Motivational Music Monday: No Kings Version

Since President Trump’s 2025 inauguration, I have participated in all the major nationwide protests organized by 50501 and related organizations. So far, last Saturday’s second No Kings gathering has been the most fun. In my town of Cary, the first No Kings drew about 2,000 protesters. Last Saturday it’s estimated there were at least 4,000 … More Motivational Music Monday: No Kings Version

In Honor of National Poetry Month…and Community

I think poetry is WAY underrated in our society. In my literature classes, I always teach students that poetry can capture experiences that are hard to describe in our everyday language. So we always recognize this celebration in April. And I think it is even more appropriate this year. Because this TRULY is the world … More In Honor of National Poetry Month…and Community

Celebrating Ramadan with Feasting and Philoxenia at the Divan Center

Last night I had a very special opportunity to celebrate the Islamic spiritual practice of Ramadan, even though I am not Muslim. Ramadan is one of the most sacred traditions in Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an through a month in which Muslims shift their focus from their material world to their spiritual … More Celebrating Ramadan with Feasting and Philoxenia at the Divan Center

Focusing on What I Want, Not on What I Don’t Want

Regular readers of this blog probably can probably guess that I’m not looking forward to Donald Trump becoming the 47th President of the United States next week. However, my spiritual tradition teaches us not to focus on what we don’t want, because that focus will only make that thing grow. As the quote above by … More Focusing on What I Want, Not on What I Don’t Want

Happy Pancha Ganapati!

Welcome to the second day of celebrating Pancha Ganapati! Pancha Ganapati is a modern Hindu holiday, developed around the elephant-headed God Ganesha, that runs from December 21-25. Like Kwanza, it was created around the Solstice/Christmas/Hannukah time, but with a spiritual/community focus for each day. And each day also has its own color! The first day … More Happy Pancha Ganapati!