Early Tuesday morning, a dear member of our Hineni community who lives in Chicago, and is a wonderful poet, alerted me to the unfolding tragedy in Highland Park, Illinois. Another mass shooting, this time at a Fourth of July parade that I remember attending growing up on the North Shore of Chicago. I did what so many of you did as well - I turned on the news Continue Reading
Poetry for Healing & Hope: Come Join Us
I bought my first book of poetry when I was in college. I was searching for my place in the universe and in a threshold moment of becoming. Poetry became important in my own healing process, as I figured out what I needed to leave behind and what I would take with me into adulthood. Today, I am even more drawn to poetry. The more that I know, the more I Continue Reading
Chanukah Night #5: Books & Movies
Tonight we light the 5th Chanukah candle. Here's tonight's question: What are 5 books that have been influential or made a difference to you this year? This year, my selections represent the kind of learning and comfort I needed including a tv series that was a welcome distraction. Here is my list for this year: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent Continue Reading
You Are Already Worthy
Most of us spend our lives thinking that if we accomplish X or know Y, we will finally feel worthy and valuable. In other words, we will matter - at some time in the future. What would it be like to believe that our worthiness is already a given by virtue of our simply being born? When our kids were born, I bought them each the book On The Day You Continue Reading
Gratitude Is A Practice
What if Thanksgiving was not just one day a year, but a day that reminds you to practice gratitude and giving thanks each and every day? Establishing a regular gratitude practice is the best way to build resilience and happiness. For some people, gratitude comes easily. But for many others, noticing the good is elusive and speaking about it is even more Continue Reading