Tag: ram dass
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The Day I Argued with a BMW and Met Myself
I was out on a bike ride on my way back to my car. It was a typical busy day on Main Street in Ann Arbor, just the kind of chaos that makes you feel alive yet cautious. Always aware of traffic, I found myself in the left lane, signaling for a turn, when out…
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These Directions Make No Sense!
Last Saturday, I volunteered at a men’s wellness event hosted by the Michigan Men’s Health Foundation at Ford Field in Detroit. The gathering was remarkable in its simplicity: everything was freely given, blood work, screenings for prostate health and diabetes, haircuts, dental and foot care. Everyone attending was provided with lunch. About 1,500 men were…
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The Mind’s First Reaction Is Not the Soul’s Wisdom
I was kayaking with a friend on the Huron River, just below Barton Dam. From a distance, the water tumbling over the dam looked fierce, fast, like a current you’d be foolish to challenge. My friend hesitated, concerned the flow might be too strong. I could feel her pause. Her apprehension was real, but the…
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Finding Myself In Two Places At Once
The other day, I was on my way to an appointment, running a little late and caught in traffic. Frustrated and restless, my mind drifted to the deeper questions I’ve been wrestling with, the big, existential ones about my life’s direction and purpose. As I sat there, lost in thought, my eyes landed on the…
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Is This What I Really Wanted?
I have a long-time friend, a good friend who has deeply influenced my life. Though we live nearby, we rarely see each other. He’s busy. I’m retired. Still, he’s often on my mind. Last Sunday, I went to a local plant nursery. It was bustling, the parking was tight, and people moved with urgency, eager…
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Too Hard For Me To Figure Out
I wake up every day and, to the best of my ability, resist looking at the news. That resistance is often overcome by a voracious need to know what is going on with the dismantling of our institutions and culture. I find myself compelled to turn my cell phone on and read what is published…
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An Unavoidable Collision
In past blogs, I’ve shared that my partner and I spend our winters in Tucson mainly because of the exceptional cycling opportunities. On average, we ride around 150 miles a week, taking advantage of the diverse terrain, which includes riding through the mountains, the foothills, and a unique feature known as “The Loop.” Officially called…
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Staring Death In The Face
I love hosting dinner parties. My partner and I had several friends over for a Christmas Day meal. I was in heaven, planning, shopping, cooking, preparing, and completing all the tasks needed to feed eight people. I am nourished not only by the food, but equally by the intimate connection that these gatherings engender. Before…
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That’s Not What I Chose
I was gathered around a fire pit in a friend’s yard. I sat with six of my closest friends, men I deeply trust, men who know my heart and the truth of my being. I love sitting around a fire. It feels primordial, something that calls to my ancient humanity. Something done for generations provided…
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I Received a Valuable Gift
I have often mentioned that I am an ardent bike rider. I am a solid B- rider. On average, I ride about 150 miles a week. In warmer weather, the local bike club I belong sponsors a Tuesday night ride. It is rated an A ride. It leaves promptly at 6:00 pm. It is an…
Lean into your life 