Hey there! So, I've been typing away at my Storyworth project, and let me tell you, 2023 has been one wild ride. It's like every day brought something new - a bit of drama here, a tech breakthrough there (and let’s not forget the lingering COVID craziness). In my latest entry, I'm taking you through the highs, the lows, and the downright bizarre of this year. It’s a bit of history, a dash of personal musings, and a whole lot of ‘did that really just happen?’ moments. Dive in with me as we rewind through 2023 – trust me, it’s a story worth reading!

During a pivotal EMDR session, I uncovered two distinct voices within me: one critical and fear-driven, the other nurturing and intuitive. This moment of clarity reshaped my understanding of self-healing, revealing the delicate balance between willpower and letting go. It was more than therapy; it was a journey of self-discovery.

Observing my wife's crochet work, I realized how the knots in yarn mirror the chakras in our lives - intricate patterns we weave through our experiences. Ken Wilber’s insights on chakras as metaphors for life's milestones struck a chord with me. It's not just about the physical energy centers but the journey of untying these knots to rediscover our true essence, unbound by the illusory shapes of our past.

Alanis Morissette's song 'Ablaze' from her album 'Such Pretty Forks In The Road' resonates deeply, telling humanity's oldest story of connection and separation. Through her poignant lyrics, she explores the journey of life, beginning with our birth and the initial severance from oneness. Alanis reminds us of the ever-present maternal bond, the enduring light in our eyes, and the unbreakable connection of our souls. Her message is a powerful memento mori, underscoring life's fleeting nature and the eternal bond we share.

Exploring the intriguing partnership of Kanye West and Michelle Tidball-Krubeck for the presidency, we delve into a world where spiritual beliefs intersect with political ambitions. Tidball-Krubeck, a life coach and preacher, aligns with West's unconventional approach, advocating a blend of faith, miracle expectations, and spiritual empowerment. This combination, while unique and reflective of their personal journeys, raises questions about the practicality of their platform in addressing complex societal issues.

Drawing inspiration from 'The New Yankee Workshop', I found a compelling metaphor in woodworking for addressing human and societal imperfections. Techniques like steaming, laminating, and kerfing, used by carpenters to bend wood, offer powerful parallels for reshaping our thoughts and institutions. In our current social climate, these methods reflect the urgency and necessity of reform. By understanding and applying these principles, we can actively work towards creating a society that is more inclusive, equitable, and resilient.

In a quest to curb my TV habit, I swapped my couch for a metal folding chair, sparking a deeper journey into the power of space on our lives. Inspired by Lyla, a staunch advocate of the Craftsman style, I learned how our environment can nurture or stifle us. This story transcends home renovation, unfolding into a tale of personal transformation and a rediscovery of what truly matters.

Ram Dass's journey from a Harvard professor to a spiritual icon is a tale of transformation. Born Richard Alpert, he grappled with self-identity and societal norms, eventually embarking on a path that led him beyond academic confines. His psychedelic experiments with Timothy Leary paved the way for a spiritual awakening in India under Maharaj-ji, Neem Karoli Baba. This experience culminated in his evolution into Ram Dass, a name symbolizing his newfound purpose. His teachings, especially in 'Be Here Now,' reflect a profound understanding of love and consciousness, transcending traditional relational bounds. Ram Dass's legacy lies in showing how embracing one's true self and connecting with the universal soul can lead to a life of love and fulfillment.

Reflecting on a football coach's impact on my son, I explored how fear and anxiety affect our brain's ability to function. This led me to the EMWave2, a tool demonstrating the relationship between our emotions and heart rhythms. The Heart Math Institute's research supports this, showing that positive emotions promote cognitive clarity and stability. A simple practice, Heart-Centered Breathing, can align our heart and mind, fostering emotional well-being. This technique proves essential in managing stress and enhancing life quality.

Forgiveness isn't about changing your thoughts, but about detaching from them. Our minds, adept at problem-solving, often trap us in a cycle of blame and resentment. True forgiveness begins when we become observers of our thoughts, recognizing them as separate from our essence. This shift in perspective is key to moving from a state of inner turmoil to one of understanding and genuine release.

In my real estate business, I relied on memory for tasks, not realizing the stress it caused others. Learning to value organized systems taught me empathy, showing me how to respect and support my team's needs. This lesson extended beyond work, enhancing my personal relationships and overall approach to life.

Watching 'Hamilton' made me think about the lasting impact we leave behind, like a shadow that remains after we're gone. It reminded me of a friend whose true character was clear at his funeral, despite others' attempts to shape his story. This echoes Joseph Campbell's idea about whether we're just carriers of light or the light itself. Our lives, like bright lights, leave enduring marks on the world and the people in it.

Reflecting on my dad's photography and a friend's experience of betrayal, I see fear as the aperture of our minds, controlling how much light gets in and what stays in focus. Just like a camera's aperture affects the depth of field, our perception is shaped by how we allow fear to focus our thoughts. When fear narrows our viewpoint, we lose sight of the bigger picture and our capacity for empathy. Recognizing this, we can learn to manually adjust our mental aperture, broadening our perspective to understand and empathize with others' actions, rather than reacting from a place of hurt or anger.

Reflecting on the journey from religious symbolism to spiritual understanding, atheism emerges not as an end, but as a crucial step towards a more profound connection with the divine. Just as shedding inherited symbols and traditions can feel like losing a part of oneself, it can also be the starting point for genuine spiritual discovery. This process, akin to a Dark Night of the Soul, challenges us to look beyond the familiar and question deeply held beliefs. In doing so, we might discover a form of spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries and leads to a more authentic connection with the essence of what we call 'God'.

In the midst of chasing a total solar eclipse and reminiscing about a memorable Royals game, I found myself in a chance encounter with a retired medical director during a road trip. This encounter led to a profound realization about the power of staying open to new possibilities, ideas, and people. It's not about mysticism or religion but the willingness to let go of ego and let the light shine through, illuminating our path and warming those around us

In 'The Gut: Our Second Brain' by Cécile Denjean, we delve into the fascinating connection between our gut and consciousness. Modern science reveals that our gut, equipped with 200 million neurons, operates as a second brain, influencing our thoughts and emotions. From serotonin production to its impact on diseases like Parkinson's and autism, this article explores the profound role of our gut in shaping our well-being. Discover how maintaining a healthy gut microbiota and even probiotics can enhance mental resilience. It's a testament to the interconnectedness of our body's systems, offering hope for a holistic approach to health.