Tag Archives: Travel
Refuge in Laos
As part of preparing for my recent trip to Laos I read a series of mysteries that take place there in the mid-1970’s, just after the communist Pathet Lao came to power. The main character is the delightful Dr. Siri … Continue reading
Elephants
While in Laos, my friends and I spent the day at an elephant rescue camp. These were elephants who had worked in logging camps, where they are routinely pushed to the point of exhaustion, unable to reproduce. To replenish their … Continue reading
Finding Refuge
Siem Reap, Cambodia, January 19. Tonight I watched a dozen talented artists paint, play music, dance, and do amazing circus routines as they told the story of their country’s descent into genocide and its ongoing recovery from those horrors. These … Continue reading
Sacred Waters
Last week on a meditation retreat I was inspired to swim in Lake Tahoe at dawn under the full moon. Joined by my friend Christy (if she hadn’t said yes to my invitation, I might have slept in instead!), we … Continue reading
We Get Around
Before I went to Cuba I had an image that most of its vehicles were vintage American cars. Wrong! There were vehicles of all kinds, including generic small Asian sedans. Most of the transportation was local; the “highways” between cities were … Continue reading
More Anxiety
“Action absorbs anxiety,” said cultural anthropologist and activist Angeles Arrien. Based on my experience before my recent trip to France, I would have to add “skillful” or “wise” action. Unskillful action can actually feed the anxiety. Like many people I’ve … Continue reading
Time
When I’m in the Dordogne region of southern France I’m very aware of time. It’s an easy place to be in the present moment as there is so much beauty and pleasure to experience. Here is a typical meal–fresh, organic … Continue reading
The Spice of Life
One of the pleasures of travel is to taste different cuisines. A constant around the world is the use of herbs and spices. Chiles are popular almost everywhere I’ve been. Markets are a fun … Continue reading
Hair Play
I think people have been obsessing about hair for a very long time. By the time I was eight, I was getting Toni Home Perms, which turned my hair into a frizzy mess. Didn’t stop me, though—I did keep trying. … Continue reading
Flying home
Flying home into the sunset from a very relaxing time in Florida on retreat and visiting family…so relaxed that this is it for this week’s post! photo: Monday’s sunset
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday. To have a day that at its best is about gratitude is a good reminder to live in gratitude every day. But you all know this! And, of course, … Continue reading
Multiple Voices
Recently I’ve been thinking about voices, both inner and outer, and how powerful both kinds can be. In future posts I’ll talk about inner voices, but for now I’d like to share some examples of the power of outer voices. … Continue reading
Burning Man
As I write this, 60,000 people are gathered in the Black Rock desert (about 150 miles north of here) for the 28th Burning Man festival. Begun on a small beach in San Francisco, it has been in Nevada for most … Continue reading
Blessings and Protection
Every culture I’ve visited around the world has some form of ritual objects to help bring prosperity, well-being, and blessings to people and other beings. These are some I’ve brought home and incorporated into my back yard. The structure is … Continue reading