We need stories to stay alive
A businessman walks the airport concourse, on his way to baggage claim. His flight is late in arriving, and his mood is melancholy. This is the end of a long business trip; his energy spent and his emotions raw. If…
A businessman walks the airport concourse, on his way to baggage claim. His flight is late in arriving, and his mood is melancholy. This is the end of a long business trip; his energy spent and his emotions raw. If…
TUESDAY DECEMBER 2 -- “Do you have any idea who I am?” The man, a passenger, apoplectic with flushed cheeks, pounding the counter, shouting at the airline agent. Everyone in the departure lounge can hear, and is on edge. (Although,…
Even if you have made other plans for your day or week, jet lag from an overseas flight does a number, and your body tells you to “chill out”. As in, the list you made, can wait.Which is perfect advice…
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25 -- A young seminary student (studying to become a Rabbi) found himself distraught, and sought the advice of his mentor."Rabbi," he said, "I try to pray and study. I give it my full attention. But I feel…
Two men visiting Hong Kong, noticed the ubiquity of street vendors, all pushing their carts along, pell-mell, in and out of traffic. Attempting to gain the attention of any potential customer, the vendors would shout repeatedly, "Sale! Sale! Good items…
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18 -- “Sanctuary is wherever I find safe space to regain my bearings,reclaim my soul,heal my wounds,and return to the world as a wounded healer.It’s not merely about finding shelter from the storm: it’s about spiritual survival. Today,…
Weather continues to be the story line here in Portugal.Storm Claudia, combined with tornadoes, battered parts of the country—south of where we are—with substantial rain and strong winds, triggering landslides and flooding and significant damage, including loss of life.The storm…
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11 -- Walking the Camino de Santiago gratefully evokes one of my very favorite stories. The first-grade class was given an assignment; to name the seven wonders of the world. Each student compiles a list, and shares their…
Yesterday, we walked the Burgo Bridge (Puente del Burgo) in Pontevedra, Spain. Called the bridge for pilgrims—a medieval bridge built over an older bridge of Roman origin, which crosses the Lérez River. And the scallop shell with a yellow arrow…
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4 -- This week, embracing times and places that heal and replenish.Which means giving ourselves the permission to be immersed in self-care.And no, that is not easy in a world where we see self-care as selfish.But here’s the…