Author Archives: Bob Patrick

The Gift of Mystery

With the month of December, the darkness of our northern hemisphere tilting away from the sun continues. Shadows lengthen. The darkness deepens. Perhaps that is a good backdrop to this month’s theme, The Gift of Mystery. “Mystery” conjures a number … Continue reading

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What’s Your Generous Offering?

Recently, I sat outside on my meditation bench at the edge of the woods. The morning temperature was cool but not cold. I was enjoying the early morning light and a little reading with a cup of coffee. Suddenly, I … Continue reading

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The Way of Generosity

True words aren’t charmingCharming words aren’t true.Good people aren’t contentious,Contentious people aren’t good.People who know aren’t learned,Learned people don’t know.Wise souls don’t hoard;The more they do for others the more they have,The more they give, the richer they are.The Way … Continue reading

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Giving Birth

As someone who identifies as a man, I cannot say that I have given birth in the biological sense. As the father of three, I can say that I have been called alongside the person who physically gave birth to … Continue reading

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Presume the Best

Over my lifetime, more than one person has come along with the message that in the midst of conflict or potential conflict, we should presume the best of the other party’s intention. The fact that more than one person has … Continue reading

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Seeds of Generosity

I enjoy the lengthening shadows of the fall. They invite me into reflections and considerations that the brighter times of the year chase away–reflections and considerations on the full spectrum from joy to grief. Recently, I allowed the shadows to … Continue reading

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A Heritage of Hurt

Our reflections this month have centered around the theme of “the gift of heritage.” Our writers have shared with us a number of ways that they have opened themselves to their own individual and more collective experiences of heritage. They … Continue reading

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