Blogs

I share insights from workshops, books, and life generally by writing short blogs. You can see a relevant selection below.

Nomadic Wisdom: old roots for new futures

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Nov 172021
 
Nomadic Wisdom: old roots for new futures

Probably all of us are facing a future with a lot more uncertainty, and a lot less control. So what can we learn from people who have been living positively in that condition for thousands of years? By definition, nomads represent an extreme example of this, having no ownership or control of land, very few […]

Book blog: The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller

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Oct 042021
 
Book blog: The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller

Subtitle: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief You may have noticed, as I have, a growing number of grief tending workshops, grief rituals and similar events in recent years. What’s your reaction to them? I admit that mine has been a mix of mild interest and some resistance. Francis Weller is one […]

Learning to Unlearn

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Aug 262021
 
Learning to Unlearn

Yes, it’s a paradox, but our ways of thinking, our habitual responses, are so deeply set that a deliberate effort of unlearning is needed if we want to see things as they are, and be able to find a fresh response. I’ve been exploring Sufi teachings for over thirty years, and they’re a great aid […]

Meaning, Purpose, Connection: what does inspiration mean to you?

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Aug 262021
 
Meaning, Purpose, Connection: what does inspiration mean to you?

The literal meaning of inspire is to draw in spirit, from the Latin spiritus, signifying both breath and a bigger connection. I know the word spiritual is hard for some people, so replace it with inspirational if you prefer. I’m using it because I believe that spiritual aspects of life and resilience will become more vital […]

From Before to Beyond: exploring the soul’s journey

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Aug 262021
 
From Before to Beyond: exploring the soul’s journey

Life is getting more changeable for most of us.  Many of us these days have to face mortality more directly: perhaps because of our own health, or the passing of a friend or family member.  Sufi teachings and other traditions urge us to face our dying to enrich our living: by getting through fears and […]

Learning from extremes: hospices

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Aug 262021
 
Learning from extremes: hospices

In my exploration of resilience, I’ve become interested in what we can learn where this quality is tested to an extreme. Death is a pretty severe test of resilience, not only for the person dying, but for family and professionals, and my research with hospices has been fascinating. Seeding our Future’s groups on Nourishing the […]

Enriching your life through the soul’s voice

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Aug 262021
 
Enriching your life through the soul’s voice

Although I’ve led many groups and retreats, a recent weekend was one of the edgiest: on the theme Exploring the Soul’s Journey.  My co-leader Cordelia and I both felt nervous about helping people to contact their souls for guidance about good living, good dying, and what my lie beyond. Our weekend at The Abbey, near […]