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Beginner's Heart
Beginner's Heart
time, recursive music, and listening to quiet
By
Britton Gildersleeve
It’s hard for me to convince people I’m an introvert. Most of the time (if it comes up at all), I just let them think what they will. I know how much time it takes me to recover from any ‘gig’ — whether it’s a holiday tea or a professional meeting. And if it’s staying…
living what’s to hand, or, dinner as a metaphor
By
Britton Gildersleeve
Last night’s dinner was brought to its happy eaters by creativity. Experience, as well. And a huge helping of why not try this? And now I’m wondering why that attitude doesn’t work for me in more venues… I had great organic chicken — bought on a spur-of-the-moment visit to the brand-new Trader Joe’s (we are officially…
unified spiritual field theory
By
Britton Gildersleeve
In Buddhism, everything is connected. I had a teacher once ask, in a workshop, how my breath was distinguishable from someone else’s. Another learner asked where ‘I’ began, and ‘other’ ended. Or vice-versa. And the truth is? Even science isn’t really sure. If my breath commingles with yours (the Arabs have a saying for close…
the ongoing heartbreak of American racism
By
Britton Gildersleeve
The scab is off, and the wound of America’s history is bleeding. Again. Perhaps because a black man is president…? It’s a savage old wound, never really healed, and apt to erupt into pestilence at any moment. Medical terminology comes to mind: suppurating, necrotic, septic. In other words — it eats away at the flesh of…
random acts of kindness, or, we’re going to be fine
By
Britton Gildersleeve
One of my sons just sent me a comic. This happens more often than you might think with my family, especially my younger son & his cousins. I always enjoy the comics; they’re full of colour and meaning and usually a moral. In many ways, comics are the new fables. From the Sandman to the…
inferiority complexes, and the wince of worry
By
Britton Gildersleeve
Most of the time, I’m very happy being me. I have a pretty wonderful life: my beloved is damn near perfect (he even does BOTH our insurances & taxes!). As are my sons, my DIL, my grandson (possibly the most perfect of all…). My sisters are my best friends; my nieces are amazing; my nephews…
a recipe for peace…add empathy and stir
By
Britton Gildersleeve
Add empathy and stir. It’s that easy. Really. But here’s the problem: we seem to have forgotten empathy even exists. Along with respect, consideration, just plain manners. Today’s political scene is a prime example. There is a complete lack of respect or empathy on the part of far too many who aspire to be a…
that was then, or, through a glass dimly
By
Britton Gildersleeve
I’m not much of one to look backwards. The good news? That means I don’t second-guess myself a lot, thankfully. But it also means I don’t have any childhood friends, really — a lot of family, but no school friends. Only one high school friend — the art editor of the high school journal I…
the gospel of tea
By
Britton Gildersleeve
No one who knows me more than a few hours misses that I am nuts about tea. It not only tastes good: it’s good for you. And not just those polyphenols. Something there is that loves a break in the day. A short moment of respite from computers, or customers and clients. A. quiet moment…
The sting of snow and the warmth of hearts
By
Britton Gildersleeve
Snow doesn’t bother me. As long as I don’t have to drive in it…! In fact, I quite like it. So knowing that there was going to be snow while I’m visiting my beloved niece in Boston, I came prepared. I thought… I brought face scarves (which I forgot to wear today!), an ear/headband, gloves,…
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