About this time last year I began my descent into a massive burnout. I had been energized by all the changes in my life – moving back to NYC, getting my career back on track, trying to make up for years in the matter of months – but in the process I overwhelmed myself, and by spring I was a weakened, babbling fool. Even now, when I think back at that period, though I’m stunned by everything that took place, it seems like madness to have attempted so much. Read more…
In the second and final step of the so-called “wisdom” part of the Eightfold Path, we get Right Intention. It is less about the intention toward others – we’re not there yet – but more about intention towards the self, and a commitment to improving that self by developing compassion, among other things. Once we understand Right View (see things for what they are, and that includes the difficulties inherent in life), we commit to ourselves to do something about it. There really is great logic in all of this. Read more…
Every stranger gives me two gifts. In no particular order they are: the chance to study a character, and a chance to practice compassion. Most people are odd, and therefore great characters, and most people are unhappy, and in dire need of someone to show them some caring. On occasion, you hit the motherload and get a really, really unhappy wack job. Read more…
