With our modern technology, and especially the internet which seems to put the whole world at our fingertips, it can be easy to think that we know a great deal. But how wise are you if you do not even know yourself — in a real way?

Many of us like to imagine that we are free agents — operating under our own autonomy, for purposes and people of our own choosing. And we imagine that we live apart and independent. But if you examine the nature of humanity, is that true?

We all inherently know that in order to allow a physical injury to heal, some amount of rest is needed — even if we are terrible at implementing that wisdom!

The ongoing heatwave we’ve been experiencing may have caused some negativity to emerge, revealing aspects of yourself that normally go undetected — little irritations, short-temperedness, and the like. Heat has a way of surfacing what lies within.

What does freedom truly mean? Do we ever pause to really consider it? Most likely, the definition given would relate back to yourself — the rights that you are able to exercise, or even this idea that it means you can do whatever you please.

Our culture fixates on achievement and striving – for more. More money, more attention (likes/clicks/followers), more power, more accomplishments, more... everything.

One of the most difficult realities we face as human beings is that life is often painful. When things work out and we are happy, we wonder, “Why can’t it always be this way?”

We rely heavily upon our cognitive mind to make sense of the world. The discoveries that have been made in this way are exciting and important. But, do we limit ourselves if we reject anything that doesn’t make sense to us?

Venus shines brightly in the western sky this month. Its brilliance may have caught your eye, pulling you out of your mundane thoughts and enticing you to ponder questions of a greater nature.

You may find yourself suddenly desiring to get some spring cleaning done, whether inside your home or out in the yard. There seems to be this natural tendency to want to clear out what is old or dead or no longer needed.

Human beings are such strange creatures. We get so distressed over matters of little importance, and often glance over matters of true substance. Why do we expend so much energy on what is ultimately trivial?

The world has many problems — war, poverty, discrimination, disease, hunger. And each of us will face a number of various difficulties in our individual lifetimes, whether they be long or short.

Change. Sometimes we desperately long for it. At other times, we desperately resist it. But like it or not, doesn’t everything change – whether we wish it to or not?

The busy pace of our world can preclude us from connecting to the deeper mysteries of life. Do we actually want to be in touch with them? What are we missing out on?

In our culture, great emphasis is placed on formulating goals and accomplishing them. Everything seems to hinge on achievement. But do our goals make us narrow minded?

Our ability to overlook the mysterious wonder of the world is seemingly endless. We poke and prod, scrutinize and hypothesize, and then imagine we know all about it. The human race may be unique in all of creation for its exceeding arrogance!

For many, the excitement and fresh energy of the New Year is frequently, and quickly, followed with another feeling – guilt. As soon as we fall short of some resolution or expectation we created, negativity is there awaiting us.

As we enter the new year, we are full of new plans, new goals, new resolve. But is anything in fact really new? Haven’t we all been resolutely making plans and goals for years? And hasn’t that been going on for time immemorial?

During the holiday season, we find ourselves busy with a flurry of activities — sending cards, cooking special meals and treats, attending various parties, and exchanging gifts. People often find themselves feeling stressed by it!

Throughout our lives, we look to others for guidance, inspiration, direction, and training. And that is a useful place to begin any endeavor! As we grow and learn, we rely upon others to help us along the way.

Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, can we intentionally embody gratitude as we go forth? Or will we drop it by the wayside in our eager anticipation of the next holiday to come? And, if no emotion can be forced, how do we elicit true gratitude?

We are presently living in a time of great divisiveness. Though, this seems to be ingrained in the human condition. It is not the first time, nor sadly will it be the last, that people have felt this.

Death is an uncomfortable topic in our culture. And though we will all one day experience it, do we prepare for its coming in any way? Would doing so positively impact our lives?

We’re all breathing, talking, thinking, and moving about – but is that living? If my mind is disconnected from what is happening in the moment, is that really being alive? If I’ve shut down my feelings, what does the moment I’m in even mean?

The world in which we live can seem a rather harsh place. Isn’t that why it’s so attractive to think about the major changes you believe would bring about real benefit? The big ideas are always alluring. But is that really the place to start?

Questions are a bit of a paradox. In order to ask a question, one must admit that they do not know — a vulnerable position we have been taught to avoid. Yet questions are powerful!

Today I want to celebrate a milestone — the one-year anniversary of the beginning of this column. I’m grateful for this opportunity to explore deeper ideas with readers, and the feedback I’ve received has been wonderful. Thank you.

When asked the question, “Who are you?”, it’s likely that you reply with your name and perhaps a brief fact — such as your occupation, or a detail that connects you to the person inquiring.

Often when we look at the world around us, we can feel like helpless victims of circumstance. But what is the truth about the reality we live in? Is it something that is foisted upon us from the external environment? Or, are we generating the energies that create the conditions we experience?

What is a human being? There are so many levels on which we could answer. Which begs the question, if we are so multi-faceted and complex, why do we view each other and ourselves in such simplistic and superficial terms? What happens when we take a deeper view of ourselves and others?

The recent headlines have been rather discouraging and disheartening. When we find ourselves in dark times, we may begin to slide into despair. Perhaps you find yourself wondering, “What is wrong with humanity?” Is there any hope?

There’s a lot of talk about freedom. But what does it actually mean to be free? Isn’t it evident that we all have very different ideas and imaginings of what it is? Would we all be arguing over it if that weren’t the case?

Our culture prides itself on individualism and independence, but is that a clear picture of our lives? And is that a satisfactory way to live?

In our modern world, the means for talking has continued to expand. We’ve moved beyond the arenas of the interpersonal, radio and television, to the internet where content is incessantly posted, and tweets and likes are exchanged in a flurry.

Nature is a great teacher. But how often do we heed her lessons? We fight against nature in many ways, even against our own. And strangely, that is often revered, and held up as exemplary. Do we stop to question why?

Earth Day has passed, and Mother’s Day approaches. We typically focus on expressing gratitude towards our own mother, but what of the greater entity of the mother? The Greek goddess Gaia is the source of the terms Mother Earth and Mother Nature. How often do we look at our relationship with our mother on this macro level?

Sunday marks the celebration of Easter this year, the Resurrection. Regardless of one’s spiritual or religious leanings, this day represents something truly powerful — if we are open enough to consider what is possible. Is the miraculous not only possible, but much closer than we think?

Today is the first of April – April fools’ day. Most of us would be gravely insulted if called a fool, holding ourselves above such a label. But what if being a fool was the best thing you could be?

The Japanese have an art called Kintsugi, in which broken pottery is repaired with gold joinery. Not only are the scars and cracks mended, they are highlighted. The resulting piece is far more beautiful than its original form.

It can be hard to find hope for humanity when we read the headlines and see how people treat one another. But at the core of us all, isn’t there a desire to simply be loved?

Love, love, love. There are innumerable songs, books, poems, films, teachings, etc. on the topic. Aren’t we all just looking for love?

This week we can take a deeper look at what it takes to change a habit that no longer serves us. We’ve touched on the topic of change a few times — so let’s delve into a facet of why true change can prove so challenging.

When you think about habits, do you find yourself drawn to the “bad ones”? You wouldn’t be alone!

A new year has just begun. And though the first day of January may feel like an arbitrary “starting point” for the cycle, there is an undeniable energy around that we can make use of — if we know how!

Christmas. Beneath all of the trappings, traditions and busyness the holiday has come to acquire is the root of what is truly being celebrated — the arrival of the sacred within humanity.

The holidays can be a magical time of year — friends and family connecting to spend time together and share affection. But it can also be a very lonely time for many. COVID-19 has certainly caused a significant uptick in the number of people reporting feelings of loneliness, but rates were strongly on the rise even before the pandemic struck.

This week we celebrate a favorite holiday of mine — Thanksgiving. I’ve always enjoyed the simplicity of it: sitting down with friends and family for a beautiful meal shared in gratitude.

People love to play the blame game. Feeling dissatisfied with the state of things, we look around and ask ourselves, “Who is to blame for this anyway?”

Last week, we explored the pursuit of happiness and the recognition that it resides naturally within us rather than in some external condition, place or thing. If that is the case, what prevents us from being in touch with it?

Tonight, the Prescott Film Festival will be showing Mission: Joy - Finding Happiness In Troubled Times. This documentary is about the friendship between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and their insights into how to live a life of joy. I will be joining a three-part panel to lead a Q&A discussion afterwards.

Last time, we explored the duality of the world we live in. So, if we can admit that the world is comprised of duality, are we also ready to admit that we are as well?

Operating from certitude automatically sets up opposition: I’m right, you’re wrong. Years ago, I had a conversation with someone I deeply care for that impacted me greatly.

Why use questions as the format for this column? This has been a challenging time, full of uncertainty. But the beauty of uncertainty is that it can open up possibilities that certitude shuts down.