Mindfulness
Give Yourself Some Grace, Breathe.
Chip’s Thought: This is a perfect guest post for a Sunday, a time for grace and breathing.
“Missing Your Future” Might Be Your Ultimate Present.
“What I’m missing is a future.”
The Buddha and the Tomato Plant.
Chip’s Editorial Comment: Scott is a wise soul and a great observer and writer. We’re lucky to have him as an MEA Baja neighbor and teacher.
“Omit Needless Wants”
The number one message of “The Elements of Style,” often considered the writers' bible, is succinct: “Omit needless words.” William Strunk, the author of this book, explains:
Giving Shape to the Mystery.
Chip’s Editorial Comment: Douglas Tsoi is one of my favorite spiritual thinkers and wise guides. I highly recommend him as a spiritual director for those of you looking for some non-denominational spiritual guidance. He’s helped me to see that often God is the blanket we use to give mystery some form.
I’m Optimystical.
I can’t say that I grew up optimistic or mystical. I was a bit of a dour kid without a lot of friends. I was probably an “Emo” before that word existed. I didn’t seek out wonder, spirituality, or anything transcendent. Until I was about 15, I was probably more “pessi-practical” than “opti-mystical.”
“The Quieter You Become, The More You Can Hear.”
Every time I see this Ram Dass quote, I’m reminded of the owl, the wisest animal or bird in the forest. Owls are masters at camouflaging themselves and intensely listening. They are quiet, still, and patient. They can swoop down with almost soundless flight and snatch a small rodent that is inaudible to anyone else. That tiny mouse scurrying on the ground never heard its predator coming.
Are You Binging These Days?
Back in 2020, when MEA's campus remained shut for over six months, and I found myself blessed with time on my hands, I began to consume alcohol every night. While I seldom indulged in excess in a single night, I can admit that for about a year, I was engaged in binge drinking.
What’s It Like Staying in a Secular Monastery?
As I arrived at the hermitage on the hill overlooking 7,500 acres of Umbrian wilderness (a UNESCO nature reserve), Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack to “The Mission” was wafting to the heavens as I entered Eremito (www.eremito.com). Perfectly choreographed, the staff escorted me to the steam room and stone hot tub (full of the sounds of Gregorian chanting) to cleanse myself from my earthly sins that accompanied me from Venice. And, soon after that - I was lying on the ground in the cellar with six other guests and three staff, vibrating in a Tibetan bell sound healing session.
Marrying Myself.
On July 28th, in the pitch dark Amazon jungle I married myself.
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