Writings
Ode to the Great Black Swamp
The classroom rug was a little crusty, stamped with squared-off primary colors. At its far end, the beautiful Miss Chantry sat cross-legged in white stockings and a plaid wool miniskirt, while the rest of us sat “Indian style” upon the rug before her. From a stack of old favorites, she selected a crisp, clean book
The Amitabha Stupa
My visit to the Amitabha Stupa in Sedona several years turned out to be one of those epiphanies that shift the direction of one’s life. I knew little about Buddhist tradition and even less about Buddhist architecture. I learned from some research that stupas originated in India nearly 2,600 years ago, before the Parthenon was
Beyond Sight: A Vision for Inclusive Public Transportation
The contemporary cityscape presents a daily challenge for the blind and visually impaired residents. They navigate through intricate infrastructure with only the help of their sense of touch, hearing, and remaining sight, constantly aware of every movement and sound in their vicinity. The matter becomes particularly complicated when considering public transportation – a critical aspect
The Paladin
Oh my lady with waves of red,Thoughts of you race through my head. A heart of gold cloaked in snow, The fallen angel who lost your glow. Taken from you through devil’s rage, Soul entrapped in unyielding cage. Lured in by lover’s tender kiss, Betrayed by love in a secret tryst. Driven by pain and drunken mourn,Once again pricked by
Coping with Untreated Mental Illness in the Colorado Springs Homeless Community
People with mental illnesses can often manage their symptoms through treatment, but many never receive it. Social stigma and the United States’ psychiatrist shortage are root causes of the problem. Those who don’t get treatment see their symptoms grow progressively worse, which means they have substantially higher odds of becoming homeless. Colorado Springs can fight
Coping with Untreated Mental Illness in the Colorado Springs Homeless Community
People with mental illnesses can often manage their symptoms through treatment, but many never receive it. Social stigma and the United States’ psychiatrist shortage are root causes of the problem. Those who don’t get treatment see their symptoms grow progressively worse, which means they have substantially higher odds of becoming homeless. Colorado Springs can fight
Ten Reasons to Study Your Dreams
In Book 19 of The Odyssey, Penelope recounts to a disguised Odysseus one of her dreams. In it, a great eagle swoops out of the sky and kills twenty geese she tends to, leaving her brokenhearted. The eagle tells her to be happy since he symbolizes the husband who will wreak vengeance on her suitors.
Ten Reasons to Avoid Taking Yourself Too Seriously
Oscar Wilde wrote, “Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about it.” He was right on the money in at least one sense–unwarranted self-importance is an aggravating distraction that poisons our personal interactions. Here are ten reasons to avoid taking yourself too seriously. Taking yourself too seriously means you’re dwelling on fear
Ten Reasons to Meditate
Whether through the need to take a step back from life or to simply mediate one’s own mental upsets, meditation can be a great technique to help us all deal with the stresses of 21st century stress-triggers. We live in a world where social media and the Internet allows our minds to meet and interact without physical
Ten Reasons to Donate to Local Organizations and Thrift Stores
Though there are some national organizations that perform phenomenal services to those in need, USR would like to offer some reasons to donate within your community areas. When you donate directly to local charities, your items and money stay in and serve your community. The money local charities donate to and the people they clothe, feed, and
Ten Reasons to Shop at Your Local Farmers Market
Here are ten reasons to shop at your local farmers market. 1. Fresh Produce Yes, this seems to be a no-brainer, but most produce you will find in your local supermarket has traveled hundreds or thousands of miles before it arrives in the produce section. In order for the fruits and vegetables to appear fresh