We’ve lived in the same house for 37 years. Absent the forced discipline of frequent moves, one accumulates a lot of stuff in that period of time. Every once in a while, I go around the house with the intention of getting rid of stuff. Generally, I’m not very successful. The problem is it’s all …
Enjoying A Meaningful Life
There’s been a lot of books written on finding one’s life purpose. The Amazon bookstore lists thirty-thousand. I can’t say I have a definitive life purpose beyond enjoying a meaningful life. That may seem shallow, but there’s more to it than it sounds. Over the years, I developed a discipline to move in that direction. …
It’s Been A Long Time
It's been a long time since I rock and rolled It's been a long time since I did the stroll Ooh let me get it back, let me get it back Let me get it back, baby, where I come from -It’ Been A Long Time, Led Zepplin, 1971 Yes, it has! My 50th-year high …
Gratitude and Acceptance
There are two halves in life; the Franciscan priest Richard Rohr sums them up: “The task of the first half of life is to create a proper container for one’s life. It answers such questions as “Who am I?” “What makes me significant?”The task of the second half of life is to find the actual …
Politics
Last week, I wrote about belief in God. Sticking with taboo subjects, I turn this week to politics. Both areas provide an opportunity to listen. ————————————— Politics More than a century ago, humorist Mark Twain reminded us there are three types of liars; “liars, damned liars, and politicians.” Some things never change! Political views in …
Spirit and Belief
Developing mind, body, and Spirit are essential to a life well-lived. A friend, a Deacon in the Catholic church, asked what I mean by Spirit and whether or not I believe in God. We decided to meet for breakfast to discuss it. Over the course of a two-and-a-half-hour conversation, we found plenty to agree on, …
Taped To A Mirror
Taking an extended vacation from weekly posts provided a welcome break. Recharged with a list of new ideas, and a draft outline for my next book, I’m ready to resume writing. I hope you enjoy the new stuff! —————————————————— Taped To A Mirror I started my first big-boy job in July, forty-five years ago. I …
Freedom
It was another busy week as we get the cabin ready for summer guests. The longer days invite outdoor activities, leaving little time for reflection and writing. I’m pretty sure July 4th comes sooner every year, especially Up-North, where two months ago, the lake was still frozen. As we approach our country’s celebration of freedom, …
Dad
Dad and me, 1955 Today we honor fathers' contributions to our lives. My Dad has been gone for twelve years. He had an outsized impact on my life. I always had the greatest respect for Dad. When I was a youngster, I thought he should be President of the United States. Recently I came …
Beautiful Dawn
It’s been a crazy busy week, so I thought I would simply offer a poem. I wrote Beautiful Dawn sometime during the mid-twenty aughts, about the time I began mindfulness practice. Beautiful Dawn I open my eyes to the morning smiling in my hand. Satisfied with the mystery of awareness and eternity. Why name what …
Towards A Life Well-Lived 