When I was a kid, December was both a favorite and painful time of year. I loved the decorations. I loved holiday break, when my little Irish grandma came to visit and slept in my room. I loved the holiday choir concert where I sang in the choir and … [Read more]
The cost of individualism, the pain of underlovedness, and the hope of community
I receive emails from many people who talk about how food is one of many ways that they self soothe. Netflix bingeing, excessive online scrolling, alcohol, shopping, overworking and overdoing, escape in spiritual practice, excessive caretaking and … [Read more]
The hospitality of belonging
Image: Nurture Love by Eddy Sara. Used by kind permission of the artist. Many of you know that I live in Texas, and so not very far away from the horrible tragedy that took place in Uvalde this week when a gunman attacked an elementary school. I, … [Read more]
Bearing the discomfort of emptiness
This past week we hosted my aunt and cousin at our home, who came to visit from Ohio. We hadn't since them since the end of 2019, and for five days we laughed, talked, and ate meals together. It felt like a holiday, and our hearts filled and … [Read more]