The more we love, the more we thrive. One of my favorite parts of our home is our large guest room. Family and friends are, literally, always welcome to enjoy its king-sized bed—while sharing our food and drink. Out of 3.5 years here, I estimate guests have stayed with us for 6+ months … and we’d … Continue reading We’re Conduits for Love
Life is a marvelously messy tapestry of threads formed by—not only—all the people, plants, animals, and rest of material reality; but also, by our thoughts, words, and deeds. Shaming, judgmentalism, holding oneself as “better than,” living from fear, cutting words, self-centeredness, an “us versus them” mentality, violence, defensiveness, seeking to “win,” and inner-criticism—for example—all tear … Continue reading Love Al(l)ways
This log, and a stranger, reminded me life is a team sport. Lisa and I were partway into a hike when we came to this stream. Skeptically, I gazed at it thinking: I don’t think I have the balance to walk across this without falling into the water and getting hurt. As I doubtfully looked … Continue reading How a Log and Stranger Reminded Me Life is a Team Sport
Perhaps the worst part of being disabled is how it separates and ostracizes me from others. Imagine having no depth perception or peripheral vision—and because of that being unable to drive, having difficulty walking on uneven terrain (like beaches and trails), having a real tough time navigating cities and crowds, and being much slower at … Continue reading My Disability and Unexpected Healing
You know how we regularly struggle and sweat to get physically fit? Increasingly, it seems to me the same is true for relational “fitness” … and might even be a key to healing our political, racial, and other divides. In other words: Real love is messy. It embraces uncomfortableness by courageously choosing to vulnerably share our scary stuff, … Continue reading Love is Messy: Getting Uncomfortable to Get “Fit”
While the types of seeds, nutrients, and protections we put in a garden determine the fruits, veggies, and flowers it will grow; the thoughts, mentalities, and beliefs we cultivate in our minds shape who we become. For instance, while decades of valuing winning made me quite competitive, sometimes in unkind ways, years of championing unity is making … Continue reading Gardening Our Minds for Goodness
I was lost, lonely, empty, and confused for a stretch of time during, and after my second divorce. I didn’t know why she’d picked that path, and couldn’t make sense of it. Reflecting deeply on my part and how I could learn and grow from it, though, was what brought me back to “life”, so … Continue reading Flourishing Through Life’s Hardships
Love resides in the pause. What I mean by that is while my first words, or reaction, to something I disagree with, don't like, or feel pressure or opposition from are generally not helpful or are unkind: Pausing, breathing, and giving my thoughts time to settle, creates space for love to move in. Can you relate? In many … Continue reading The Power of the Pause
What do you do with hurtful or hard words from others? While part of me likes to ruminate on them, defend myself, and/or formulate comebacks that will "show them", my real self knows there's a better way: Reframing. Beginning with the awareness that love is the point, and life is a laboratory for learning to love well, … Continue reading Transforming Hurtful/Hard Words Into Helpful Ones
Good is enough … and so are YOU! In middle school I yearned to be a championship winning NBA player. In high school I planned to win a Nobel Prize. In college I intended to be rich. In the air force I worked to make a name for myself. In trying to be a pastor, I … Continue reading Good is Enough (and So are YOU!)
Grace and Peace Yoga 