Living in the Eye of the Storm + free practices

Lately it feels like the news is full of what I call the “smite” stories — the “vanquishing our enemies” or “God is on our side” kind of headlines and quotes. Doesn’t it seem as if our world is becoming more violent, more divisive, more distrustful of the other? The constant stream of graphic images and minute-by-minute updates can make it feel as if the storm is raging everywhere. Yet the evidence tells a somewhat different story. The most violent time in human history, based on the examination of 3,500 human skeletons, appears to have been between 1200 and 400 BCE. While violence certainly still exists today, research shows that it tends to wax and [...]

Living in the Eye of the Storm + free practices2026-03-11T14:15:28-07:00

The Courage to Love: An Antidepressant for Our Times

What’s the antidote — the antidepressant — for the fear so many of us are carrying right now? The fear that shows up as anger, grief, or simple exhaustion? I think there are two medicines. The first is the courage to love. The second, in Anne Lamott’s words, is gratitude for all that remains. Lamott writes: “How do we shine a little brighter? Gratitude is brightening. Gratitude for all that remains, no matter how much the locusts have eaten, is a subversive act.” In a time when trust feels shaken and the things we learned about democracy seem less certain, that kind of brightness matters. It’s quiet, but it’s powerful. So how do we shine [...]

The Courage to Love: An Antidepressant for Our Times2026-02-11T11:54:46-07:00

On Listening

As I write, we as humans on this planet are in the midst of holiday festivities—or perhaps a quieter, more contemplative time. As you read this, you may be in recovery from the holidays. I can’t help but notice what my inbox looks like this time of year, when “Primary” feels more like “Promotions,” and “Promotions” feels completely out of control. By sending my monthly(ish) newsletter, I realize I’m adding to that noise. What does that mean? Maybe it points to something universal: a need to be heard. The human cry goes up—just listen to me! (Though right now there’s also a lot of just buy me.) Despite broadcasting my thoughts here (yes, I see the irony), I want [...]

On Listening2026-02-11T07:58:50-07:00
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