For the second time in the last four years I am embarking on an educational journey at St. Bonaventure University. Yesterday and today were my first classes at the Franciscan Institute. I’m taking a course called “Retrieving a Franciscan Philosophy for Social Engagement.” This class leapt out of the catalog in March and after two … Read more
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 These are word easily read but not easily practiced for me. They are words whose point I missed for much of my life and to this day I have difficulty loving and caring for … Read more
In the past year I’ve discovered that there are many teachers who are stressed about a variety of things. For many it involves high stakes testing and tying their evaluations to the results of those tests. For others its a combination of raising a family, higher fuel prices, uncertain futures, children in college and more. … Read more
I read a piece on a blog tonight while eating dinner that featured recent research that indicates that yoga is good for your brain. The entire article is linked here. “While practicing yoga, you are focused on your breath and mindfully aware of your postures,” said study author Neha Gothe, an exercise psychologist at the … Read more
It’s been eighteen months now since I began to follow my breath and it has lead me to peace and stillness. I first took a meditation class in 1976. It was Transcendental Meditation. There was a mantra and formal training. There was a cost too. I don’t remember what it was. I didn’t stay with … Read more
Altissimu, onnipotente bon Signore, Tue so le laude, la gloria e l’honore et onne benedictione. — St. Francis of Assisi Translated from the original Umbrian dialect this is: Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. That was on my heart tonight as I drove away from … Read more
Who doesn’t like warm weather? I long for these lovely sunny days we are experiencing right now. This morning I was able to head to work with no jacket. A tie, a shirt and slacks. What a great day! Add to that the sun was shining and that’s not a given here in Western New … Read more
In the past five months I have incorporated a daily practice of mindfulness. Along with this I’ve incorporated Yoga and I’ve been reading everything I can about both topics. K-12 schools are in chaos around the country due to a number of reasons that include high stakes testing, teacher & principal evaluations and shrinking budgets. … Read more
“When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That’s the message he is sending.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh Just what I needed to read today. Another did make me suffer at least for awhile and then … Read more
Gosh, it’s been over 5 months since I last wrote! I’ve been busy. Had my first ever major surgery which scared the heck out of me. I made a mountain out of a molehill. I’m grateful to my surgeon who repaired an umbilical hernia. I’m good for another 100,000 miles now. While I was convalescing … Read more
