“True art takes note not merely of form but also of what lies behind.” —Mahatma Gandhi The 20th century brought us into the age of scientific reasoning. The promise of objective knowledge eroded religious and mythological beliefs to create a new culture of science and materialism. Even today, science continues to advance human knowledge and …Read More
Category: Journal
Hope is the thing with feathers
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul…” —Emily Dickinson When I can’t find faith, I look for hope. Emily Dickinson’s poem brings me hope. I feel the rustling of feathers within me whenever I read this opening line to her poem. Some inner knowing awakens: “It’s going to be OK.” Even …Read More
“On Being” by Krista Tippett
What does it mean to be human? and how do we want to live? —OnBeing.org On Being is a public radio conversation and podcast that explores these questions that are at the center of human life. As host and executive producer, Krista Tippett is a master at the art of the interview. She bring questions …Read More
Too Small For You
“Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet confinement of your alonenessto learnanything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you.”—David Whyte, excerpt from “Sweet Darkness” In an earlier career as a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands, David Whyte tells us that he returned to poetry because the scientific language …Read More
Let Your Light Shine
OUR DEEPEST FEAR —by Marianne Williamson Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? …Read More
“Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann
In a modern world of “noise and haste,” these simple words slow us down to offer the profound wisdom to “strive to be happy.” This inspirational prose poem and philosophy of life was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. Wisdom is timeless. May the “Desiderata” inspire you as it inspires me. Go placidly amid the …Read More
“Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver
There are doctors, medicines, and even machines that have saved lives. And then there are the poets, like Mary Oliver, who have saved souls. She is so deeply present in her poetry that she invites us into presence with her. Growing up in a difficult home, nature became her mother, her teacher, and her mentor. …Read More
Healing with Horses
I am still struck today with just how generous he was to share something he loved with a stranger. Gary owned a small family farm with horses and cattle. While his profession took him to the hospital as a physical therapist where I had met him, this was another side of him — love of the …Read More
Asking the Right Question
SOMETIMES —by David Whyte Sometimes if you move carefully through the forest breathing like the ones in the old stories who could cross a shimmering bed of dry leaves without a sound, you come to a place whose only task is to trouble you with tiny but frightening requests conceived out of nowhere but in …Read More
Animal Medicine – Native American Healing
Today, a pair of rabbits hopped about in my backyard, and then disappeared in the brush. A few minutes later, small deer ran across the lawn. A few minutes more, that must be mama deer lagging behind. “It’s Spring!” I said out loud to myself as I continued to stare out the window. Living in …Read More