Utopia42

I grew up with depression and loneliness as my constant companions when young. I never had real friends till I came to Arizona when I was 14 as we moved yearly and I was always "the new kid". It's one reason I've never moved from Arizona, as once I found friends I didn't want to leave them, and I didn't want my kids to repeat my experience. I learned how to cope (barely) with being alone, lonely, angry, depressed, suicidal, and homicidal. Those coping skills that I self-learned do NOT serve me well in a world where I value connection, compassion and being in relationship with others. Unlearning/Deprogramming from habits and poor coping skills (retreating into self, self hate, isolation, self destruction) has been a journey of understanding, self-discovery, and self-compassion for the wounded child/adult that still lives within. It a journey that I travel every day. Struggling with mental health is not weakness or mean that you are broken, It means that you...

Burning Man 2020 The man (doesn't) burn tomorrow Since 2003 I’ve been getting so much more than just t-shirts from the culture of Burning Man. As I reflect on these past 17 years, a journey of growth and exploration, I count myself fortunate to have been a part of such a wonderful culture and community.  It’s been an amazing journey.  Thank you. It is through this community that I came to understand these values - The 10 Principles .  Radical Inclusion, Leave No Trace, Radical Self-Reliance, Participation, Immediacy, Decommidification, Civic Responsibility, Radical Expression, Communal Effort, Gifting + Consent.   These values were not taught to me by my parents, or my conservative midwest upbringing/culture, and certainly wasn’t taught at school or university, or the job market.  In fact, I don’t think these are demonstrated (and thus acculturated) like this anywhere else in the world.  Burning Man truly is a beautiful sandbox of trying out these diff...

“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.” -Patrick Rothfuss -   The Wise Man's Fear The anger of a gentle man - Ron Russell Today I learned that the Maricopa County Democratic headquarters was firebombed . Donations - https://maricopadems.org/recoveryfund/ Today I find myself not in a place of ease, or calm abiding, but in a place of righteous anger.  Anger that someone would sabotage our very democratic process that thousands of people fight and die for.  Anger that someone would do willful violence to any of the voting or election process. I'm a very peaceful human being. I am a meditation coach and have had a daily practice for the last 5 years. I value kindness above other traits.  If I were to have a religion it would be kindness.  I'm a Humanist chaplain and program director at the Humanist Society of greater Phoenix.   I have stood on the house and the Senate floors and delivere...