It was a conversation my doctor didn’t expect. I had carefully considered how to initiate it. I decided that it was best to just jump into it. On a recent visit I asked, “Given my current health and way of life, in rough terms, how long do you think I’ll… Read More »The Privilege of Growing Older
Let’s just admit something that’s simply true: life can be very difficult. For decades, war has raged in the Middle East and Central Asia with no real solution in sight as hundreds of thousands of refugees flee to Europe. Each day, children and youth are gunned-down in the streets of… Read More »Finding Light in the Darkness
The movement started when Christianity could be legally practiced in the Roman Empire. Those in serious pursuit of a way of life that could be called “Christian” left their towns and cities and headed to remote places to live alone or in small groups. The most notable were the ones… Read More »Becoming Fire
In the early 1990’s, I moved to South Florida where I lived for about five and a half years. One of the first things I noticed was the number of cars with the same bumper sticker. Red letters on a white background simply stated: Love your neighbor. I never knew… Read More »Love Your Neighbor
I was happy for my friend. I’ve known him for a long while. Now in his forties, he began to practice meditation a few months ago. After a few weeks, the leader of his meditation group invited him to attend an eight-day silent retreat focused on meditation practice. My friend… Read More »It’s Just Ordinary
The New Year has begun. As we wish each other, “Happy New Year!” we have no idea what this year will bring to us, our loved ones, and our world. Will this be a bright and shining year? Or will the year be marked by hardship and strife? While we… Read More »Toward Making It a Happy New Year
The Christmas wrapping has been torn off the presents. The needles from the pine tree are beginning to fall. Perhaps it’s just my imagination, but the holiday light displays seem to have a bit less glimmer than just a few days ago. Christmas Day has passed. Now upon us are… Read More »The Day After Christmas
I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled to different parts of the world. Since much of the travel was work-related, I’d often be on my own. I explored new places by myself and tried to learn about the local cultures by simply being there. During one trip to Mexico City,… Read More »Hidden Lives and Christmas
