The first seed of my sabbatical came at the Loose Moose Theater Company’s International Improvisation Summer School two years ago in Calgary, Alberta. One of our teachers, Shawn Kinley, introduced the Dolphin Game and my heart leapt. Two of my favorite things–improv and positive reinforcement–in one exercise? Whiskers on kittens! The directions were deceptively simple. [more…]
Teachings of the Elf Buddha
I hadn’t expected much from the afternoon. We’d help out with cleaning up Findhorn’s Singing Chamber, a work-in-progress earthen construction. Maybe we’d add some artistic touches if we had the chance. Little did I realize that we would work in the presence of an unexpected sage. Ian Trumbull is the kind of spritely character that [more…]
Leading Beyond Dualisms
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll take you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase ‘each other’ doesn’t make any sense.” –Rumi Some people need clear direction, wandering rudderless when they don’t have [more…]
Shaking Hands With Findhorn
Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy has inspired me for years. His creations almost always activate my sense of wonder, bringing earth-based materials — twigs, stones, leaves, and water — into conversation with other natural forces — light, wind, tide, and time. His works shift as they interact with the landscape, passing through multiple evocative stages of [more…]
When Wrong Becomes Right
Moving around Edinburgh with my friends Carolyn and Stuart regularly had me shaking my head in befuddled amusement. Right after leaving the airport, I got into their passenger’s seat?…on the driver’s side of the car! Of course, I’ve always known about Brits driving on the left side of the road, the “wrong” side of the [more…]
Sweet Edinburgh Welcome
What a joy it is to be welcomed! I arrived in Glasgow, Scotland yesterday a bit foggy from my super-early morning departure from Reykjavik. The flight had gone well–I got good writing done–but I still lacked in energy as I made my way through the airport and passed through customs. What a delight it was, [more…]
Horse Your Sabbatical Going?
Clearly, the native horse holds a special place in the Icelandic heart. Smaller than hulking workhorses found elsewhere in the world–but most definitely not a pony, as the locals make sure to mention–the long-haired Icelandic breed has the agility and strength to maneuver skillfully through the rugged volcanic backcountry. Fast, friendly, and fearless, the animals [more…]
You Had Me at “ævinlega sæl og blessud” (or Why I Now Love IcelandAir)
You’ve gotta love Iceland Air for their ingenious welcome strategy. Offer reduced prices for travel to Europe, allow for no-fee layovers in the capital city of Reykjavík to break up the jet lag of a long journey, and make it easy to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of the place. A stop at the [more…]
The Magic of Early Morning
Something about early morning makes it especially powerful as a time for contemplation. Partly it’s that nature can make her presence known—or more accurately, we can hear her calling more easily. Human sounds have not yet stirred to distract or drive away the more wild or rare thoughts that might come to consciousness, like a [more…]
Don’t Treat My Daughter Like a Dog!
Many teachers and coaches who use TAGteaching—Teaching with Acoustical Guidance—get resistance from parents or colleagues for “clicking” kids. Isn’t that what dog trainers use? Are you treating my kid like an animal? Humans are different! The palpable fear and anger get in the way of good instruction, both by introducing hesitation on the instructor’s part [more…]
