Take It To The Limit Was this bowl of noodles dinner, or was it breakfast? It was that undefined other meal. And it was 3 AM, so… An hour before I had stepped off a dance floor at a work meeting where I was celebrating…work? Or at least the camaraderie of being with coworkers after…
Talking It Out
Man Hacks, Part 3
“Why didn’t I do this sooner?” I’ll spare the exact details of the thought that raced through my mind that signaled I needed help. Suffice to say it was dark. Grim. Intrusive. I fought it, closed the balcony door, went to bed in the hotel room I was staying in, and showed up for work…
Magic Mushrooms
Man Hacks, Part 2
A Fun Guy In his presentation about the potential for psychedelic mushrooms as a modality for improving mental health, world-renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, thanked Maria Sabina. Maria Sabina, of course, is the Oaxacan “Sacerdota de los Hongos,” the Priestess of the Mushrooms, who, from around the 1950’s to the 1970’s was known for having healing…
Embracing the Cold
Man Hacks, Part 1
Shower Time I do this thing now where I stall a little bit before I step into the shower. I brush my teeth, set out my clothes. I procrastinate. And no, the water isn’t warming to a cozy temperature reminiscent of the womb. No, I stall from turning the knob to cold and leaving it…
Love Month Mantras, Part 4
Shine Bright
Like The Sun If I want to, I will. If I do, it will be my best. My best is what works for me. Giving my all is an act of love. Going through the motions is not. I’m patient with myself, please be patient with me. When I shine, I feel it; you will,…
Love Month Mantras, Part 3
Conflict Resolution
Moving Out (Of Their Head) I will ask questions and listen. I will let you think what you think. I will not guess. I will strive to achieve clarity in communications. I will be direct and forthcoming. I understand that my beliefs are my beliefs and yours are yours. I will not live inside your…
Love Month Mantras, Part 2
Seek to connect.
Seek to connect.
Love Month Mantras, Part 1
Self, First
I Am A Vessel Of Light And Love I am a vessel of light and love. I allow love to guide my spirit, body, and mind. Through me flows an abundance of heart and spirit. I honor my soul by loving me as I am, first and foremost. I create a sacred space for myself…
Grandfather of All Things
Abuelo at the Theme Park
Abuelo at the Theme Park
Endurance
Making Space
Who Can Hold Out Longer? The men appear to be outliving the women They show up now At the funerals With their so-called Friends Companions How quick to judge Are the youngest And supposed Most pious Let her soul rest, They say It’s only been Six months, They say He’s never been alone, The others…
The Truth?
They Say...
I. You. We. They say you should sleep On you left side So the stomach acid doesn’t creep Up your throat They say this one trick Will flush your insides out They say all cheaters have This one thing in common They say homeowners in my area Are saving money using this lender They say…
The Old
An Elegy to 2022
That Tangle of Hooks We cling To yesterday Last week Last month Last year The past We hoard it As we would Décor For the Fall-idays We open the bins And boxes and crates Where it’s been stashed Only to be frightened again A witch A ghost That tangle of hooks That impossible string of…
The New
A New Year’s Wish
Warrior, Peacemaker, Sage, Fool New The new The new you Awaken Listen Communicate As needed With the living And your ancestors They are here For you They love you And will guide you Yet You will find Your own way You always have Go out Touch Taste The land The water Feel the heat Of…
The Everlasting Light
The Missing Wonder, Part 6
Dad At The Christmas Fair Our hour long drive from sea level to four-thousand feet lulled my youngest to sleep. It was odd for our otherwise hyper and goofy muchacho. When we pulled into the dirt lot of “Christmas Camp”—a Christian family camp converted into a wintry, holiday wonderland, we had trouble waking the boy.…
Relax to Fly
The Missing Wonder, Part 5
Practitioners of Wonder I stepped into the wind tunnel leaning in just a bit, my hands and arms tucked against my chest, then slowly I lifted my arms up. My body began to hover, to lift up. I was flying! My instructor, a man named Soul, was within arm’s reach; I felt him make small…
I, Human
The Missing Wonder, Part 4
Can AI Do That? Last year, one of my best friends sent me a link to Artflow.ai, an artificial intelligence site where you can enter short descriptions to create a face avatar. The results were nothing short of amazing. Beautiful, in fact. I’ve since used the app to create renderings of the characters from my…