We all long to be "seen," to be beheld by another with accepting eyes, by one who "stands in the face of our suffering and still sees our beauty;" and who can "witness our weakness and still see our strength." I don't always achieve it, but I get glimpses of the possibility, especially when teaching and reciting poetry. Every time, I feel the transformative nature of simply being seen and the healing power of an accepting heart.
Read MoreHave you ever felt frustrated pursuing a goal, as if you were beating your head against a wall, and then gotten what you wanted only after you you gave up and let go of the need to get it?
Read MoreA major thrust of my life has been based on the Greek Dictum, "know Thyself." In many ways, I have totally failed in this endeavor, but it has not been without its rewards. For me, the most important gift form this effort is to let what is within me find expression through poetry and writing. How do you unmask yourself? How do you turn the mirror inside out?
Read MoreI have a habit of keeping a very long to-do list and many items carry over from day to day. This can easily lead to judging myself as lazy. I work in a sheltered enclave, in my little home office, hammering away at....what? The real question is: Does my to-do list lead to what I love?
Read MoreWe humans are masters of complicating our world and our lives. We use these brilliant brains against ourselves, layering entitlements over life and shading the world with complaints when it does not comply with our wishes. This poem, A Day Well-Lived, celebrates the simplicity of life by shifting our perspective from what the world should deliver to us to what we bring to life. How do you start and end your day? What do you bring to life?
Read MoreAll great spiritual traditions reflect some form of the golden rule, to do to others as you would like done to you. This truth applies to our deepest desire, to that which we most cherish, and which we so often feel is lacking in our lives. The trick is to discover the hidden gem behind the surface form within which we embed our desire. This means going beyond a thing to the core state we believe that thing would give us: behind the drive to accumulate wealth may be a deep desire for security or peace; behind the desire for sex may be the be a deep desire for union or oneness. What do you chase after in life? What is the deep desire behind the form it takes?
Read MoreOn some rare occasions, I look in the mirror and catch myself. I see the face looking back at me. I become aware of a presence looking through my eyes. It is always a bit surprising, sometimes disconcerting, and sometimes touching, to see this presence that has lived a life. When I see myself and others rightly, I see a miracle manifested with grace and dignity. What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Read MoreThe hype and hyperbole of the world, especially at this time of political turmoil, often steals my attention, becoming a battlefield for my soul and creating a tug of war to claim my allegiance. It can take over the story of my life as I seek redemption in the world out there. I need poetry and soulful writing to remind me that the real story is inside and I am the only hero that can save my skin. How do you stay sane when the hype and hyperbole of the world tugs at your heart?
Read MoreWe all have times when we wish for a new life, to be awakened into a new world. One of the key aspects of all spiritual traditions is that we mostly live our lives sleepwalking and that our primary spiritual task is to awaken to our true nature. What do you believe is your true nature? What might awaken you to your true nature?
Read MoreThe ocean has a perennial appeal, especially on tropic seashores where the romance of the waves tugs at our heart and teases our soul. It can easily catch us in a net of desire and carry us off...
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