Alexis – Hm. I have a list of swears extant, but not Colleen-isms. That’s kind of a fun idea. I hope someone else will jump on it right away. :-) (Oh–and not surprised to hear you’re a fellow fan of the Cameron. Good stuff!)

Claire – Part of it is the insulation we have, living in big cities and on coasts. When I spend time in small-town, interior U.S., I’m always being reminded of how suspicious the genpop is of The Other. I mean, I thought this one woman’s eyes were gonna pop outta her head when she heard I was half-Jewish! I didn’t even try broaching the topic of skepticism.

For me, my non-religious outlook makes me more accountable for my actions. “Non-believer” seems to highlight the untrustworthy/lack-of-conscience perception. Any recognition is a start, that’s true, but it’s not a term I want to hear for 40 years to come. Doesn’t mean I won’t listen when it’s a misguided attempt to reach out though.

Second of all, yes to everything. I quite agree.

I used to facilitate AW groups. Loved the process. Opened up many new possibilities for me, as well.

Lordy, the neck on that cat! Just lovely.

“Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui” was my fave. I really need to do the “crack it open” thing again. Nice to have a reminder that there’s power in that lack of crud. Inside and out!

Great post, as always. :)

Bookmarked your post over at Blog Bookmarker.com!…

You noticed that, too, huh? :-)

When will you start meditating w/Kettlebells?

You CrossFit people are nuts, I tell you. Nuts!

Claudia – Oh, phooey. I hate hearing that about Covey. You have insider info? Bleh. Crazy Mormons. (He’s Mormon, right?) Thanks for the I Ching tip. Never got into it, probably b/c I had a bad translation. Makes all the difference.

BF – Well, he is. :-)

Here’s one you might appreciate: the I Ching. Presents life as cyclical, with guidance on how the “superior man” might behave in any situation. Depending on the translation (I started with the Wilhelm-Baynes, currently also adore “A Guide to the I Ching” by Carol K. Anthony), and often combining several, the Ching urges looking for and listening to the power of your “inner truth,” which is a good thing in any language.

The experience/philosophy behind the Confucian codex is not nearly as inscrutable as many think. I began my journey to inner independence in 1968, after an unusual experience in a zoo after lock-down one night. Met a fascinating English professor who showed me where to hide to avoid the zoo-keepers, and spent much of the evening on the African veldt, witnessing what exotic animals really are like after dark. Around midnight, he taught me how to throw the coins to build two trigrams into a hexagram, and totally opened up a new world.

Great post, you have the knack of applying a sense of humor to a profession that’s a little like “crossing the great water.” Oh, and it furthers one to find a great teacher–isn’t that a bit like blogging on the information highway?

It sure sounds a great deal like prayer to me, ableit a little less directed to God/Great Spirit/Allah/Odin, etc.

Nice post!

When will you start meditating w/Kettlebells?

Pace – As someone who is very woo-woo friendly AND has partnered almost exclusively with atheists, I’ve always hated the term “skeptic.” I have this picture of an arms-folded Iowan or Missourian, eyebrow cocked, saying “I’m afraid you’ll have to show me.” Open (within reason) is better. The tricky part is determining what’s reasonable. Sigh…

Dale – Wow. Given your website, I’m kind of surprised that you don’t own it already. But also given your website, pretty sure you’ll enjoy it.

Claire – Man, it is SO hard not to offend these days. Or to get offended. And once someone does, it’s SO hard to have a conversation. I think we’re all overloaded and overcrowded and most of us don’t feel seen, which makes it hard to feel taken care of and have the generosity of spirit to keep reaching out. As much as “non-believers” is hurtful, it’s a step—maybe like the now-cringe-inducing “colored” was back in the day. Baby steps.

And yeah, how about that picture, huh? SO FANTASMIC!