A Mindful Life

Kids With Cameras
The music in the mini-movie is that of Krishna Das — most excellent for the spirit.
[via The Other Side]

There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.
–A.J. Muste

Our Mother, who art all around us,blessed be thy childrenThy blessings won, thy work is doneon earth and in the heavens
Give us this day, the strength and trustto confront our fearsAs we challenge those who would use our fear against us
Guide us in this strugglewith love and peaceto create a new worldof justice, joy,and [...]

When did you discover your love of reading? I was “a natural” in that reading was a second reality — easy to slip into. I read a lot as a teenager, but my serious reading began in earnest around age 20. Serious as in quantity as well as attitude.
As an advocate of [...]

Speaking from experience (several bouts of clinical depression), I can guarantee that depression beyond the very mildest level (which makes you just miserable enough to stay home and finish the book rather than go out and have fun) destroys creativity–and that treating depression enhances it. Why? Well, depression doesn’t just make you miserable. When you’re [...]

I just finished reading Life of Pi, a tale presented as a true-life survival story. I realize it’s a novel, but I want it to be true. It’s that compelling.
In fact, I might just decide to believe it as such. Certainly the story contains truth. People survive amazing ordeals. I [...]

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
–Audrey Hepburn

Hope is the deep orientation of the human soul that can be held at the darkest times.
–Vaclav Havel

May your heart be an altar, from which the bright flame of unending thanksgiving ascends to heaven.
–St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, Embrace the World

We take for granted
such abundant refreshment,
without which, we die.

“An Element of Necessity” by Ron Daltwas ©2003 / ephotograph