In 1960, Donald Winnicott, a British psychoanalyst coined the phrase “true self” to describe a sense of self based on spontaneous authentic experience, and a feeling of being alive, having a real self. I am completely fascinated with my own ‘true self’ of course. I suppose everyone feels this way. Given the competitive ego that … Continue reading
Transformations
Portuguese Citizen – Yep that’s Me
Portuguese citizenship is primarily based upon the principle of jus sanguinis (right blood). Instead of being based upon the principle of jus soli (right of the soil). My dad was born on Madeira Island. So, last week I was notified that Portugal has accepted my application to become a citizen of … Continue reading
Farming is Public Service
There are a little over 2 million farms in the U.S. today. According to the 2012 census the average age of farmers is 58 years old. This needs to change. In 2010, the National Young Farmers Coalition was formed. Today, this organization is comprised of 100,000 farmers and consumers. It … Continue reading
Collective Commitments
In April 2016, I had one of my “Aha” moments while spending time on Madeira island. The place where I feel like that I experience my true self the most. While on one of my waterfront walks, I said to myself, “Pat you have always said that you want … Continue reading
Blogs I Follow
I find the best way for me to follow a blog that interests me is to use their RSS feed to deliver new blog posts into my e-mail. Or to sign-up for their newsletters. I have listed a few of the biggies that I follow. Also, one of these is … Continue reading
Present Moment Contemplations
The Virtues and Arrogance of Becoming Enlightened. Being enlightened does not give you the right to assume that you know if someone else is enlightened, or that you know whether someone else gets “love” or is practicing present moment awareness. That kind of thinking is simply being judgemental. Let kindness be … Continue reading
Audio Books
In my January 2015 post, I identify two Joseph Campbell audio books I listen to – all the time. Another audiobook I recently enjoyed listening to was The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connection & Courage. Show up and let yourself be seen. “In our culture,” teaches Dr. Brené Brown, “we … Continue reading
Consciousness – What Is It?
Over the past two years, I would attribute my own level of consciousness raising to, more than anything or anyone else, finding Joseph Campbell. Joseph Campbell (March 26, 1904 – October 30, 1987) was an American mythologist, writer and lecturer, best known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. … Continue reading
Do You Have a Bucket List?
Someone recently asked me if I had a bucket list. The thought of it was really unappealing to me. Did you know that the whole Bucket List idea is related to the phrase – ‘Kick the Bucket.’ To me it’s like planning “your retirement.” That time when you hit 65 … Continue reading
Okay Glass – You Are Getting Wild!
Each month, Google introduces new features to enhance Glass. Here are two new ones released today and a new App that just came out called Glashion. The Glashion app is definitely ”Mind blowing”. Vignettes Glass now has a whole new way to tell stories through pictures. You can capture both … Continue reading