How Do We Get Back to Being ONE?

On top of the usual tears and lump in my throat that catch me each year around 9/11, I also feel a different kind of deep sadness, the same I’ve felt for the past several years, the same I’ve felt ever since politically incorrect, brash, aggressive, separatist words and actions have overthrown common decency in … Continue reading →

9/11: Love and Hope on the Long, Hard Road to Healing

#Honor911 #NeverForget Why? Because not everyone who died from 9/11 died on that day. I am a former New Yorker and as much as I try to escape it, I am part of the collateral damage of 9/11, as are many who lived in and around New York City at the time and thereafter. When … Continue reading →

Unresolved Trauma: Like Dying on the Cross

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” After reading a book this week on the sometimes debilitating effects of unresolved trauma on a person’s life, I couldn’t help but make the correlation to what is referred to as Holy Week in the Christian faith. This is the week where Christians around the world … Continue reading →

I Do It for Them: Debbie, Harry and Bob

More than once in a while, I am reminded my personal catastrophes are not so catastrophic. More than once in a while, I am reminded of my friends who died young and can’t weigh in their thoughts on my so-called problems. More than once in a while, I pay these friends my respects and give … Continue reading →

If You Just Smile

SMILE (words by Turner and Parsons) Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it’s breaking When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You’ll see the sun come shining through for you Light up your face with gladness Hide … Continue reading →

Free to Fear Fear

Today, before heading out for a hike, I had a conversation with my Mom. Her parting words were, “I don’t like when you hike alone. Please make sure you are prepared.” “Don’t worry, Mom,” I said. “I’ll be okay. I’ve got some pepper spray in the car.” But as I huff and puff up this … Continue reading →

Stripping out the Dead Vines of the Soul

As sometimes happens, my head was full of haphazard clutter today. When I get that way, I often seek something mindless to do to escape my thoughts, but the opposite usually occurs in the process. While engaging in some meditative activity–like cutting back a half-dead tomato patch–my mind is free to work out the mental … Continue reading →