Childhood Memories, Philosophy, Society

To whom are we praying?

Less than a few hours of oxygen remain on the small submersible that imprisons five passengers in the freezing North Atlantic. Millions of people are praying. Millions of people also believe in the power of prayer.  Surely this concentration of thought will lean toward a positive result. Surely with our focused intention our prayers will… Continue reading To whom are we praying?

Life Adventures, Philosophy

Should We Lean On Our Own Understanding?

I have been thinking about the following Bible verse, “Do not lean on your own understanding.”  I like to think the author and the scribe of these words said and wrote them with love and good intention.    Thinking deeper, the tone of this verse suggests that humans are so inept they cannot reason for themselves. … Continue reading Should We Lean On Our Own Understanding?

Philosophy

Beware the Monsters of the Deep

I believe there was a man named Jesus who felt he had such a close bond with God that he called him his father.  I believe he taught deep concepts of love and inspired all those who associated with him.  These precious teachings have shaped me into who I am today.  However, I do not… Continue reading Beware the Monsters of the Deep

Amazing Today, Jewelry, Life Adventures, Philosophy

You are a Living Masterpiece

Downtown Los Angeles was scorching hot as I strolled onto a busy street corner filled with impatient jewelers and diamond merchants.  A handsome young man vied for my attention with a brochure in an outstretched arm.  “Thank you,” I said, accepting his offering.  I glanced down and it said, “Join Our Christian Fellowship.”   I… Continue reading You are a Living Masterpiece

Amazing Today, Philosophy

Pascal’s Wager

Even in my mom’s loving voice I understood her tactic when she asked me,  “Would you rather believe in God and find out you were right, or not believe in Him and find out you were wrong?” “Wouldn’t you rather believe in God just in case he is real?” Even at seventeen years old  I… Continue reading Pascal’s Wager

Adoption, Philosophy, Society

I would have still loved you

I am thankful to be alive.I am thankful I can type these words.I am thankful I was not tossed into a dumpster.I am thankful I had loving adoptive parents. But to be clear, I wish my birthmother had the legal choice to abort me. It was her life. It was her body. Prior to Roe… Continue reading I would have still loved you

Life Adventures, Philosophy

Look at Me. I am Beautiful

If something touches me emotionally I am quick to stop what I’m doing to absorb the positive vibrations in which I am enriched. Pulling into my business park I was greeted by this glorious jacaranda. I couldn’t ignore her as she waved at me with her clusters of purple flowers, saying, “Look at me. I… Continue reading Look at Me. I am Beautiful

Life Adventures, Philosophy

A Chair is Made of Non-Chair Elements

It was Thich Nhat Hanh that redirected the path of my thinking many years ago. Until that time, I thought I was quite aware of what a chair was. It must have hit me at a vulnerable moment when Thay said, A chair is made of non-chair elements. Drunk with exhilaration, I tried to share… Continue reading A Chair is Made of Non-Chair Elements

Life Adventures, Philosophy

Paradise is here. Paradise is now.

I once went with a friend to see Thich Nhat Hanh when he came to my town. From a distance, I was proud to see the man who had already transformed my life with his teachings. There are many that have not seen him personally. Fortunately, we are now bestowed with his wise teachings that… Continue reading Paradise is here. Paradise is now.

Amazing Today, Life Adventures, Philosophy

A Great Leader Does Not Have to March With a Sword

Perhaps it is once in a lifetime a leader arises amongst us to remind us what is important and to challenge our thinking. Thich Nhat Hanh taught us that a fearless leader does not have to be a powerful warrior. Thay’s power came from something much more effective than a sword and shield. His power… Continue reading A Great Leader Does Not Have to March With a Sword

Life Adventures, Philosophy

There Are Many Paths to Enlightenment

Many years ago, shortly after becoming a father, I felt the need for my growing family to have spiritual guidance. I was raised in the Protestant faith and my wife was Catholic. We settled on going to a Presbyterian church close by. I yearned for a universal truth about how we can be the best… Continue reading There Are Many Paths to Enlightenment

Life Adventures, Philosophy

The Sea of Interbeing

Nearly a decade ago, Thich Nhat Hahn’s simple, yet profound words showed me how everything we see and cannot see is wondrously woven together in a sea of interbeing. I had never given previous thought how a cloud, the rain, a tree, and a simple sheet of paper are dependent on each other. Thay matter-of-factly… Continue reading The Sea of Interbeing

Amazing Today, Life Adventures, Philosophy

Be Thankful for your Suffering.

Hooray! I survived Covid (actually, being vaccinated I recuperated quickly.) But I got shingles at the same time! I feel somewhat slighted because I couldn’t separate the Covid experience with the other ailment. I’m not complaining. Soon I will be jumping around. I try to live as I teach and I am thankful for this… Continue reading Be Thankful for your Suffering.

Life Adventures, Philosophy

Touching the Universe

Many years ago, shortly after becoming a father, I felt the need for my growing family to have spiritual guidance. I was raised in the Protestant faith and my wife was Catholic. We settled on going to a Presbyterian church close by. I yearned for a universal truth about how we can be the best… Continue reading Touching the Universe

Amazing Today, Life Adventures, Philosophy

Mourning

Do not make yourself look haggardly or unkempt when you grieve.  You do not need to show the world you are grieving. If you hold joyful memories in your heart, and know that you contributed more happiness than sorrow to your loved one, you must not frown, but be joyful.  If there is consciousness beyond the grave,… Continue reading Mourning