I've started a project of reading the Bible in one year, using an app that divides it into three daily readings from the Psalms and Proverbs, New Testament, and Old Testament, with commentary. I don't always agree with the evangelical bent of the commentator, but mostly the themes and resonances that he points out are … Continue reading Wrestling with fear
In a video course about mindfulness meditation that I've been watching, there is a segment that discusses the importance of compassion, even and especially toward those for whom we feel antipathy, aversion, and even enmity. The simple practice is suggested of saying to oneself, when inconvenienced or annoyed by someone: "Just like me." That lady … Continue reading Just like me
What is it really that we should write in our hearts — the feeling that we may have on this Christmas night? In this Christmas night there should pour into our hearts the fundamental human feeling of love, the fundamental feeling that says: compared with all other forces and powers and treasures of the world, … Continue reading The greatest power
Sometimes I write poetry. It may not be very good, but it gives me pleasure. I don't have a regular time or method for doing this. A phrase or sentence comes into my head and rolls around till I do something with it. Or I observe something, an outwardly visible image that wants to be … Continue reading Mother Holle – a poem
A couple of months ago, I read an article in the Coop magazine about bullet journaling. I'd heard of this organizational method but never tried it, thinking it seemed fussy and unnecessary. The article painted it in such glowing terms, though, and I knew I needed to better organize my scattered life, so I thought … Continue reading Do you bujo?
Last month, I spent some time hiking with my family in the mountains near Thun. This is the "Bernese Oberland" region, gateway to the Alps. We took a funicular up to the Niederhorn (Switzerland is full of such conveniences) and hiked along a ridge for a few hours. The views were magnificent; we could see … Continue reading Peak experience
Life in Switzerland does require some adjustments. For example, there are things one routinely finds in the grocery store here that one does not in the States, some more welcome than others: Quince Venison Quark Chestnut paste 8 zillion kinds of chocolate bars And there are the things one doesn't find, and that I miss: … Continue reading Other tongues
Here's an essay that was originally published in LILIPOH. It's also included in a new edition of my little book Simply Sourdough, which is now being printed and sold by the Waldorf Early Chidhood Association of North America. I've turned over all the profits to WECAN in appreciation of their important work on behalf of … Continue reading Baking day
Along with some of my own writing from the past, as I was packing up recently I came across a book in which I recorded things my son said between the ages of three and six. As many have noted, children at this age have such a fresh and surprising approach to language that can … Continue reading Wise words from a toddler
Sorry for the long silence here, things got very busy as I was finishing up packing and moving. I've been in Switzerland for almost a month now and I'm still adjusting! But all our things arrived, my residence permit came through and I'm starting to find my way. From the Granite State I've moved to … Continue reading From granite to limestone
