Golgonooza

We are woven of stories - the ones we tell about ourselves, the ones others tell of us, the ones that lurk in the shadows of our and others' minds that shape, often unconsciously, our beliefs, patterns of behavior, habits. We might, rightly, as my wise, challenging Jungian analyst showed me, develop a necessary supportive (or defensive) belief or habit with its accompanying story, wholly appropriate for its moment, yet as time progresses, it becomes at best a worn shell better discarded, at worst a self-defeating neurosis holding you bound. And what shifts these stories and their attendant possibilities, writing with us anew?  The careful sifting of memory, the circles of care or neglect we live in, our conversations with others, the lowering or deepening of the circles of our awareness, the practice of trying on different frames, new versions of ourselves; and, of course, events! Tanya Shadrick's beautifully written memoir and manifesto explore many of these dimensions of the ...

As a student, Huston Smith used to wake up, bolt upright, hands outstretched, declaring in a loud voice, “Good!" He maintained this grateful, wondering attitude through a long, inwardly and outwardly, adventurous life told with aplomb here, though thankfully, for Kendra, his partner for more than 60 years, he had surrendered this particular waking practice by the time they met! Nevertheless, it was practice that was at the heart of Smith's sustained, lifelong exploration of the religions of humankind. His book, 'The World's Religions' sold in its millions and he was an early adopter of television as a medium of communication. Though thought of as a religious scholar, Smith preferred to describe himself as a 'religious communicator'. He would immerse himself in a tradition, practice it himself, to the extent permitted, listen carefully and attentively to its wider practitioners, and befriend them in meaningful, engaged dialogue. Born the son of Christian mis...