Somewhere, back in the early 1800’s, Thomas Palmer, in an effort to encourage American schoolchildren to do their homework, he wrote in his teacher’s manual, “’Tis a lesson you should heed, try, try again. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Shortly after that, Edward Hickson put the phrase in his ‘Moral Song’ … Continue reading If at First You Do Succeed, Try, Try Again
There was a time in my life when the people around me encouraged me to, just sign up for welfare. Imagine that! This was the atmosphere I grew up in. It was not a nice neighborhood. I have a library full of “excuses” I could legitimately claim, but this is not an origin story, so … Continue reading I Can’t Swim the Lake if I’m Chained to the Dock
I come from a rough neighborhood; that’s no secret. Where I grew up, people were gruff, rough, and tough. In fact, here’s a typical greeting; and seriously, no bullshit, verbatim: “Joe! How the hell are you, you fat fucking bastard? Life treating you good or what?” Realness. You know this guy cares about Joe; asking … Continue reading The Case for Care in the Face of Sympathy
“I know Kung Fu”, said Neo (The Matrix). Wouldn’t it be great if we could just “jack-in” and upload knowledge directly into our brains? Is it upload or download? I don’t know. But, a four-year degree is completed in an hour with no effort. Martial Artist, Yogi, or pianist. Just sit back and relax. Hmm. … Continue reading Kung Fu in 5 Easy Steps
In Yoga, Drishti is a focused gaze and relates to the sixth limb of yoga, Dharana (concentration), bringing us to the here and now in reality, as it truly is. There are actually nine Drishtis and one night, I cycled through them all, with danger being the vehicle. Back when the Breakfast Club was still … Continue reading Dangerous Drishti
When I was a kid, my parents and extended family would throw around the word “someday” as if it was a magical destination. “Someday, my ship will come in.” “Yeah, we’ll do that; someday.” Everyone seemed to be okay with this, but me. As if saying “someday”, sedated them. I quickly developed a dislike for … Continue reading When is Someday?
