As I started on my walk last Sunday, it hit me: This is a miracle! All of it! The sky, the trees, the light, the squirrels, the chilly air.

On the first full day of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington’s weeklong 2021 fall retreat, entitled Intimacy with Life, one of my favorite of all moments came during La Sarmiento’s dharma talk.

I just want to share that I’m about to plunge into No-Spend February, not a very elegant title, but the 4th year in a row I’ve done this.

The first half of my 2021 reading year was all about novels.  The second half was (nearly) all memoir! I’ve always been drawn to listening to different voices and opening my heart to many, varied experiences. I hope you find some titles you’ll enjoy.

Ok, something crazy just happened. I turned 70! And, to be clear, I’m celebrating.  

In meditation class this morning, there was a conversation about difficult, deeply held patterns installed during sometimes painful childhoods. People spoke of not being seen—especially by their mothers—of a longing that continues since that day, and how cultivating awareness helps. Being a witness, rather than being engulfed in the emotions, helps.