Blog

My sons are now 18 and 20. Over the years, I’ve met many of their friends, some of whom have been in our lives for almost 10 years. Yesterday, one of them dropped by and the three of them headed out to a movie.Although my chat with him was brief, I was really glad to see this young man again. He had not been to the house for some time and although I often ... Continue Reading >>

Ah yes…Tim’s in hand, somehow comforted by having worshipped at the temple even if, yet again, I am left only with the coffee and without the invitation to lay claim to the Camry hybrid. “Maybe next time”, I think to myself… and breathe a deep sigh of the comfort of the familiar as I settle into position at my beloved keyboard. I have been away from my ... Continue Reading >>

This notion of 'authenticism' (a nominalization) won't let me go! If someone practices sexism, can they also practice authenticism? If I am a racist, can I also be an authenticist? Is authenticity a function of the past (history, experience, cultural conditioning, etc.)? Does the fact that I habituate mean that that which is habituated is authentic to me? ... Continue Reading >>

We’re taught to honor our mother and our father.We’re taught to honor ‘God’ – however that is defined to us and for us.We’re taught to honor our teachers, elders, coaches, priests/ministers/etc., often regardless of their behaviour and only for the position they occupy. We’re taught to honor our work ethic.We’re taught to honor our nation’s flag, agendas, ... Continue Reading >>

Having just spent almost two weeks at Oceanstone, I am filled with the mixed feelings of leaving there and being here. As much as I am soothed by being welcomed into this village of consideration and support; by the beauty of days at the edge of the Atlantic… sun gleaming off the water, winds blowing through the trees…. I am also soothed by being home with ... Continue Reading >>

I wonder how many men will die today because they can’t be real…authentic….present, to themselves or anyone else…vulnerable…fragile. How many men will die because they are unwilling or unable to cry…ask for help…let go…surrender to themselves…break free of their history…live their life in a meaningful way?Having spent the last week awash in compelling ... Continue Reading >>

Today is Day 5 of the ‘Whispers from Within’ women’s writing retreat, and we’re done. Given that I do not hold myself as separate from the experience, I am mindful that I am not who I was when I arrived on Monday, and I’m wondering how I’m different. In this moment, even when the details escape me (it’s been a very intense week!), I am clear that I am more ... Continue Reading >>