We all have patterns and pictures in our mind of how things work. And some of those patterns have been generations in the making. We use them to more easily flow through our day. Think what a challenge it would be to relearn brushing our teeth every morning. The challenge is that the more we
A Long Overdue Apology
Twenty years ago, while getting my masters at Harvard Kennedy School, I participated in a small group seminar course called “Race and Poverty” facilitated by renowned sociologist William Julius Wilson. Each week, we would meet for three hours and have a discussion on the causes and roots of poverty (based on reading and analysis from
Heartfelt Gratitude
Yesterday my fifth and youngest child graduated from high school. How is it that we wake up one day and somehow thousands of days have passed? We all come into this world with our journeys ahead of us – some easier, some harder. My daughter entered the world over 2 months early weighing 4 lbs.
Feet & Horses
Okay, time to confess. I binged watched all five seasons of Outlander (which takes place in the mid 1700s in Scotland, France and America) over these last three months. From 10pm-midnight I was rapt, on my computer while tucked in my bed (exciting life I lead, I know). And when I wasn’t watching Outlander before
Being Held in Love
I typically think of myself as pretty even keeled – an optimistic realist. So, it’s been interesting for me to observe the wide swings in moods I’ve felt lately (and that’s a euphemism). I’ve been trying to figure out the specific triggers and the internal behaviors that deepen the tumble. Here’s my insights and a
Commitment to Presence
The other day my mom asked, “Do you still make your bed every day?” “Yes,” I replied. She laughed and said, “It’s pretty amazing. You’ve always made your bed. Me too,” she said. We talked about how important this 2-minute ritual is to give us structure, focus and clarity at the beginning of our day.
Grounding Into Spring
For the first time in six months, we here in the mountains are basking in temperatures above 60 degrees. The sun invited a collective breath of joy and gratitude. I put away my down jacket and dusted off my t-shirt and shorts. I walked barefoot in the grass and lay down in a field, looking
Thoughtfulness
I live in a place where natural wildfires are an essential part of the cycle of life. Over time, mature pines grow tall and dense, not allowing enough light in for the smaller trees below. As they age, they also become dry and brittle. When lightning strikes, these older trees become powerful fuel to ignite
Gentle Rain
A few days ago, I woke up feeling heavy, weighted and a bit stuck, like the layers of worry, anxiety, concern and fear had hardened into dried mud within me. So, I lay in bed for 10 minutes and visualized warm rain pouring over me. I closed my eyes and remembered some times both as
Determination
About 20 years ago, I began doing endurance races – long hikes, bike rides, marathons, triathlons, etc. I’m no great athlete, and I completely buy into the concept that the tortoise wins the race. But something propelled me to race anyway. Perhaps it was hoping to keep in shape with three little boys running around
Gentle Mountain
I find myself looking at this picture on my wall a lot lately. I took it years ago on a beautiful sunny day (even though my photographic skills don’t show that). I looked up and thought about all the people climbing the Grand Teton that day that probably didn’t see or feel the glorious sunny
Trust & Presence
One year ago, I began writing these blogs. I can’t even really say why. Something just compelled me. Some weeks were easy. Some weeks, not so much. But I kept showing up to this computer and trusting that thoughts and insights of some benefit to someone may come out. The global challenges of the last