Our closest relationships can teach us the art of staying connected, even when setting a fierce boundary. Photo: Deborah McNamara (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming) "Conflict and tension are as much a part of the human condition as interdependence is. There are times we have to have conflict, and tension has to exist to bring something …
Continue reading The Borders of Choosing Love: What Place Does Anger Take?
A poem on following wonder. Photo: Deborah McNamara (Salida, Colorado) Don’t even think about it.Poetry isn’t made for the controlling mind.Poetry is made for the open, available heart,empty but fullready but not waiting. Like a slow-rolling thunderstormthe words come when ready.Sometimes slow, large dropsothers: torrents and a splash. Don’t even think about it.Be a conspirer …
Continue reading Poetry is Made for the Open, Available Heart
A poem on the space steeped in silence, beyond and before. Photo: Deborah McNamara (Thermopolis, Wyoming) Be a follower of“no separation”not this nor that,here nor there. Weave between traditions and practiceslike a mendicant in search of a holy lightwhich is alwaysalreadyhere. No separation: seamless living with what arises,going with a flow,rooted in present moment,being in …
Sometimes, death offers bittersweet reminders. Photo: Deborah McNamara (Rhea and Nick, 1959) “I am slowly, painfully discovering that my refuge is not found in my mother, my grandmother, or even the birds of Bear River. My refuge exists in my capacity to love. If I can learn to love death then I can begin to …
Continue reading Finding Refuge in Change: Love, Nature, Goodbyes
And why you should know about the Buddhist practice of “Beginner’s Mind.” Photo: Deborah McNamara (Glacier National Park, Montana) "Having a beginner's mind means having an attitude of openness, eagerness and freedom from preconceptions when approaching anything...It is that delicious state when you are sure of nothing, yet completely fearless, totally available to the moment." …
Continue reading How Family Life Dishes Up Life’s Greatest Lessons
Beauty is everywhere, even in the parking lot. Photo: Deborah McNamara (Lucca, Italy) “The Divine Mother is always playful and sportive. The universe is Her play. She is full of bliss.” ~ Ramakrishna, Indian Mystic and Yogi Perhaps the most poignant invitation of motherhood has been to enter into a new realm of quiet poetry …
Continue reading Divine Playfulness: How Parenthood Taught Me to Drop the Agenda & Savor Instead
Photo: Deborah McNamara (Stillwater River, Montana) “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” ~ Alan Watts, Author of The Way of Zen Raising young children brings with it the widest spectrum of experience and emotion. There are the highs and sweet joys. Then …
Art Credit: Braeden Peraro Over the past months and years, I’ve often found myself in over my head as a parent. One of my boys has been recently struggling with separation anxiety — and learning how to respond and offer support has been an ongoing, often stressful journey. I’ve often felt like I’ve been wading through …
Continue reading What about Anxiety and Dark Spaces? 5 Practices for Working with Children
Deb McNamara 