An email from an acquaintance who subscribes to my writing said she was confronting some heartbreaking transitions and would welcome any thoughts I might have. In replying, it didn’t take long to realize I was talking to maybe every one of us. Dear Q, I’m honored that you would reach out to me, and grateful […]
A Letter To All of Us Who Know Heartbreak Read More »
At a recent AA meeting, the topic of discussion was: Why do we keep coming to meetings? Answers beyond the obvious I don’t want to drink take some reflection. At least for me, sober since ’89. My natural inclination nowadays, when presented with such a question, is to feel that the universe is asking me
What’s Worth Doing Read More »
It was a special NPR evening talk show. The topic was the emerging change in relationships between men and women. This in the light of the surge of new and deeper revelations of systemic sexism that color those relationships. This particular show was about men. One of the guests was a fellow who had spent
The Future of Outrage Read More »
When I was 25, working as a news announcer for one of Boston’s major radio and television stations, a woman who’d recently graduated from college joined our ranks. She worked in the newsroom, as did I. She was African-American. We became sweethearts for a few years. Somewhere along the way she said to me that
The Gift of a Long-Ago Sweetheart Read More »
You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough. That sentiment by English poet and painter William Blake [1757-1827] has been a source of great comfort for me. I’ve also heard it as: “The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom.” I can’t say I live in the
The Road of Excess Read More »
In response to the recent obituary of a well-regarded public figure, published comments included, as you might expect, many effusive statements of praise for the deceased. A few went so far as to call him “a great man.” I’m sure I’ve seen or heard that remark countless times. In fact, I recall my sister using
Swami Rama is a kindred soul for those of us on the spiritual joyride. In one of his books, “Living With the Himalayan Masters,” he tells the story of a swami of his acquaintance. The swami’s disciples felt he was very ill, so much so that death might very well be imminent. They asked Swami
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“To thine own self be true.” Now that’s useful advice, even if it is impossible to follow. At least it’s impossible for me, because I don’t know who my “own self” is. Fortunately, my lack of understanding doesn’t get in the way of a rewarding life. I can tell you all sorts of things
Just Who is “Thine Own Self”? Read More »