Jul 14, 2019Advice from a Bat. Michael YoungAdvice from a Bat. Michael Young Hunt only at night. Fly erratically. Defy even your own expectations. Feed on beetles, moths, and mosquitoes, whatever is small and annoying. Cultivate the myths about you until every predator fears your legend. When hunting, be guided by a language only you can hear…5 min read5 min read
Mar 30, 2019Sunset, San FranciscoSunset, San Francisco I sit next to a friend of mine of ten years and see pain contort her face. A young Thai monk sits opposite us. Outside people walk in the sun. They may seem carefree, but I know we each carry our own troubles. The monk is smiling. …2 min read2 min read
Feb 11, 2019When I saw the husband turn to his wife and bow, only then did I understand how to bow properly.When I saw the husband turn to his wife and bow, only then did I understand how to bow properly. He did so during an introduction to Zen weekend. He did so spontaneously, as we were waiting for dinner. …2 min read2 min read
Jan 10, 2019A PrayerA Prayer Grateful for my humble, little life; the kindness of those who inhabit it; the future unknown, not promised, full of possibility.1 min read1 min read
Dec 30, 2018The Mark Upon the Path of the InfiniteThe Mark Upon the Path of the Infinite Kahil Gibran’s, “The Prophet,” will be freed from the fetters of copyright protection on New Year’s Day, 2019 and enter the public domain. …1 min read1 min read
Nov 26, 2018Advice to a friendAdvice to a friend Begin with yourself, always aspire to be the change you hope to see in the world. If each of us did (could do) so, that would be enough. Some things to do: find time to be alone, learn to meditate, journal, read poetry (Kipling’s poem “If,”…2 min read2 min read
Oct 15, 2018A People’s Parade.A People’s Parade. July 14, 1989. I stood on the edge of the Champs-Elysees and watched rows of military planes rumble overhead, the last bombers flying low and slow, and then Mitterrand standing in a jeep looking sternly ahead, the masthead of France on parade. This morning I stand on…2 min read2 min read
Sep 29, 2018Maria Popova is a wonderful curator of wisdom — her blog, Brain Pickings, is her treasure chest…Maria Popova is a wonderful curator of wisdom — her blog, Brain Pickings, is her treasure chest unlocked for anyone to draw wealth from. One of her best gold coins, to me at least, is this post about love as explained by the Buddhist Thich Nhat Hahn. …2 min read2 min read
Aug 18, 2018Mt. Rainier. Just Don’t Break.Mt. Rainier. Just Don’t Break. “Gently, but with undeniable will, divesting myself of the holds that would hold me, I inhale great draughts of space. Here is the test of wisdom, Here is realization, Here is a man tallied. I am larger, better than I thought, I did not know…Rainier11 min readRainier11 min read
Jul 16, 2018In February, 2017, I was on the face of Mt.In February, 2017, I was on the face of Mt. Washington, known as the “most dangerous small mountain in the world,” because of its extreme, erratic weather due to a collision of three weather systems. …10 min read10 min read
