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