Gratitude
Sometimes you encounter people who are so pure, beautiful, and content. They give you the impression that they are divine, that they are actually saints or holy beings. What you perceive in them is their…
Author: Mark J. Chmiel
Daily Gatha
Picking up the mail from the floor I vow with all beings To open and read each personal letter With calm appreciation
The Great Secret of Life (It’s That Simple)
Placing my order at Cafe Ventana Chatting with the uber-exuberant manager Jennifer She says to me quite casually “I was in family law for two years Never made anyone happy And I wasn’t happy Now…
Good News
My good news is I’m still employed My good news is I have loads of work that isn’t for pay My good news is I get to meet ordinary, fascinating people like the ones at…
A Little Encouragement
Dear Bella Levenshteyn You texted you were concerned Your poetry output hasn’t been consistent lately Output flows from input And you’re getting plenty of input At your new position with the farmworkers, right? Lots of thoughts…
Kindred Spirits
Two of the great theologians: Gustavo Gutiérrez & Jon Sobrino; Maryknoll, NY; 1988; photo by Mev Puleo
The Art of Stopping
We practice to have enough strength to confront problems effectively. To do this, we must be calm, fresh, and solid. That is why we need to practice the art of stopping. When we learn to…
Connected
I am connected to Lindsay We are really into our notebooks I am connected to Sarah When she was my 18 year-old student I was her 39 year-old prof I am connected to Jane We’re…
October Gatha
Walking in Forest Park I vow with all beings To be a friendly neighbor To the egrets, ducks, and geese
Share the Wealth with Carol Mock on Sunday 19 October: The Gentle Ladies Society
For many years, four women from different parts of the world have been meeting several times a month to read and discuss classic texts from the religions of their childhoods: Jain and Hinduism from India,…