Chrissie Mann asked if she could interview me about Real People and the Course Of Study offered at Claymont this coming August. I highly recommend you consider taking the COS (Course of Study) It’s an invaluable experience and a way to acquire skills that will stand you in good stead during these turbulent times as well … Read more
In Fourth Way work, sensation is a building block. To use it, one must understand sensation differently than the common definition. The usual way of thinking about sensation is something from outside ourselves that sets off our skin sensors: heat, cold, touch, wind, water, etc. We touch a hot surface and burn our finger. We … Read more
I’d forgotten about returning over Labor Day weekend. That might have been why going through customs at LaGuardia in New York provided such vivid impressions of Americans. One woman, who’s orange-red hair, red lipstick, clunky jewelry, tons of luggage, and a voice as big as she was, seemed to epitomize who we were as a … Read more
Coming home was the feeling that emerged for me in pondering last month’s event marking Claymont’s 50-year existence. Not a coming home only for those who have been away. But also, for those of us who never left or who returned years ago. Some who came may have aged beyond recognition, but people still recognized … Read more
“May my thoughts be full of Peace and Thanksgiving” is how I begin my writing prayer. I consider this blessing among the three that I ask for before sitting down to write my blog. Today as I sat with this first gift, feeling the peace that thankfulness brings, I took a moment to look more … Read more
Jogging with Deer Flies buzzing around my head in New Hampshire the other day taught me something. What I already knew, was that I don’t like Deer Flies—they bite. Of course, there’s working with Like and Dislike—yes, that. Then there was the arrogance of thinking I didn’t need to apply bug repellent before setting out. … Read more
On the subject of death, I’m not done. The old ornamental cherry tree just beyond the deck is where I hang birdfeeders. I eat on the deck and sit in the twilight to watch the birds. They have given me great joy throughout the years. However, I was not happy to see a family of … Read more
The Work is like an isometric exercise. At least that is how I’ve come to experience it. After periods of ongoing efforts, both internally and externally, I’ve come to see that it is during the interval of letting go and relaxing, that my “work” muscle grows. This is a phenomenon I’ve come to appreciate. Take … Read more
I Attended a Real Life Hogwarts is the tile of an interview Rebekah Berndt had with me for her new podcast, The Unfolding, Faith Without Borders. The interview centers around Gurdjieff, Bennett, and my experience at Sherborne. It also includes an overview of Claymont. There is an extended part of the interview which is accessible … Read more
The author grapples with the desire to do good deeds but feels inadequate compared to grand gestures. They advocate for small, achievable acts of kindness like calling a relative or being punctual. The post emphasizes the importance of intentionality and putting thoughts into action, as these small deeds carry more value than inaction fueled by overwhelming aspirations.