“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw If we are going to talk about getting “old” we have to talk about thoughts. Thoughts are automatic. Our environment stimulates them and we listen to them as though...
I am a newlywed, to a man I have known for three decades. Let me explain: I met Christopher 33 years ago, and since then, we have cared deeply for each other. We became a couple 16 years ago, and had a wonderful son who is...
Recently Baby taught herself something new. In the past, if Baby wanted to sit with me while I was working in the office, she delicately stepped off my desk into my lap. Generally, however, she came near to indicate her interest. Eager to have her...
Shya said it again. Of course it was spoken in private with no witnesses except our cat Baby, and she can’t talk. Sometimes I must admit what he says is hard to tolerate. Should I brush it off? Walk away? Stand and take it? Or do...
I have been a teacher for many years. This past year, my husband and I moved to the county of Oxfordshire inEngland, so I started looking for a new teaching position. I landed an interview with a prestigious school, and was surprised to find that...
Slowly, slowly I brush her fur. Quietly grows a contented purr. Baby’s fur grows soft and silky. Slowly, slowly I brush her fur. Each brush stroke a unique moment of intimacy. ...
“Start, then persevere until the end” is one way to approach projects. At times this can be a useful strategy. In fact for the two of us, when writing an article, the information sometimes comes fully formed like a mental download and all we need...
I teach art in a public elementary school in New York City. I recently had an experience in which listening led to transformation. One day, I was contacted by Mrs. Perez,* the mom of one of my students. She was upset and deeply concerned about what...
When looking at Baby, up close, it’s easy to see her world and our world reflected - the fan, the lights, pictures framed upon the wall. So still is she, it’s clear the world is not reflected in her thoughts, only upon the surface of...
The call came early on Sunday morning, the weekend before Christmas. It was my sister Cathy with news that my 91-year-old mom had fallen and was on the way to the hospital. One of those moments where my primal fears are activated: My mom’s life is...