openness

Fathom the Richness

November 1, 2010

Like the swamp I discovered last week, life is murky.  It can be difficult to know how to negotiate the mire. It takes intention, openness, and willingness to see the good, the true, and the beautiful in the dark, mucky places, but they are there—they are always there.  I often have to sit for an [...]

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Stretch Beyond Ourselves

October 8, 2010

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the lack of constructive dialogue in this country.  I am grieved that folks don’t seem to be able to talk to one another anymore. The rigidity, superiority, and posturing I see on all sides concerns me.  The lack of respect, compassion, and kindness startle me.  What are we [...]

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Cultivating Relationships

October 7, 2010

“We are broken and beautiful at the same time, and none of us is fully who we claim to be.  We are stumbling pilgrims trying to figure out what it means to be human.” Gareth Higgins writing about Tyler Clementi I had a great birthday party last weekend.  I had friends show up from as [...]

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The Fullness of this Moment

September 28, 2010

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”  Joseph Campbell Mayflies have been abundant these last couple of days.  I have read that their lifespan lasts between several minutes and several days.  When I stepped outside last night, I saw [...]

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The State of Fear

August 26, 2010

“Let go of your attachment to being right, and suddenly your mind is more open.  You’re able to benefit from the unique viewpoints of others, without being crippled by your own judgment.” Ralph Marston I had a conversation with a friend today that disturbed me.  I found myself tensing up as we talked.  I felt [...]

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Unfolding from Hiding

August 5, 2010

From time to time, I’m concerned that I don’t give an accurate account of who I am in these blog posts.  I suppose it’s easier to write about the ways in which I have overcome, triumphed, and expanded than it is to write about my shortcomings and struggles.  There is a part of me that [...]

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From Ordinary to Extraordinary

July 21, 2010

Have you ever experienced the extraordinary in the ordinary?  I have, many times.  I had such a moment with my father yesterday.  After our return from oncology and lunch, daddy asked if I would be willing to cut his toenails and fingernails.  I said of course.  He decided we should sit on the porch so [...]

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Tossing and Turning

July 8, 2010

“Think enough and you won’t know anything.”  Kenneth Patchen I’m sitting at the bar in Einstein Bros Bagels in Augusta GA drinking a cappuccino breve with an extra shot of espresso.  Sounds of air-conditioning, refrigerator, coffee machines, people chattering, and the groove of electronic music overwhelm and dull.  I already have a hangover from sleeping [...]

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The Practice of Discipline

July 7, 2010

The Kingfisher dove suddenly from the tall pine.  I heard his chatter just before he launched.  I looked up to witness the bird tumble toward the water, submerge for a split second, then rise with ease.  He plunged with resolve and precision.  I had been glancing up at him from my float while he sat [...]

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Seeing with New Eyes

June 30, 2010

“The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new vistas but in having new eyes.”  Proust Perhaps having a new vision requires seeing with new eyes.  I was photographing our little pond yesterday and came upon a spider that had built a web across the water.  My eyes were attempting to capture the spider and [...]

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