My sobriety date is approaching (December 20). This is the day I said “no” to alcohol in my life. It was four or five years ago. I don’t recall the exact year, but I do remember what it felt like and what it feels like everyday to be without that monkey on my back. I …
THURSDAY AM Sitting with my coffee and breakfast of yogurt, nuts, grapes and a little cheese, I am content. Yes, my country is in the midst of an epic struggle for its soul. Yes, there are way too many people incarcerated, food insecure and racially targeted. It’s a mess, really, in America and the world …
Y’know what I hear a lot? “Kids these days! I don’t know what’s wrong with this generation.” I’m here to report that while that may be the case with many adult children, our two are blowing me away as they are moving through life. Helen (29) is a born salesperson who loves her dog and …
It’s ironic to me that yesterday’s post about meditation and mindfulness included more typos than any other post I’ve published in months. I’ve since gone back and improved upon it without beating myself up. I think I was sleepy and a little bit lazy about proofreading. This morning, we arrived at a school for two …
One of the things I have noticed teaching stress reduction is the confusion between meditation and mindfulness. Though related, these two are not the same thing, Most people know what meditation is, particularly the form where one is seated and concentrating on the breath or a mantra. There are other kinds, but they are all …
I grew up with five spices: salt, pepper, paprika, cinnamon and dill weed. I have been using these five spices almost exclusively for fifty years. Given those limitations, I have been the principal food shopper and cook for our family for the last thirty years. During that time, it has occurred to me that that …
Last night’s celebration of John Lennon was a successful evening for artists, audience, and crew. The honoree, Graham Nash, was joined by many talented headliners and a seriously skilled backing band. Most importantly, it was warming to hear an enthusiastic audience singing Imagine, Teach Your Children, Merry Christmas (War is Over) and Give Peace a …
It’s 7:40 am and I’m on the train to New York City. For the third consecutive year, I’m working the Annual John Lennon Tribute running the slide show behind the performance. It’s my opportunity to be a backstage guy, make a little green and support the event. Unfortunately, this year’s Tribute is on Beth’s 60th …
I have a friend, Paul M., who always travels with food in his car. Typically, he carries salad fixins, hummus, nuts and other healthy snacks from Trader Joe’s market. Whenever we meet for an outdoor picnic or a lunch at my house, Paul brings his cooler of food to add to the meal. The man …
A mark of growth is the ability to pick oneself up when we’ve had a tumble. Such is true for me on this day. This morning, we got to our meeting place for the shuttle bus back to San Jose only to find we were in the wrong spot and had to hustle to meet …








