In the next few installments of “Tools” I will take up two of the most challenging human experiences, Anxiety and Depression, and the emotions that so often are at the root of these twin challenges to our happiness, Fear, Shame, Guilt, and Grief. In this first chapter, I will take up the challenges posed by … Continue reading
In 1977, researcher Bill Ballantine got the New Zealand government to declare a five square kilometer (two sq. mile) patch of sea near his laboratory as a marine reserve, so he could study the effects of excluding fishers. For ten years after that, not much happened. The bare, trawled seabed slowly started to re-grow its … Continue reading
The Veranasi Ghats, Seen from the Ganges April 20, Varanasi, Walking to the Ganges Returning from the Ganges after the evening rituals, I work my way through the crowd and am accosted by a young boy selling postcards for 100 rupees. I assure him I have no money, which is true. Most thefts occur in … Continue reading
When I first met passionate activist, mother, marketer and social tornado Nikki Striefler, we were sitting in a hot tub at a friend’s bridal shower connecting on our mutual desire to get back into the volunteer world and DO SOMETHING to make a difference. She was well on her way to launching her now successful … Continue reading
On May 11th, 2013, in the middle of rural Missouri, The Spark documentary team will build a tractor from start to finish to donate to Our School at Blair Grocery in the lower 9th ward of New Orleans. Right now they are raising money toward the goal of 13,500.00, which covers the construction and transportation … Continue reading
”Inspiration and Aspiration” by Solon Borglum, in the garden of St. Mark’s of the Bowery, commissioned by William Guthrie Christianity remains the most acceptable, best-known and officially sanctioned religion in America, but American Metaphysical Religion has intersected and in many ways transformed Christian belief and practice. The brothers Guthrie are an excellent example of the … Continue reading
Director: David O. Russell Writers: David O. Russell, Matthew Quick (novel) Stars: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver If, as existentialist psychologist Rollo May claims in “Cry for Myth”, the American dream of coming out number one died with The Great Gatsby, Silver Linings Playbook pitches an idea for how to make … Continue reading
In this edition of “Tools,” I will introduce you to the Sage, the Guide to spiritual wisdom that can be found in the ancient book known as The I Ching. For many, this edition of “Tools” will simply be a reminder of this wonderful resource of divination, guidance, and healing. As Brian Browne Walker points … Continue reading
People first arrived in America from Eurasia a minimum of 12,000 years ago and became what we nowadays call the Native Americans. The first European to land in North America nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus, was to be the Norse explorer Leif Ericson (970–1020). According to the Sagas of Icelanders, he established a Norse … Continue reading
Train Station, New Delhi Jaipur The Maharajah of Jaipur died the day before we arrived and everything in the whole state has shut down for two days of mourning. After lunch, we walk downtown and come upon a funeral filling the center of town. There are floats pulled by pick-up trucks, brightly painted elephants, musicians … Continue reading
