Listening First This is a project that I have been working on and trialing, about listening, that I hope various communities will appreciate and perhaps emulate. This is not a project about agreement. It’s not about converting others of a particular position. This is about the kind of listening that does not ask for anything…

A very complex person who made considerable observations on humanity was Samuel Clemens. His commentary and short stories, one of which he published as the diary of Eve, pushed the limits of censorship at the time. This statement to the press after his congressional testimony on copyright in 1906 is very fascinating. He was asked…

In 2015, I began exploring an idea that had been forming in my mind, a project focused on philosophy, religion, and universal concepts. It stemmed from the realization that much of my thinking had been shaped by the JW framework I was exposed to as a child. I wanted to understand these concepts more deeply…

Depression and anxiety, coupled with disquieting thoughts, guilt, and trauma, often feel insurmountable for many including myself, like a constant obstacle where relief is always elusive. Talking openly, and at times very publicly, about mental health challenges is actually quite uncomfortable for me. I grew up in a hyper-conservative, patriarchal community where admitting struggles with…

The overall goal of social consequences for behavior says much about the person who desires them. If justice is sought, two wrongs cannot make a right, and two deaths cannot bring back a life. Two wounds cannot heal a heart. We bind our soul when we seek justice not for ourselves but to protect the…

Values, morals, and ethics are so intriguing to me. Religious indoctrination especially captures my attention because of its power over people. In my case, I have found that if I allow my thinking to go unchecked, it is easy to develop a certain special type of hate and intolerance towards those who, in my opinion,…

I love to people watch and study others and reflect, like today as I’m writing in this beautiful hotel lobby. When I think back over the last couple of decades to my earliest memories, I realize that while many of my fears have become reality, many of my dreams have also come to fruition. Gratitude…

I am laying here on my couch, and I just fired up Hulu to watch a show for at least the 100th time. I’m scrolling back 11 seasons to restart Modern Family as the last episode concludes seemingly quicker each time I watch it from start to finish. This has been a very full week.…