A short true story about Love’s hand piercing the veil of Alzheimer’s — His large, square, freckled hands almost deftly opened the small “Brownie Bites” wrapper. I had got it started for him, worried that my 88-year-old father couldn’t manage the strength needed to get the initial tear going. …

On a desert walk — I carry my curiosity with me It looks like a journal and pen Out here in the desert, I wonder, as I walk alongside Joshua Trees and scattered boulders What thoughts will arise? What themes will present themselves? What gentle pondering wants to be gently pondered? I carry my curiosity…

A tribute to my mother — watching resilience flourish during pandemic anguish — About a year ago we all became aware that the pandemic was real and would affect us in ways none of us could have imagined. Little did we know, the year would be a pilgrimage into the disconnected unknown. …

Let’s reach out and touch each other with words — I’ve been purging as I get ready to move again. This has put me in touch with sentimental boxes where I have stored precious memories: my high school prom corsage, little souvenirs from different trips, honor cords from graduating from college, a teddy bear from my childhood that I forgot…

I drove home from a hard day at the rock-climbing gym I felt discouraged that I wasn’t yet successful — still inadequate — Not yet strong enough to do my “project” Near home I caught an unusual sight There before me sat my Beloved Iconic Turtlehead Mountain Dark Black. …

A year in the life of a non-fiction writer — I’ve written a book called Naked in the Now: Juicy Practices for Getting Present I’ve been sitting here this morning taking stock of my “successes” in meeting my professional goals of getting it and me “out there” Here’s what I can report: I didn’t finish publishing my book I didn’t write…

My modern mystic teachers include Eckhart Tolle, Cheri Huber, Byron Katie, Adyashanti, Joel Morwood, and Christopher Wallis — Some of us read the word “mystic” and immediately turn our attention elsewhere, finding the word a bit too woo-woo. Others of us will perk up our ears, curious to read about those who have touched into the deeper mystery of life. …

The fragile edge between intimacy and impenetrable fortress — A layered heart Heavy Sad Scared I notice The word scared Has the word sacred in it Like yin and yang Two co-existing These dark feelings Invite them all into your guesthouse Says Rumi The words act like a salve But still the heart is heavy Body vibrating Falling apart at the…

A poem of grief and love — “Say Yes! to life” It’s one of my highest aspirations But how do I say Yes to an 18-year-old shooter killing elementary school kids? How do I say Yes to heedless, needless death? How do I say Yes to polarization and righteous action? How do I say Yes to white supremacy? climate change? And…