniff with whatever flavor you  may savor. 

In his former life, ZD was a master of architecture, photography and music.  And if you ask him his name, he’ll kindly answer, “Zen Dog” with a beautiful, grinning smile.

He's an ancient soul who's hip to modern trends. So, if you remember, take a look at ZD’s shoes. He may sport a pair of fire-engine Chuck’s (aka Converse shoes). Get ready to pose in style, as Zen Dog loves taking pictures for his Instagram account.

Zen Dog’s personality is as rich, robust and colorful as his teas. Generous and affordable, you can schedule a one-hour tea tasting for $5.00 or a tea dating evening for $20.00 per couple. 

You can also find ZD offering tea tastings at one of the many PCC stores. His products are sold at the PCC and on-site at the Tea Gallery.

So what type of tree should you try? Let your gut and your nose decide. I enjoyed the Jasmine, Secret Love, Hibiscus. The menu is long, so take a deep inhale and try whatever smells best. 
Zen Dog Tea House
http://teahousegallery.com/
2015 NW 85th Street
Seattle, WA 98117 • USA
Tel. 206.920.0721
Open Daily by Appointment

​Have you visited Zen Dog's Tea House? If so, got any stories to share? I'd love to  hear them! 

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From an outsider’s perspective, Burning Man seems like a weird even where only smelly hippies go to frolic in the desert. Although eclectic, Burning Man is an enclave of artist’s, creative and spiritually-based people to connect with like-minded people.
 
I had a fair share of hesitation and anxiety prior to experiencing my first burn. I don’t like camping. I don’t like being dirty. And I certainly do not thrive in extreme heat.

While looking back at my first burn, none of those things mattered when it came to the experience of Burning Man. Now, I must say, not everyone experiences an epic burn. I believe one's stage of life dictates the break-through, growth or challenge of Burning Man.
 
Each person is individually attracted to BM for different reasons. I’ve wanted to go for 11 years. In fact, I even talk about my desire to go to Burning Man while traveling in Goa, India in search of the notable trance parties. After a decade, I finally made it to Burning Man. And I believe that Burning Man came into my life when the time was right.
 
I am at a relatively good spot in my life, but like any human I have problems. And being a starving artist is one of them. Although I had my own personal “shit” I needed to internalize, Burning Man exceeded my expectations. In simple terms, BM brought me back to life.
 
Burning Man taught me:
 
I Maybe a Starving Artist but I have a Powerful Message & Gift to Share
Oh Seattle. Where do I even begin? For a city that has a yoga studio on every other corner, many places are not receptive to welcoming outsiders. The yoga community can be as petty and exclusive as a highschool cheerleader team. And some of the bookstores are no better. 
 
I moved back to Seattle full of confidence after the Germans toughened me up the previous 15 months. I have been denied, ignored and rejected by nearly every studio, blog, bookstore and newspaper I reached out in regards to offering a book reading or a personal growth workshop that incorporates concepts from my books. Seriously, it’s just a travel memoir about change and spirituality – what’s so wrong with that? Some of it could’ve been universal with the energy not being the right time, but I am no newbie to the health and personal growth world. 
 
My artistry is writing and understanding the art of human movement (and the mind). I couldn’t even get a book reading or book a yoga class at my local library, but yet MOBY who also wrote a memoir got front page press at Seattle Library. Another independent shop said, “Thanks but no thanks. We don’t think your story will bring in the people or enough money to make the event worth it.” I guess I could only thank them for being honest since the Pac NW is ultra-sensitive and passive. 
 
Of course, I don’t blame the system on what brings in money. I totally get it. An independent writer can’t compete in a popularity contest with a big wig like MOBY. BUT…I do believe my story could have more of an impact on the everyday Joe Schmo as I watch countless amounts of stressed corporate junkies live their life in “fight or flight,” but in reality they want more out of life. I see the women who are broken from shitty (or failing) relationships and gravitate towards drugs, sex and alcohol to uplift their spirits. 
 
The best denial came from an organization that said, “this content belongs only at East West bookshop.” I replied stating a travel memoir is about growth and change and the reply included, “it’s out of the box (aka controversial).” BUT…the next month they booked a lady to read from her book about abortions. Seriously!? There is nothing more controversial than abortion, politics and religion. It blistered my mind as hypocrisy rules many notions in life. 
 
Burning Man, an enclave of artists (and I’m slightly tearing as I write this), re-boosted my confidence just like the Germans did last year. Many people praised me for the efforts of “telling it all” and I felt accepted as if I have some fucking value in this money-driven world. I gave away a book after each yoga class I taught at the Lotus Dome at 5:00E.
 
It was the nicest feeling in the world that anyone gave two-shits for actually wanting to read the book. And at times, I lost my emotions, which I did while drinking naked espresso with three girls (Irish, English and Slovakian). I felt free. I felt alive. I felt uplifted amongst a community of independent artists.

To say the least, to get praised for something that you pour heart and soul into felt good after 8 months of non-stop rejection. But, I am thankful for those rejections because it builds thick skin, which is essential as an artist. 

Re-evaluate & Re-prioritize Success 
Pretty much, Seattle has committed spiritual suicide. The city is becoming the next SFO and people are losing their minds about money. Burning Man not only boosted my confidence as an artist, but it helped me reevaluate the meaning of success. 
 
On Saturday, my last day and night in the playa, I remember riding my bike through the desert. After conquering a dust storm, chills overcame my body and something clicked in my brain. Society (especially America) is so god damn obsessed with money, which my relationship w/ money changed after living in Germany. The average North German makes 1800-euros per month and pays 40% tax. Life was simple. Life was pure. Life was magical. 
 
While dancing to the last beats of techno, I cried on the dancefloor because I conquered one of my dreams – writing a book. Sure, my sales are nothing to brag about, but I reevaluated that the lives I’ve (hopefully) touched are worth more than some stupid paycheck. I spent three years of non-paid time writing, editing and thinking. That dedication taught me to be proud of what I achieved since most people wouldn’t commit to that (or at least hire a ghostwriter). 

I also contemplated my success for living my dreams. I'm unconventional. I don't want a house, fancy car or some VP office job. Anything constricting feels like a noose around my neck. Instead of celebrating work accomplishments, I recognized how far I've evolved in life and gave credit to all of my travels, which is my vanity.

It was a pure shedding of the ego that reconfirmed sometimes I really don't give a shit what other people think. 

Disconnection From Technology & the Release the Negativity
One of the most blissful aspects of Burning Man was being out of cell reception. I lost reception about 45 minutes outside of Reno. And thank God! 
 
Escaping the email, the Facebook rants, the petty politics and terrorism in Europe, I disconnected from the device that drags me down every…flipping…day. The pressure of today is just as intense as it was in the past. In the past people worked like dogs to tend crops and survive. Today, we are minions of money-makers.
 
Sure some potential blog partners want to know “How many Instagram and Pinterest followers do you have now?” Oh, I don’t have enough? So, that makes me not valuable, right? WRONG! That’s not what the playa taught me. 
 
Instead of worrying about all this horseshit, I lived in the moment and breathed in the dusty air. The cathartic experience of burning art allowed me to "burn" off anything that brought me down. Oh my God, if I could go back to a life without a smart phone, I’d be there.
 
I felt as if I had more time on my hands and the freedom to choose anything – an art workshop, a rave or ride around the playa. The playa is a magical and powerful being.

Fulfillment of the Spirit to Be Free
In Latin and Greek, spirit translates to breath. It was ironic that in the playa I felt like I could actually breathe. In Seattle, I’ve suffered off and on respiratory problems, which I will blame because of all the construction dust in the air. Seattle once healed me when I moved here seven years ago, and now I feel like a sick dog. 
 
Once the body can breathe, #OMG amazing things happen. To me, Burning Man is a modern day spirit circle. Now, there are copious amounts of drugs on the playa. And well, spiritually sophisticated cultures like Native Americans and Egyptians had their fair share of getting high. Although it’s not my thing, most everyone is at their best, enhancing the experience with a bit of mind-altering drugs. 
 
Between dancing, energy healing sessions and the gifting and sharing concept, you can’t help but change at Burning Man. 
 
One of the most amazing things I personally experienced was that I lost all physical pain. For days, every ounce of negativity escaped my body. I no longer had shoulder or low back pain. And I certainly did not have PMS, which in the real world debilitates me for the first 24 hours. 
 
I had a complete union of the mind, body and spirit that ascended me up the spiritual ladder. I felt as free and light as angel. Things such as pain, negativity or cruelty did not exist in my reality. 
 
I remember dancing on Friday, and I kept saying, “I feel like I am on Mars.” Between the lights, music and the stars, everything outside of Burning Man seemed like a blackhole that I did not want to re-enter.  
 
My mind empowered, I believed nothing but beauty, life and love existed. When I believed this, my body experienced the best 72 hours of its life.

I believe pain goes beyond physical misalignments. It’s the pain and agony of the soul, desperately trying to break free of whatever is holding it back. 
 
Is there such a thing as pain free living? I believe there is. I believe the playa wanted me to experience this to ascend me to the next level of confidence to start teaching others what I’ve learned after 12 years of spiritual journeying.

Confirmation of Spiritual Beliefs
A big lesson for me in 2016 is to experience the rough and tough parts of life. If I had it my way, I would’ve opted into accessing the “easy” parts of life, but that is not what the universe had in store for me. 
 
I am spiritual. Spiritual people normally believe that everything happens for a reason. I do whole-heartedly believe this, especially because I know I came to Burning Man at the right time. 
 
But, not all Burning Man-ers may feel the same. Another concept is random chaos in that things happen spontaneously and not as planned. That is the more logical and scientific way of seeing the world (and what makes the world go ‘round). And there are plenty of logical techie people at BM. 
 
The playa reconfirmed my spiritual beliefs. The only person I keep in touch with from childhood came to Burning Man. No matter how hard we looked for eachother, we kept missing eachother, sometimes by minutes. Once she left, I arrived. Once I left, she arrived. Although a big bummer, I believe that we needed to experience Burning Man on our own terms. We both needed to internalize our own information and work through our inner-world battles. 
 
It taught me that there is something higher guiding us. Spirit guides. Angels. Ascended Masters – whatever it is, something is giving us obstacles or shifting us around like the gamekeeper from the Hunger Games. 
 
I also believe in spirit guides. I believe that nature is a reflection of our inner world. I’ve had multiple encounters with animal spirit guides throughout my life.
 
And the same happened on the playa – a place where life cannot EXIST because of the alkaline environment.
 
On the last day, I rode my bike through the playa, carefree and “sailing” across the desert, going wherever the wind guided me. Suddenly, my chain popped off my bike but luckily I got it on back. 
 
I headed face-first into a dust storm and pedaled to whom the fuck knows where. Somewhere near the temple. Once the storm past, I pedaled forward, thinking about my life as an artist. I looked over my left shoulder and saw a blue dragonfly following me. I turned my head forward and our path split and we departed our ways. I pedaled to the right and the dragonfly flew to the left. 
 
Once I got back into cell reception, I looked up the meaning of dragonfly to find it’s most powerful message as, “symbolizing the transformation and life’s ever constant process of change needed in order for one to reach his or her full potential.” 
 
I believe I was sent to Burning Man to ascend myself to the next level. The shift from pupil to teacher to Master, I thank Burning Man for all of its powers that it sent to me. 
 
This blog post is long enough so stay tuned as I talk about the The Power of Nature at Burning Man & its Perspectives in the next post. 
 
Did you go to Burning Man? Did it change your life? I'd love to hear your story!

Eastern Europe has always been a meat and potato society. Until recently, the vegetarian and vegan scene is thriving in major Eastern cities. For something chic and affordable try the Buddha Restorans in Riga, Latvia. 

After countless hours of walking, I became famished. I make it a point to visit at least one or two vegan / veg restaurants in each city. Now, before vegans go "hay-wire" about supporting a place that may use dairy, just remember Eastern Europe has its financial struggles. Something like soy milk is progressive enough and luxuries that we enjoy in the "west" such as almond milk either doesn't exist or can cost up to five euros per liter. 

For about 7.50 euros you can enjoy the lunch special that features a set menu every day of the week. Tea, soup, bread with four kinds of homemade butters, an entree and a dessert is included in the price. It's by the far the best deal (and eating) anywhere east of the Baltic Sea. 

The interior features a chic and modern style that is kept tidy and clean. As you enter, you are greeted by friendly staff and welcomed by a large Ganesh statue towering over the booths. 

I sat at a booth and admired the locals, fashionably dressed while talking business. If I've learned anything in Latvia, it's that Eastern Europeans always sport fashion. Looking good is part of their lineage. My relaxed American dress looked like I just rolled out of bed. 

And speaking of getting out of bed, I had a burning appetite after walking around in the bitter cold for hours. The waitress asked if I wanted to start with soup or dessert. Starting with dessert? It sounded bizarre, but I noticed nearly everyone around me ate dessert first. How European. I loved it!

I went the old-fashioned route and started in traditional order. The Ayurvedic and herbal chai saved my soul as the clear mushroom and vegetable soup topped with fresh dill warmed my muscles. Dill is a popular herb used in Eastern cooking and is a part of nearly every meal in the East. 

But the dark rye bread served with four kinds of butter melted my heart (and in my mouth). From fresh herbs to carrot - good lord - each one had its own distinct flavor that fused together like peas and carrots. I felt as if I could've eaten an entire stick right there. 

I felt as if I soared to vegetarian heaven where only five-star cooking exists. Buddha Restoran ascended vegetarian cooking to the next level. My first experience included a healthy portion of vegetable basmati rice topped with mung beans and lentil-celery sauce. Flavorful and not too spicy, the lentils were cooked with perfection. Not too mushy but not hard. 

Whoever was in the kitchen certainly knew how to cook. 

My favorite part of the experience were the desserts. The first dessert (the first picture above) is an apple pakora cake topped with some vanilla ice cream. 

The second dessert is a baked pear topped with a "pancake" that is similar to a softer scone. Simple yet stylish, these desserts fused classic cooking with modern baking. Somehow, I love things that still cling onto the old but welcome the new. How symbolic. 

The one thing I know about cooking is that good food takes time. I wish I got personal lessons from the chef. But until then....keep eating!

Buddha Restorans
Raina bulvaris 15, Riga 1050, Latvia

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