The abyss of unbeing — Proust. Oliver Sacks calls what Proust is describing as what it feels like when the very foundation of perception, of consciousness, of self is undermined. Then again when Hans Solo was frozen in carbonite he called the experience, “That carbon-freeze was the closest thing to dead there is. And it wasn’t just sleepin’. It…

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Make this world worthy of its children. — Pablo Casals. Refreshed from the beach and a great book event, I lead with the words of Pablo Casals. I thought of this quote when we had dinner last night with my grandkids after Suzy and I returned to Charlotte. They are so full of energy and enthusiasm…

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Ponder for a long time whether you shall admit a given person to your friendship but when you have decided to admit him, welcome him with all your heart and soul. — Seneca. During my meditation this morning, I wondered if Christ had a friend. He had disciples, followers, and worshippers, but what about someone who…

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Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where others see nothing. — Camille Pissarro. I apologize for being missing in action for these last few weeks. I have been in two of the country’s most beautiful places. First driving through the mountains of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and western New York to Chautauqua…

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