Barking at Fearsome Things
"It's what we don't say that weighs the most." - For Elizabeth - On the night before heading home after a long road trip in July, our dog...
Precious and Precarious
"Emotions travel together – if we reject grief, we lose joy...” - Michael Meade - For Joye First the title popped into my head. Then I...
The Embrace of Wholeness
“Envision coming upon two conflicting parts of yourself while walking down the street. Extend your arms in welcome, encircling them both....
Sitting with Compassion
“Who we are in the present includes who we were in the past.” - Fred Rogers, a.k.a. Mr. Rogers - I have heard from several friends this...
Encounters with Kindness
“We must risk delight . . . We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world.” - Jack Gilbert,...
Clarity, Compassion, and Choice
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” - Ansel...
One Moment
“It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.” - Mary Oliver - Sadness has been the air I’ve been...
An Autumn Blessing
When my friend Cinda handed me this shell, she said, "This is a reminder for you to stay open to possibilities." How had she known I...
Staying Awake
" . . . Be kind, but be fierce. You are needed now more than ever before . . ." —Winston Churchill. I am not feeling particularly calm...
Embracing Every Moment
I am short on words today after handing in The Book of Calm manuscript to my publisher this week, and am sharing others' words to express...