Celebrations & Memories: Haiku Experiments 2
Learning how to celebrate is part of learning how to grieve well. I’m hoping that these haiku (and my commentary) capture snapshots of my grief and healing.
Haiku Experiments
An experiment with haiku in reflection of my stories and memories. These are snapshots of how my experience in budding romance, marriage and divorce.
Childhood Memories, Starships, & Finding Identity
You’d be amazed at how I could name all those stars. When I was 12 years old, one of my most prominent childhood memories involved showing you how to map the stars beyond our solar system. I could tell you about distant galaxies you’d never heard of. For example, you could ask me to chart for you the best route …
The Power of Sacred Space During Suffering
Just mere months after I first learned of my partner’s infidelity, it still felt like my flesh was being torn apart, inch by inch. The piercing pain was amplified with her utter disinterest in saving our marriage. Whether out of foolishness, desperation, a bold vision of all we could re-build together, or in honour of the person I truly loved, I still wished to offer my …
Grit, Grace, and Uncertainty: My Brief Reflections
“I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I’m stepping forward with grit, anchored in grace” -Julie Graham I’m not much of a sailor (yet), and the most I can do on a boat is head over to the buffet line… But I definitely appreciate this image of us stepping forward into fearful uncertainties with grit, “anchored” in grace. For …
Among My Hungry Ghosts: Hearing Grief Speak In Writing
On those days when my grief is especially eager for my attention, I see it gnaw at me like a horde of hungry ghosts. Importantly, I’ve been expressing my grief and continuing my healing, by allowing my imagination to run wild through what I love: writing. As a general definition, hungry ghosts are condemned to a hellish existence where they’re …
Here’s How Hate Betrays Us After Surviving Infidelity
If you’ve ever loved deeply and been betrayed by a partner’s infidelity, you know just how good it feels to hate. Hate is incredibly seductive. Hate feels empowering, even if it’s disturbing for our better selves to think so. However, I’ve noticed how this sort of fierce resentment can soak into our bones. And it just makes things even worse …
Here’s Why I Felt Too Scared to Buy Candy in 1986
When I was 6 or 7-years old, I panicked about the silliest things. My anxiety got pretty bad sometimes–Like that time I felt too scared to buy candy from the nice lady at the local convenience store. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, sorting out all of my different emotions was really tough as a kid. I cried easily (more than others my age, I think), …
The Importance of Self-Care: How To Better Handle Your Stress During Grief
During overwhelming times of grief, suffering or stress, the importance of self-care simply means this: self-compassion. Come learn how you can evolve or start a self-care practice that empowers you.
How To Deal With Life Changes When Your Dreams Die
Isn’t it crazy when life changes for you all of a sudden? I’m sure you don’t need a random guy on the internet to give you examples of how life really changes for you. But, since I’d like to say something thoughtful about cats, toilet-training and milk, I’m going to anyway. Here, I’ll reflect on one of the most important …