Yes, I went to see a movie by myself yesterday. In the midst of other people, it sometimes feels good to be isolated in my own experience. I like to buy my own bag of popcorn, and I like to savor my own opinions and feelings. I like to do this in the energy soup of others, hearing their collective gasps, chuckles and sighs as part of “surround sound”.

Taoist teachings often come in the form of a story. These ancient tales are entertaining and illuminating. The messages they offer are as relevant today as they were during the Han dynasty. The story, The Horse Expert, is about assessing the character of an animal, but it applies to everyone who touches our lives. Evaluating the merits of a new puppy, an employee, a boss, or a friend-to-be is not easy.  What we see is not always what we get. Is our response to outward appearances reliable, or do we need to look deeper?

Thank you for visiting the blog this week. As readers, you are my treasured partners in this writing adventure. I write from the heart and I appreciate your responsive notes and comments. Valentine's Day is a reminder to express warm sentiments to those who bring us joy - and that includes ourselves. So I'm wondering, if you were sending yourself a valentine, what would the message say? Would it express love and appreciation for all the ways you are kind, generous, and caring? Would you compose a message that’s inspiring, practical, or funny? 

Sometimes I feel disconnected - a lone island in a vast expanse of timeless emptiness. Then I consider the complex strands of DNA that run my physical and emotional body - all inherited from the genetic pool of my grandparents, their grandparents, and all my ancestors - separate families from diverse global cultures. We are all interconnected in amazing ways. Until I investigated hypnic jerks, I neglected to include the connection we have as a species - the influence of thousands, no, millions of years of evolution. Yes, I understood it as a concept, but consider this...