Writing is a solo journey—just you, your wandering thoughts, and a collection of Crown Royal bags in a kitchen drawer accumulating like some kind of secret weird writer shrine. But at some point, we must admit that staring at a blank screen and debating whether to start a new project, edit an old story, orContinueContinue reading “Why You (and I) Need a Writing Group”
Category Archives: Personal Essays
Winter Nights in Black and White
It’s black and white outside, where snow continues to fall, reflected in the harsh light of two lamps. A simple greyscale exists on the spectrum of powdery white snow to the black depth of the woods. Somewhere in between rests the three grey cars along the building, all dusted in white. The air is cleanContinueContinue reading “Winter Nights in Black and White”
Fever Dream
The voices were out of control, whispering thoughts of their own. I lay in bed, questioning my sanity. Shivers followed the lines of sweat down my back. My eyes slowly opened, gazing past the two boob shaped light fixtures that usually remain dark. Twelve unique voices spoke over one another. One was a young boy,ContinueContinue reading “Fever Dream”
This Too Will Pass
Normally, I write blog posts ahead of Wednesday when they are scheduled to be posted. Today is a different day. It is Wednesday. I’m feeling quite flustered with the amount on my plate. It may be the illusion of an overflowing plate, but regardless, I’m feeling overwhelmed. This isn’t the good overflowing plate like youContinueContinue reading “This Too Will Pass”
Philosopher-Kings: Ancient Term for the Modern Era
Intro Plato’s Republic consists of ten “books,” each reflecting on his beliefs, such as the allegory of the cave, the ideal society, and the philosopher-king. The Republic is written in dialogue involving Plato’s mentor, Socrates. Plato explains his reasoning through the Socratic method of finding answers through questioning. I read a decent portion of thisContinueContinue reading “Philosopher-Kings: Ancient Term for the Modern Era”
Beast or God: Self Sufficiency in the Modern Age
Aristotle wrote in Politics that “the man who is isolated, who is unable to share in the benefit of political association…because he is already self sufficient, is no part of the city, and must therefore be either a beast or a god” (1253a25). He was born over 2,400 years ago. Yeah, we’re talking the BCs.ContinueContinue reading “Beast or God: Self Sufficiency in the Modern Age”
Early Morning Philosophy
I woke up early today, at least for me. At 5:15, I escaped from a dream that offered nostalgia and a pinch of regret, if only briefly. I considered going back to sleep and even closed my eyes in this effort. However, my mind was awake and my eyelids preferred to be open. I startedContinueContinue reading “Early Morning Philosophy”
Christmas Memories
Written 27 December 2024 Christmas comes and goes, it seems. I’m reminded of my grandparents’ house where the tree stayed up year round. Whether you start humming holiday tunes on November 1st or not until the 24th of December, the sought after holiday seems to last as long as it takes a nine year oldContinueContinue reading “Christmas Memories”
On Feeling Lost: A non-Buddhist’s Take on Buddhist Philosophy
“I feel so lost,” said the student. “In general or somewhere specifically?” I asked. “Both,” the student replied. We chuckled at that. “Well, that never changes really,” I say. On my way to supper, I realized that my wording cast a poor light on life. Indeed, I have yet to feel truly settled, at leastContinueContinue reading “On Feeling Lost: A non-Buddhist’s Take on Buddhist Philosophy”
Pictures on my Phone
I’m having a hard time removing the pictures on my phone. Pictures of happy, smiling, in-love people. While the smart move is to delete as many as possible and let my memories dissolve, I’ve chosen to occasionally look back. I get sad and I even cried once. I know you’re off looking for someone elseContinueContinue reading “Pictures on my Phone”