Category: philosophical counseling

• September 21, 2019

  My TEDxABQ Talk Transcript

  In September 2018, about a year ago now, I gave a TEDxABQ talk on Total Work. The organization’s posting the videos on YouTube has been delayed time and again. Since I’m not sure, at this point, whether they will be released, I thought it could make sense to include a copy of the talk transcript…
• September 20, 2019

  ‘No One Thing Can Do It All’: On The Limits Of Spirituality

  I used to think that philosophy as a way of life could do it all. Later on, I was disabused of this illusion. Then I thought that contemplative philosophy was in the service of spirituality and that, together, they would suffice. I still believe the former claim but not the latter, and now I see…
• September 19, 2019

  My Musing Mind Podcast Interview: “Finding a New Center”

  I recently spoke with Oshan Jarow on his Musing Mind Podcast. What’s lovely about his podcast is that its focus is on the connection between worldly questions (those of economics, politics, and culture) and contemplative questions (those having to do with meditation, consciousness, and so on). You can listen to the interview here. Below, I include…
• September 18, 2019

  Notes On Gurdjieff’s Fourth Way

  What does it take to transform the whole person? You sit and meditate, sinking deeper and deeper into This. You disappear, falling down through an unseen door. You transpare into the Absolute. You open your eyes and return. Moments later, you are angry or disappointed. What gives? Your body is frail, so you exercise it.…
• September 17, 2019

  The Desert Is And Is Not A Peaceful Place

  A woman once said, “The desert is a peaceful place.” I wanted to say but didn’t: “It is and it isn’t.” It isn’t first. It is one great via negativa. Take away water from the ground and the air. Make food scarce. Let the sun range, and rage, overhead. Let few trees grow to provide shade,…