Council Corner: Prejudice takes many forms
This summer Ashland started working on a process to “unpack “ racism. I am glad Ashland is addressing this issue in a proactive way. I hope we continue to look at how we can be a community that truly...
View ArticleCouncil Corner: Voters' concerns have common thread
I have been campaigning to be elected to House District 5 since last December.Over the past 10 months I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with people across the district, perhaps including you.Thanks...
View ArticleCouncil Corner: City dynamics: The tail wagging the dog
After eight years on the City Council, I’ve come to the realization that an important piece of the governing process in Ashland is effectively broken. This may come as a shock to many, including those...
View ArticleInner Peace: Life as a psychedelic experience
"Psychedelic." From the Greek "dēlos," meaning "clear" or "manifest," and the term "psyche," "psychedelic" means "mind manifesting." Although it's a word that commonly summons thoughts of...
View ArticleInner Peace: Why aren't my prayers answered?
Why aren't my prayers answered?This is such a common question for people of all faiths and traditions. But a lot of people are afraid to ask their spiritual leader, "Why?" When spiritual leaders are...
View ArticleInner Peace: To whom do we pray?
Here are four possibilities: 1) There is no god, no spirit, just a mechanistic universe that is open to scientific thought. 2) There is a benevolent god who takes an interest in what we do and think....
View ArticleInner Peace: Quieting the mind produces peace
I recently completed a 21-day, guided meditation provided by Deepak Chopra and the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). As I opened my eyes on the last day, I felt empty, almost let down. I asked myself:...
View ArticleInner Peace: Eternal life exists in pure consiousness
The prospect of eternal life is a very attractive one. Especially when it is combined with the idea of living in a peaceful, blissful state with endless beauty and all the material items one could...
View ArticleInner Peace: Peace beckons from beyond the grave
Florida captured a part of my heart during childhood when, as a family, we would drive straight through from Kansas City to Wildwood, Florida, Mom's childhood home. Every summer we would venture that...
View ArticleChristians and Muslims join in peace making
Have you ever watched the DVD series "The Jesus Fatwah: Love Your Muslim Neighbor"? Well, thanks to Carol Custodio, participants of the Lunch & Learn committee were able to see this incredibly...
View ArticleInner Peace: It's not easy to keep peaceful in a political season
Politics! You’ve probably noticed lately that during this presidential election season we are cheering or jeering one candidate or the other. We choose sides and it may seem ridiculous but it looks...
View ArticleInner Peace: My core philosophy? I don't know
“There is no hole in the bottom of the universe out of which you can fall.” I am alive. Someday I will be dead. I am not going to speculate on what happens after I die. I don’t know.If there is a life...
View ArticleInner Peace: Trying to figure everything out? Surrender!
In growing up in our wonderful Western world, we are taught that when we have a problem or challenge to try and figure out a solution and take action to remedy the situation. Our society is built on...
View ArticleInner Peace: Celtic evensong a solace for the soul
Church is not the first place most people go to today to find inner peace. They might go to be inspired by the sermon, a personal witness, or outstanding musical performance, but I seldom hear people...
View ArticleOn Peace Day, Sept. 21, choose an ego-free day
The International Day of Peace, sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day, is observed annually on Sept. 21. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such...
View ArticleA peace troubadour recalls surviving 9/11
I was in the heart of downtown NYC on the morning of 9/11.Leaving the building I was in at 9:05 a.m., I saw the first building of the World Trade Center on fire. Almost immediately, the second building...
View ArticleInner Peace: Connecting with a dark soul to share inner peace
He was tall, wearing all black with hair to match. I noticed him when I entered the temporary homeless shelter Christmas Eve. The man in black stood motionless, leaning on the doorway entrance from the...
View ArticleInner Peace: Remembering a special wedding during Pride Week
One week and one day after a gunman unleashed his fear-based fury at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, I spent the morning with two gay men and their families at their wedding rehearsal. The first...
View ArticleFind peace from a place of presence
If you are not at peace in your intimate relationship, then your life will not be at peace. To gain some insight here, let’s step back and consider the typical stages of intimate relationships.The...
View ArticlePath to enlightenment can change your life
As a very young man, I remember hearing about “enlightenment.” The Buddhists talked about the Buddha being enlightened and that that was the ultimate goal in life. When you were enlightened you were...
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