Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

Articles
Writers
 
Browse Sections
Home

Care of the Soul

Another Autumn with My Mother
As the weather fills October with cloud-swept days and chill mists, my thoughts turn to my mother who always loved the fall so much. She passed away in 2004.
The Wizard of Wingnut - Part 2
Well, here's Part 2 of a political lampoon of the American classic, The Wizard of Oz. This piece was written before the 2004 election, which explains the references to the "General." Be sure to read Part 1 in order to follow the "plot" (See index of articles).
The Wizard of Wingnut - Part 1
A little bird. . .well actually a flying monkey. . .told me that some of today's politics and politicians relate quite well to the goings on in that American classic, The Wizard of Oz. Hmmm. . . Could be, you wascally wabbit. By the way, this piece was written before the 2004 election, which explains the references to the "General."
Biblical Verses Lost and Found
Sorry, I just cannot find these verses in the Christian Bible. However, I did find some that I learned growing up that have guided and comforted me as I wend my way on this Earthly path.
Another Country
This essay is a tribute to my love of natural rather than manmade things, noted as I walk the woodlands in October.
Book Review: Mitsrayim by Nichel Anderson
Hope you enjoy this review as much as I enjoyed reading Nichel Anderson's "Mitsrayim." Nichel's tale is a rich of love, battles in ancient lands, reincarnation and spiritual love between beings.
Mr. Martin Regrets
Another birthday passes, and I long for what might have been, wallowing in self-pity and regrets. But there is hope even for me.
The Effect of Chaotic Collards on Organically Cute Iguanas
One element of Chaos Theory is the quest to find the connections between events or objects that are apparently not connected. Here's an example showing the previously unknown connection between Iguanas and collards (at least to a non-lizard owner such as the author). Along the way we learn the virtue for one's health of green leafy vegetables and a bit about the care and feeding of cute lizards.
Wasting Her Beautiful Mind
Some speculation on the nature of former First Lady, Barbara Bush's statement on Good Morning America prior to the second Gulf War. Was she being ironic when she talked about not turning her "beautiful mind" toward the the prospect of the suffering that war would entail?
Mary Ellen: A Tribute to a Virtual Friend
I offer some thoughts on the passing of Mary Ellen Bradshaw, a wonderful writer for Suite101 and my virtual friend. Some brief thoughts on the nature and effects of virtual relationships is noted also.
Diary of a Vision Quest Part II: A Haibun
Part II of my vision quest experience is written in a mixture of prose and the verse form called, Haiku. The combination is called "Haibun" in Japan. This aspect of the journey concerns a toten animal that appears in the camp.
Book Review: No More Bobs
No More Bobs by Cynthia Borris is a quick-paced, lighthearted comedy filled with zany characters and complicated, excruciatingly funny plot twists. She is a master at characterization and a natural-born storyteller.
SuiteU Course - Becoming a Technical Writer
Technical writing—like journalism and advertising or marketing copy writing keeps the would-be creative writer writing. After all, there is an old saying that reminds us that "writers write." Anyone with a passion for writing and a background or interest in technology will benefit from the Suite University course, Becoming a Technical Writer.
In Winter Light
Here's an experiment in a combination of prose and poetry, moving back and forth in time. It is based on a conversation I had with a high school teacher on the beauty of nature in winter.
The Thanksgiving Cat: Part II - The Leavening
Here's some more thoughts about the place of cats in the universe and with humans. The model is of course, the "Thanksgiving Cat," the black male who joined us four years ago after flying across the continent from Asheville, North Carolina to Portland, Oregon.
He Filled Up Our Senses
John Denver was one of America's finest songwriters and troubadors. October 12, 2003 is the sixth anniversary of his tragic death while flying an ultra-light airplance over the Pacific in 1997. He is my wife's favorite singer, and she sings his songs like an angel. Here is a celebration of the music of John Denver written with a special dedication and appreciation of my wife, Joyce.
East of Anduin: Fangorn's Search for Fenethril - Part I
What happened to the Entwives in "The Lord of the Rings?" Tolkien only tells us that they vanished east of the Anduin River when Sauron blasted that land toward the close of the Second Age of Middle Earth. Let us listen now to Treebeard's tale of lost love and journey in search of his beloved wife, Fenethril.
Bread and Circuses
Perhaps we have something to learn from the ancient Roman satirist, Juvenal, who referred to the apathy of the Roman citizens with the scornful remarks that they were easily satisfied with Bread and Circuses.
Frodo Lives! The Graffiti of Middle-Earth
There must have been graffiti in Middle-Earth. Since graffiti occurs in almost every ancient civilization, I do not see any reason why it did not occur in the realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. Uh-oh. . .the Dark Lord himself has passed me some modest examples. . .
I've Got a Little List
After listening to the Mikado recently for the first time in many years, I was struck by how relevant Gilbert and Sullivan's musical satire is to the current age. I say about the two great pioneers of muscial comedy as people said in the nineteenth century to denote excellence, "Capital!"
Diary of a Vision Quest - Part 1
Where am I? What do I do next? The author goes on a vision quest while camping out in the wilderness during the week of the full moon in May, sometimes known as the Wesak Moon.
Stopping the World
To "see" the world as it really is requires the cultivation of an ability for "stopping the world." To enter this state requires calming of the mind which helps us to enter a more grounded, feeling consciousness.
An Offer I Couldn't Refuse
After having been honored with being named a godfather recently, I share my investigations into the concept of godparents. I ponder my role as I share the traditions and roles of the godparents in a child's life.
Beethoven's Revenge
They say the music starts getting too loud around 40. Well, guess what, it gets louder with every year past 40 as well! How about a little revenge for all of us who love coherent music?
Pillar of Salt
The author has long been fascinated by novelist Kurt Vonnegut's account of the destruction of Dresden which he witnessed as a German prisoner of war in 1945. Dresden was a city of art and culture without significant war-related targets. Why then did the Allies firebomb it so intensely, killing between 35 to 135 thousand? Does this act relate to the current world situation? Dresden to me is a metaphor for humankin's inhumanity to humankind though we always can tap that compassion hardwired deep within us.
The Hour of Lead
Poised on the brink of war with Iraq, the author considers the permutations of peace in the lives of nations and humankind and in his own life.
The Critical Angle of Attack
Near Death Experiences (NDEs) emphasize the imprtance of living life with unconditonal love in order to progress spiritually. In his own life the author has seen the importance of going beyond the vindictive "eye for an eye" justice mentioned in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. To grow as a human being, somehow, one must go beyond the "knee-jerk" response to give as good as you have received when hurt by another person. In this regard, the author finds the "trained response" that a pilot must learn in order to cope with a stall instructive.
Miles Over Midsummer Commons
The late Miles Davis is one my favorite jazz artists. To hear his trumpet, especially his solos, is to move deeply within one's soul. In fact, he is also one of the great innovators in musical history. Here's a semi-autobiographical, but fictional exchange of letters written while serving in the U.S. Army about Miles, English friends and old loves.
Someone to Watch Over George
This tale combines a possible past life of the author with his love of the music of George and Ira Gershwin. It is a different kind of love story engraved I hope without too much flourish and sentiment on valentines possibly past, thankfully present and hopefully future.
Harper Lee's Mockingbird Still Sings
I am honored this week to review Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the most influential and one of the finest novels of the twentieth century. This review is written as part of Suite101's Black History Month event and is based on a new editon released in paperback by Harper Collins as one of their "Perennial Classics."
Paul Robeson: The Courageous Journey
Some individuals are so painfully ahead of their times. When coupled with genius they are the visionaries, singled out by God or some force of Nature to shatter the outmoded paradigms of their contemporaries. They are special incarnations, singular gifts from some aspect of God that we only dimly understand if at all. In this category, I most certainly put Paul Robeson, American actor, singer, scholar, athlete and political activist.
Oscar Charleston and U.S. - Numbers, Names, Dates and Places
Oscar Charleston, one of the all time great baseball players, played in the Negro baseball leagues that existed from roughly 1915 to the late 1950s. Certain numbers, names, dates, and places in his life synchronize remarkably well with certain numbers, names, dates and places of events in African American and United States History. Here is his story told with little embellishment. His life speaks for itself.
A New Year's Gift on Tobacco Road
Here's a vignette of an incident in my life with my paternal grandfather. Some thoughts about life and the nature of love are offered also.
A Soldier's Christmas Memory
It does not take much to change a life: Just a whack on the back at the right moment given by s someone of depth who loves and cares.
The Soul of a New Novelist
Sometimes a person just has to ignore excuses and what others think and "just do it." With that in mind the author relates some experiences he has as he wrote a 50,000 word novel during the month of November, 2002 as part of National Novel Writing Month.
'Twas All Hallows Eve
Do not ask me why I posted this take off on the The Night Before Christmas, much less why I wrote it and even less why parodied it for Halloween. Have fun with it. . .I hope.
Amazing Grace: The Amazing Life of John Newton
John Newton was an English sea captain who plied the 18th century slave trade. An infamous hellion and libertine in his youth, he went on to become an abolitionist and eminent minister and also to write what has become probably the best known Christian Hymn, Amazing Grace.
Stupid White Men - A Book Review
This book review offers material--political and cultural satire--different from what usually appears in this topic. However, politics has always been a fellow traveler with the great spiritual masters--from Jesus of Nazareth to Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King. Still, not all of the ideas delineated by the author of the book are necessarily my own, but are necessary for a thorough book review. I review this book in Caring for the Soul because I feel every society and its individuals need the mirror from time to time of a cultural critic, such as Michael Moore.
Write From The Heart: A Book Review
Writers are often advised to "look into your heart and write," but doing that task is easier said than done. Hal Zina Bennett's brilliant book, Write From The Heart, shows us how to get in touch with our heartfelt feelings and in the process discover who we really are both as a writer and a human being.
My Soul to Keep
As a child raised in a Christian household, I was always fearful that I would forget to recite the familiar childhood poem that begins Now I lay me down to sleep. . . I prayed mostly out of fear, as I did not want to die and lose my soul. Perhaps that is a good reason for some, but I embrace a god of love and trust. In that vein, here are some variations and an some playful humor on that childhood prayer.
In Memoriam 9-11
Suffering and tragedy happen while we are just living our lives, pouring morning coffee, getting ready to go to work. We rise above it when we see the handiwork of the Creator and realize that we are part of the eternal present, as symbolized by the firmament.
Ask Doctor Zen
With tongue firmly in cheek, I offer this column on advice to the lovelorn and others. Of course, I am only the humble instrument, the intermediary of that way totally enlightened master, Doctor Zen.
Inspiration: Selected Suite101 Resources
Inspirational writing is close at hand. You have only to look for uplifting topics, articles and courses at Suite101 to find a wealth of writing treasures.
A Gift of the Spirit
Inspiration is derived from a Latin word meaning "to breathe." It is literally breathing life into matter. Whatever your beliefs about a higher power, our lives are much richer and more enjoyable when we feel inspired.
Cynicism: The Art of Seeing Things As They Are
Cynicism is underrated as a path to truth. Here is a short history of the this philosophy--from the Greek, Diogenes (the most famous philosopher cynic), straight on through to William Butler Yeats and Ambrose Bierce to a college friend. A little ditty, a shameless parody of a Yeats poem is offered also for your edification.
Reflections on the Tarot and Divination
Just how valuable are astrology, tarot, runes, and other divinatory arts? The author offers some perspective on the so-called "mantic arts," and draws from his own experience in reaching beyond them.
Cedar Island: A Photographic Essay
Cedar Island, a locale that borders Pimlico Sound across from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is a place where I crossed over into that twilit border between past and present, self and other, being and nonbeing. On my photographic expedition there and on the Outer Banks, I discovered many aspects of self as both an artist and a spirtual being.
The Most Arrogant Steed: Episode 1
Childhood is such a magical time. We have all had certain friends when we were young who seemed so special and magical to us. Here's a serialized story about one such girl who loved horses with all her heart.
Signed With Their Honor
In western culture we tend to celebrate the deaths of famous people, such as celebrities, politicians and sports figures, with much hoopla and glitz. The author figures that we have it backward, and with all due respect to the famous and near famous, we should also honor those who truly served their fellow human beings with love, selfless service or brilliance but never sent out flyers or bothered to hire a publicity agent.
Peace Pilgrim
Peace Pilgrim journeyed more than 28,000 miles on a personal quest for world peace, walking until offered shelter, fasting until offered food. Her pilgramage from 1953 to her death in 1981 touched the hearts and souls of thousands.
A Gift of Hummingbirds
Those joyful little creatures, hummingbirds, illumine an author's morning's walk a while back, inspiring his reflection on the nature of universe and the interrelationships of hummingbirds and poets. A poem is offered in reverence to the messengers of the heart.
First Do No Harm: Part 2, The Rant
The author presents a further discussion--some would say rant--applying the principle of Primum non nocere or First Do No Harm to the actions of certain elements of western, but particularly American society.
First Do No Harm
A phrase associated with the Hippocratic oath taken by physicians seems a perceptive rule for living. First Do No Harm is an important concept on the spiritual journey.
Looking Breathlessly
Not just too look, but to really "see" as in photography and other art forms is an experience in which the mind must join with the heart if a truly original work of art is to be created. This "seeing" shows us the true nature of reality.
O. Henry: An Appreciation
William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, wrote short stories featuring colorful characters and surprise endings. In his writing he looked deeply into humans and the human condition. I like his compassion and insight and respect for all individuals whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated. He saw that every life is valuable.
One Enchanted April
In enchanted April, the author theorizes about writing poetry, its use as therapy, and offers a few poems inspired by April, one of his favorite months.
Organic Touchstone
While preparing a garden, the author conteplates the ramifications of the word, "organic," and how it is really a philosophy and indicative of a holistic relationship to life.
Real Gifts
A Shaker song, celebraing simplicity and freedom, shows the way to truth and perhaps true happiness. It seems to author that simplifiying one's life is important to the spiritual journey that each human being undertakes by virtue of birth.
The Big Rock Candy Mountain
We all yearn for heaven, the promised land, shangrila, nirvana, paradise. To the American hobo of the 1930s, it was expressed in the anonymous ballad, The Big Rock Candy Mountain. I have those same longings for paradise, but maybe we must empower ourselves and truly live in the present if we wish to live in heaven.
Book Review: Truer Than True Romance
Let us go back to those days of yesteryear from 1947 to the mid 1970s when the genre of romance comics flourished. These cheap comics were full of sentimental love stories and stereoptypical men and women looking for saccharine love and storybook endings. Author Jeanne Martinet brilliantly satirizes this genre and sentimental relationships in Truer Than True Romance.
On Giving and Prosperity
What is the nature of giving? How does it relate to prosperity and to life itself? The author mulls this over in this essay that features the work of Lebanese-American writer and mystic, Kahlil Gibran.
Cleaning the Spring
This essay is an extension of the Welcome Message for the topic, explaining more fully the thinking and concerns behind Caring for the Soul, the spiritual journey.
Black Harris and the Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail which is justifiably famous as the route that thousands of pioneers travelled from Missouri to the Oregon Territory in search of a new life. In the years from 1830 to about 1850, Moses "Black" Harris became one of the most renowed of the trail guides for the wagon trains.
A Southern Line
The author reminisces about a childhood in the South in the "Jim Crow" days of the '50s and 60s. Some of his experiences as a white male growing up in a climate of racism gain a broader context and deeper perspective through the reading and study of African-American literature.
My Khmer Heart: Looking Breathlessly
I can find no greater valentine to offer you than the this film review of the life of Geraldine Cox, an Australian lady who worked for years to nurture Cambodian orphans. This documentary also depicts her and the children's efforts to save their orphanage in the late 1990s. So much of the valentine is the presence of Geraldine herself, as she brings every thing that she was, is or will be, every breath of her being to her spiritual journey and life's work.
Getting Clear: The Quality of Mercy
Do you have people in your past from whom you parted on less than positive terms? I don't know about you, but I most certainly have a few. Sometimes you get to reconcile with these people through your own effortss or unseen agencies. The author finds out that the "quality of mercy is not strained." At least sometimes. . .
Close to the Heart - 2001 in Review
This article is a guide to the articles most popular with the readers of Caring for the Soul. Fortunately, most of them are also the author's favorites and are close to his heart.
An Angel By Any Other Name
Many people are convinced that they have Guardian Angels that look over them, keeping them safe and out of harm's way. Many people believe in angels though they may call the phenomenon by another name. The author does not dispute the belief in angels; he believes in them himself. He just wants to expand on the subject and sometimes wonders at how simple it all is in a way: We human beings need love and care no matter how we get it.
Scheissenbedaurn
Lack of honesty with oneself and preconceptions as to the nature of reality are some of the worst problems than human beings face in living a life centered in the present. In this essay, the author takes a humorous (hopefully)look at the ways in which we sometimes secretly lie to ourselves about our true needs. Reality has a way of surprising us sometimes also, as if anticipating those deeper needs and fears and offering us a lesson in the . . .well. . .realities of life.
Suite Dreams
I offer this essay in gratitude to Suite101 for giving me the chance to publish regularly, participate in forums and discussions with my peers, and develop engaging friendships. Suite101 continues to provide a platform for my intellectual and spiritual growth. I applaud the vision of an online publishing community with members offering constructive criticism and support to each other as we all develop spiritually and intellectually. Though the Suite is going through some changes due to financial pressures, I feel sure that Suite101 shall prevail as its vision is really the vision of the future of humanity as we are all pulled closer and closer together in sharing information and ourselves through technology such as the Internet.
Every Day a Jubilee
As New Years day, 2002, approaches, the author remembers the Millennium celebration that he and his wife, Joyce, attended at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Portland Oregon. He remembers the presentation of the principles of Jubilee, an ancient Hebrew custom celebrated every 50 years and its relevance to modern life
Open Me First
Remaining open to the possibilities of love and living gets harder as we grow older. As we suffer the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune," we often shut ourselves off from the possibilities inherent in an open heart and mind for new expeiences with people, ideas and creation. Therefore, the most wonderful present you can give yourself at Christmas is this openness to life. Therefore, I hope to "open me first" this Christmas
Anger: Part 2 - The Search for Wholeness
Anger probably makes us feel more uncomfortable than any other emotion. It scares us; we are afraid that we are going to lose control and go berserk. There is more to anger than just coping with it, as we cannot suppress our anger and resentments and forget about them; they will come back to haunt us. Part of the problem lies in blaming others for our anger instead of looking inward to our own insecurities. In this separation self and other, we demonize the object of the anger in our projection of suppressed rage onto others. There are also excellent personal rituals that help in healing our wounded psyche. Such healing rituals are based on the psycho-spritual ideas of commonality of spirit or mental processes among humans.
Anger: Part 1 - Listening and Learning
Part of being human and living with other beings is to deal effectively the emotion of anger. You must control anger or it will most certainly control you! There are techniques to manage anger from modern psychology and from the martial arts. Sublimating anger into sociopolitical discourse or humanitarian action is a noble harnessing of its powerful energy.
Listening to Grief
Grief is often a complex of feelings, embodying as it sometimes does mixed emotions about the deceased. Yet, it is an experience that we all endure at various points in our lives. The author shares some of his thoughts and experiences with grief and discusses the comprehensive and caring sites on the Net that help with healing the loss of a loved one.
Loafer's Glory
Just loafing is a wonderful experience, which psychologists say is very therapeutic. The great American poet, Walt Whitman, says in "Leaves of Grass," that "I loaf and invite my soul." Meditation is kind of like formal loafing!
The Thanksgiving Cat
Here's to our special cat, Ram (or Rambo), who survived abandonment and journeyed 3000 miles across a continent to be with us. I may be glad, even grateful that he's here. I may also wish that he would just go play in the traffic.
Remembering Crater Lake, Dad. . .Wish You Were Here
The last times that the author saw his father in good health was during a family visit to Crater Lake, Oregon. Share with the author his account of this family outing, some aspects of his father's life, and, of course, the wonderful, mysterious body of water with the incredible blue colors which is held sacred by Native Americans.
Laughing All the Way
Give the author a break, alright already! He thinks he has a sense of humor. Pray for him as he relates the spiritual aspects of the human comedy. Visit some interesting and funny people and web sites along the way.
"These I Have Loved"
Is life truly worth living? The author presents a list of some "small things" that help him to appreciate his life. Maybe they are not so small after all.
The Key to the Treasure
The use of affirmations instills a deep positive attitude that encourages an abundant, harmonious life and promotes a positive response to negative events.
Seeds of Peace
Seeds of peace, a non-profit organization, helps teenagers from regions of conflict, such as Serbia, Israel, Palestine, etc. put a human face on their enemies and learn the skills of making peace. The author muses about what would happen if he applied these principles in his own life.
The Gourd from which I Drink
Seeing some gourds while attending a Fall harvest fair keys a number of soulful, childhood memories for the author.
Mitakuye Oyasin
We are all connected with each other in a living web of life. As we think, feel and act we all affect each other, as was emphasized for the author at a Lakota sweat lodge.
If Still Your Orchards Bear
Hoping to heal his spirit as he walks on September evenings, the author also muses on peace and war and the future.
Reflections on Tragedy and Healing
Personal reflections and observations on the tragedy of the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001 and some first steps along the path of healing.
Qi Dao Workshop - Part 2
The author experiences a workshop in Tibetan Shamanic Qigong (Qi Dao) which emphasizes cultivating and moving with spiritual energy (Qi)and lucid dreaming while awake or asleep.
Qi Dao Workshop - Part 1
Introduction to anticipated workshop to be taught by a Tibetan Lama and 27th generation lineage holder of his style of Tibetan Shamanic Qigong (Qi Dao),an ancient spiritual teaching and holistic healing tradition.
Self-Help Classics Revisited: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway!
Review of a self-help classic that is extremely well-written with insightful observations and accessible and useful exercises.
Some Thoughts While Being Walked
Taking an evening walk is great for the soul, especially if your dog is walking you!
Lemons and Lemonade, Peaches and Cream
Do you make lemonade out of a lemon or hold out for "peaches and cream?" Does it matter? Some thoughts about change in our lives.
Places of the Soul
Sometimes one needs a sanctuary in which to renew the spirit. The redwood groves of California are some of the author's "places of the soul."
Soul Caring and Yoga
To grow spiritually, one must take care of the soul daily, and the practice of yoga illuminates self-knowledge and self-acceptance.
Letter of Commendation
In appreciation of therapy and the author's therapist.
What About This One?
Whether we reincarnate or have just one chance at this life does not matter in the end, as happiness lies only in living the current life to best of our abilities.
Washing the Soul in Moonlight
Moonlight on the ocean symbolizes the nurturing and love the author felt from his Mother as a child and still feels today.
Just Strong Enough
Sometimes a little inspiration as expressed in early spring flowers is strong enough to change one's perception of reality.
Handbook for the Newly Living
Though human beings do not come with printed "instructions" for their lives, following the beautiful feelings centered in the Heart provides profound guidance.
A Time to Live
How the author learned the importance of living one's life now rather than later.
Merciful Failure in Green
Even failed attempts at poetry or art nourish the soul.