Observing Western society's attitudes towards the body, I've noted a contradictory approach. We both idolize and denigrate the body, reflecting a deep conflict in our cultural values. On one side, we see the glorification of physical perfection in athletes, actors, and models, signifying a collective obsession with physical appearance. This adulation often ignores deeper values, … Continue reading Embracing the Body as a Gift
How much would you pay to go to the moon? Nothing. I am not really all that interested in traveling to the moon. I am still learning to take in the reality that is right here and now within the atmosphere. I do love a dark night of gazing at her majestic beauty.
At times, when faced with life's turbulence, the self I've constructed to protect my ego implodes. I gasp for air, trying to find my bearings. This contraction is a recurring phase in the rhythm of my existence. A particular vulnerability in my introspection gets triggered, and instead of expanding, I contract. My inner critic never … Continue reading Embracing the Ebb
Tasks constantly weigh on my mind, urging immediate attention. However, I'm realizing that my often-neglected lists shouldn't consume my thoughts on the Sabbath. Yet, their persistent calls beckon even as I pen this blog post. "Attend to me! Attend to me…" they seem to chant, even as I find solace in my chair. I take … Continue reading Beyond the List: Finding Peace on A Friday
periodically I come across quotes I find particularly moving. Today was such a day and here it is. Enjoy! Every single creature is full of God and is a book about God. Every creature is a word of God. If I spend enough time with the tiniest creature, even a caterpillar, I would never have … Continue reading The Gift in All Creatures
What principles define how you live? Living intentionally invites me to be clear about my values. Those values as they are shape my life; these values determine my choices and daily interactions. I regularly state my values usually writing them in my journal to see how they “sit” with me; then I examine my life … Continue reading An Examined Life
What have you been putting off doing? Why? My traditional pattern for living has been to put off everything until the last minute. That way, there is a reason when it is not perfect. The longer and harder I work on a project and the more invested in the outcome I am, the more I … Continue reading Recovering Perfectionist
What's something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail. Failure is a part of living. Almost anything we try has the potential to disappoint us and others. Failure is the great teacher. Failure teaches the lessons that success almost never does. The lessons that failure teaches me remain with me more intensely … Continue reading My Teacher, Failure
What was the hardest personal goal you've set for yourself? The pandemic changed many of my personal habits. I worked more and more from home and spent more of time reading, writing, and meeting online. Prior to the arrival of the pandemic and its resultant shutdowns, I walked daily 3-5 miles. During the pandemic, I … Continue reading Bringing My Body Back Online
What would you do if you lost all your possessions? I find these hypothetical questions challenging and interesting. Since my answer is conceptual, I am only imagining how I would be impacted by losing all possessions. Writing about this question has invited deep self-reflection. I discovered some attachments I did not want to admit. Here … Continue reading Stuff: A Slippery Slope
