Whether at 5 am or 10 am, getting myself rousted out of bed each day is a chore at best, a headache often. It’s just not my time of day. Or at least, not my favored doorway into consciousness. The morning itself often proceeds satisfactorily, once underway. My challenge is … … more …
Category Archives: Street Philosophy
He was taking a break, smoking a cigarette outside the tattoo parlor. I guessed he was one of the practicing artists, given his position and the number of tattoos on his head – and face! They came up his neck and onto his cheek: not just designs, but full facial … … more …
In theoretical math, a line is said to be a series of points, all arranged on the same vector Each infinitely small, together making a bold, straight stroke. Time is likewise made up of moments, sequentially arranged Each of small duration, yet together comprising the fullness of experience. Every one … … more …
Visiting an Amish farm, riding on a flatbed wagon with metal wheels and three horses up front, I talked with my hosts – themselves guest helpers from another Amish farm not far away. They came to help Levi harvest his corn, lending wagons and young men for two or … … more …
We all hold the potential for a beautiful life. We know it’s true; we’ve all – each of us – experienced moments of supreme beauty. Dumbstruck by the view from a seacliff or mountaintop. Exhilarated by the thrill and rush of sexual love. Adrenalized when keen attention overcomes danger. Touched … … more …
There are days when I do not greet the day. Something is wearing me down, covering the sky, clouding my mind. I worry: about imbalanced finances, a cratered career, an aging body, an uncertain future. Then I think of Ames. I think of what she would have done with one … … more …
Praise abounds regarding the value of diversity, at least outside primitive enclaves such as Iraq and Myanmar where religious opposition becomes sanctified. In our own country, Republicans would be challenged to come up with more original disasters a la George W. Bush were it not for the Democratic targets that … … more …
Clouds circle, overcasting our minds Lives do not follow the direction of our dreams Worries, like cracks in metal, weaken our resolve Desired destinations slip out of sight. And still, there is each day – Today! Filled with brilliance, wonders myriad to be discovered If but freed from yesterday’s … … more …
All my adult life I have appreciated the Zen-like perspective of keenly observing that which is around me, of letting things flow past rather than trying to control or interfere. There is something respectful, curious, peaceful, and educational in such a philosophy. As my time becomes more limited, I am … … more …
She joined him at an outdoor table, her latte in hand. “So, how’s it going?” “It’s going,” he replied. “Not swimmingly well, but it’s going. Life goes on.” The sadness in his face was not hidden by the little smile he tossed in at the end. She didn’t know what … … more …