The Sensible Blog
Monthly insights into the art and science of being human
Armor
I accidentally discovered armor when my Father died. I’d been unaware, until a confrontation with a neighbor revealed how guarded I’d become. She’d learned of my Father’s death and asked, “How are you?” “Fine,” I replied. “Fine?” She asked, “How can you be fine? Your...
Growth Rings
Growth Rings I’ve tended my garden over six decades. As I’ve grown into an old man the saplings have matured into trees, and the trees have become reliable companions. The Matriarch remains a solitary one-hundred-year-old American Elm. Lone survivor of the plague that...
The Two Kings
I’ve met a few true elders along the way. They share similar characteristics, integrity, humility, wisdom and a sincere desire to serve. It seems a wry sense of humor is also an asset. Years spent paying attention to self and others have convinced them the irony and...
Deep Human Intelligence
I walked to the final gate arm in arm with cancer several years ago. I grabbed the rusty steel, rattled the gate vigorously and considered swinging it open. Despite the fact the illness had dulled my thought process, the choice was in my hands. Walk through and just...
Two Questions …..
Two Questions- Granted access to a maximum-security prison I met men capable of unspeakable violence. They were serving long sentences for crimes including, murder – armed robbery - violent assault. Dreams of freedom evaporate over decades as prison culture and...