For most of my life, I believed love, closeness and affection had to be earned. That I needed to be successful and do something impressive to be accepted and loved. If I worked hard enough, performed well enough, maybe then I’d be worthy. I am paying the cost of that … Read More
Can you believe it’s been a full year since I moved to Thailand? In that time, I’ve been navigating the shifting terrain of a new life—balancing spiritual practice, creativity, friendship, and solitude. A second ten-day silent meditation retreat, batches of soap made by hand, some meaningful connections, and many long … Read More
Verb save face – third-person singular simple present – saves face – present participle – saving face – simple past and past participle – saved face 1. (idiomatic, intransitive) To take an action or make a gesture intended to preserve one’s reputation or honor; retain respect; avoid humiliation He tried … Read More
It’s been anything but quiet, and not by accident. A lot has changed. Some of it was planned—some of it arrived like a wave I couldn’t stop. And didn’t want to stop. I quit my job after 25 years. Sometimes I call it retirement, but at 56, I feel too … Read More
I approach the one-year mark of retiring from a 25-year academic career and moving to Thailand. Life has brought me great experiences, some attempts at reprogramming of ‘merikkkhan life propaganda and integrating cultural differences. I can see some real beauty in Thai culture and society. As well as some of … Read More
I sit here and write this at “The Much Room Cafe” in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I like to come here because it has wide open space outdoors with big trees and a waterfall. But today something is different. I am listening to the sound of singing cicadas. A circadian rhythm, … Read More
I have written a couple of pieces about how I was living a split and divided life. This division within me started as a child inside a framework of generational expectations which I was unable to fulfill. Moved to societal expectations that liked to dictate gender roles. Into sexual norms … Read More
I have been on a search for universal truths that all humans experience and can relate to. I have also been curious about how the emotion of vulnerability relates to dual/nondual concepts. Especially in how vulnerability relates to self and other, control and surrender, separation and unity. But after my … Read More
It’s hard to believe how time fly’s by sometimes and it’s been over three months since I have posted a piece of writing. Have now been in Thailand for 7 months. With all of life’s trials and tribulations. The expression, “wherever you go, there you are” has become a large … Read More
What is Mercy? I’m not sure if I’m qualified to be talking about the topic of mercy. I don’t know any more how to be speaking of mercy, or what being merciful looks like or what dreaming of a merciful life or society is. Recognizing the presence of mercy is … Read More