For months and even years I’ve been praying for direction. Today as I meditated and now as I mindfully walk along the Allegany river near St. Bonaventure University the answers seem to flow. All of my life I have wanted to teach, to help and heal people. I recall making tests up for my brother … 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
Today on our way home from Albany, New York we stopped twice in the Mohawk Valley first at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs at Auriesville, New York. I’ve been stopping here since I was a young boy. My Mom first introduced me to the shrine in the late 1950’s. As I walked around … Read more
In a few hours I will join other educators from around New York State at a rally at the state Capitol to protest the current destructive policy of subjecting our students to relentless testing. Since the Truman Report in 1947 nearly every president has had something to say about public education. Many of these commissions … Read more
Pacem in Terris is the famous encyclical of Blessed John XXIII. As I’ve stated before Pope John was my favorite Pope up until now. When former Pope Benedict decided to resign i prayed that his replacement would be a man like Pope John XXIII. So far I have not been disappointed. This video that came … Read more
50 years ago today Pope John XXIII died. He was my favorite pope up until now. Pope Francis reminds me of Pope John XXIII. Pope John convened the Second Vatican Council. He started much needed reforms in the Catholic Church. I loved the old Latin that we memorized as altar boys back in the Pre-Vatican … Read more
I was reading an article tonight at National Catholic Reporter about the perils of an un-scripted Pope. Apparently Pope Francis extemporaneous comments in his homilies have the Vatican scampering around doing what some might call damage control. I for one am glad we have a Pope who is not scripted. I don’t think Jesus was … Read more
May I have the courage today To live the life that I would love, To postpone my dream no longer But do at last what I came here for And waste my heart on fear no more. — John O’Donahue This quote has been with me since I first read it and especially in the … Read more
