Natural beauty (a poem)

Natural beauty (a poem)

Does a treeask the sunwhere were youyesterdayThere were cloudsI was lonelyDoes the sunaccuse the treeyou are too needyI get so tiredof showing upit’s not like thatthe tree soaksthe sun shinesthey make beautytogetherand smile in your journal: Do you ever get...
On asking for help

On asking for help

Asking for help is so important to my survival and happiness as a human being (even more so as a quadriplegic) that I’ve given it its own kind promise: “I will ask for help gracefully.” What could be a simple task gets complicated in everyday life....
surfing through change

surfing through change

I know nothing about surfing. I’ve only seen it on rare occasions (not much surfing in southern Minnesota.) I’ve never tried it. But I imagine… Looking out at a rolling ocean. Smelling salt air. Grabbing a well-waxed board and paddling out. Watching the water. Feeling...
evolution of a kind promise

evolution of a kind promise

It’s not often that you experience something life-changing. Ten years ago, I participated in an online class taught by Jan Lundy called “for Buddha Chickies with Health Challenges.” We learned some meditation techniques and basic Buddhist principles that are useful...
Dwell

Dwell

DwellAbide Don’t run awayI tell myselfDon’t fight againstDon’t pretend not to seeDon’t make up storiesabout what it all meansand believe them rest herewide openin this spaciouscenterless center You are herein front of meSweet,...
Asking for help builds strength

Asking for help builds strength

Asking for help is a counter-cultural activity right from the start. It requires awareness of my own needs and limitations. The dominant US, culture is steeped in the myth of the rugged individualist, independent and self-sufficient. That cowboy doesn’t need help. I...