Reflections on the Challenge

  A Summary of the Month’s Posts on Micro-Transformations I read through all of my posts backward, from Z back to A. My thoughts are well represented. I have transformed myself and continue to transform myself by taking small steps. And I’ve defined what I...

Z is for Zoom Meetings

  My schedule is full of Zoom meetings. Each has its own flavor. None is to be dreaded. Three years ago, when I last did the A to Z Challenge, I was just getting used to Zoom. It felt like a poor substitute for in-person meetings. Many people still feel that way,...

Y is for Your Face

  The first class I took in the online Narrative Medicine program at Columbia University was called “Close Readings.” It was recommended as the first class because it was designed by the founder of the program, Dr. Rita Charon. We interacted closely...

X Marks the Spot

  A famous Christian scripture (Matthew 6:21) says, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” In context, this means one should set aside worldly treasures for spiritual ones. But in a sort of reverse engineering, I have often thought that my...

W is for W.A.W.

  Write Around the World is an annual fundraiser for Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA). The proceeds fund AWA’s social justice programs. Every May,  trained writing facilitators volunteer to offer workshops. The goal is to reach those who may not be...

V Is for Vipassana

  Vipassana is a Pali word that translates as insight or mindfulness. For almost a year, I have been using an app on my phone and desktop to ground my day with a 10-minute guided vipassana meditation. If it interests you, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial....