You know how sometimes a passing comment, or remark about you gets stuck in your head on repeat? Like a bee stinging you over and over and over again? That’s been true for me lately! Our words can be weapons, or bring wellness. AND, while they spoke them once (and with no ill will), I … Continue reading The Power of the Words in Our Head
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
On this Summer Solstice: May we remember, even when we can't see the Light, it is always shining on and through us. May the sun remind you, you are always and forever loved. Just as the infinite twinkle of the stars symbolizes your limitless worth; while the earth lets you know you are at home … Continue reading A Solstice Blessing
A major reason Lisa and I have a delightful marriage and partnership is: Appreciation. Daily, we tell one another how much we appreciate each other. Not just in a general sense, but by naming specific things. And do you know what the real magical, meaningful way we do this is? Lisa tells me, on the … Continue reading The Power of Appreciation
Friends, I'm stoked to invite you to a Project of Love. I'm working on a Doctorate in Leadership & Spiritual Formation, to help people thrive together in life. To make our doctoral projects as successful as possible (mine is about growing and flowing with Love across divides), we run several "tests" to get feedback from people … Continue reading A Project of Love
These recent views from our house breathed hope into my soul. There’s something about the short, dark days of this season that brings out and amplifies the darkness, down feelings, depression, and despair within us. Know what I mean? Still, the way the light pierced the clouds to bring an extra “sparkle” to the mountains, … Continue reading From Our Darkest Dark, Our Brightest Bright is Born
13 years ago today, the amazing life I had ended. In the blink of an eye, a quite successful career flying for the air force (where I also got to teach the best of the best) vanished, as did the future plans and dreams of my then fiancée (now ex-wife) and I. While life doesn’t … Continue reading Grieving the Life I Lost
For years I was distant and disconnected from my family, and myself. Yet, my mom and sister kept pursuing me with kindness—truly wondering how I was doing, caring for me in my hurts, and wholeheartedly desiring the best for me. Kindness, it turns out, was not only the key to unlocking my once frozen heart, but … Continue reading Kindness Kickstarter
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
With a wink and a smile, I offer this: Life is like kayaking, enjoy the journey. Why? Glad you asked! 😉 On a glorious spring morning, my wife and I paddled out onto the Hood Canal. As the sun smiled on us, we could see the Olympic mountains peering down on mirrorlike waters. With peace hanging in … Continue reading Life is Like Kayaking, Enjoy the Journey
Grace and Peace Yoga 