The Earth as solid substance may be no more than a spun dream, a metaphor for a metaphor, and matter altogether may be empty space. That’s how quantum physics has it. Shakespeare said, “We are such stuff as dreams are made on.” Rilke wanted the … continue reading
There are times when the ache returns, sharp and clutching, and there are times when I feel the most profound joy and amazement and gratitude. On April 4, 2017, my father died after a year-long tug-of-war with brain cancer. He was two months shy of … continue reading
On Valentine’s Day in 2011, Michael Fishback (yes, that’s his real name – how appropriate!), along with his family and a few friends were presented with a rare opportunity — a chance to save the life of a humpback whale. This video tells the story… … continue reading
Sometimes we don’t need to pursue happiness. We just need to pause and let it catch up with us. While driving yesterday, I heard this story and reflection on Krista Tippet’s On Being. It’s from a discussion on Pursuing Happiness with the Dalai Lama and other … continue reading
…this Thanksgiving, we do not give thanks. We choose it. We will make this choice of thanks with courageous hearts, knowing that it is humbling to say “thank you.” God, there are days we do not feel grateful. When we are anxious or angry. When … continue reading
Poetry calls us to take words apart as well as to read them together…many words are little poems. “Gratitude” is certainly one such word. Poetry is language used in full recognition of its layers of significance, in full awareness of its sensual properties as well … continue reading
Inspired by the book The Gratitude Diaries, 98 young filmmakers created “thank you” videos for their fathers. Here are the best! Parents of teenagers often tell me that they’re excited to read my book The Gratitude Diaries because they’re hoping to get some tips about … continue reading
It’s interesting to notice that when we are in a moment of struggle, we can take our focus off the struggle, and turn our attention towards gratitude. Sometimes, I move between resistance and surrender all day long. If I can bring any amount of gratitude … continue reading
The little piece of writing below (maybe a poem) recently scurried into a page of my notebook during one of my morning writing sessions. Later I realized it must have bubbled up from a recent conversation with a psychotherapist friend of mine about how challenging … continue reading
“It is God who is revealed in every face.” ~ Ibn Arabi In a dream, I overheard a discussion. Two people were talking. One was pointing out, “You know, a lot of fine spiritual work is done here and there, in groups and individually, in … continue reading