I’ve just come from the hearth in my living room, where I thoroughly enjoyed a brief and beautiful fire. It would have been as lovely if I’d stayed only ten minutes, or I could also still be sitting there as the flames dwindle and coals gleam. I don’t often sit by the fireside, because when... Continue Reading →
When I was only four years old, a psychologist by the name of Leon Festinger published a book he titled A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. His work in cognitive dissonance was observational and explanatory of human behaviors. He had no idea I would later find his theory so useful, nor did he predict I would... Continue Reading →
I recently shared with my daughter the story of an indigenous response to feeling melancholy or disheartened. If you came to a shaman and said you were depressed, she would ask you one of three questions: When did you stop singing? When did you stop dancing? When did you stop telling stories? I suggested that... Continue Reading →
I have been trying to experience gratitude in my life more consistently, and I have a story that often helps put me back on track when I stray. Some years ago, my sister was facing major surgery. Doctors had diagnosed a rare form of oral cancer. A tumor was growing inside her cheek. It extended... Continue Reading →
Sometimes we have to unlearn something in order to have a more enjoyable experience. Waking up this morning, looking up through the skylight, I noticed (again) a small area where the painter hadn’t cleaned off a missed brushstroke. The thoughts began to arise (again)….not being careful, not paying attention, not caring…..and carried me along a... Continue Reading →
“I don’t have time.” “Of course you don’t. No one has time. Time isn’t something you can have. Time is just where you are.” Events conspired last night to bring me here, where I sit and actually withdraw thoughts out of my mind and deposit them on the page. In truth, I would rather think... Continue Reading →
One Eccentric Contemplative 