A few months ago, I came across a hastily-typed journal entry I made in 2007 and I posted it on Facebook in a public note. What strikes me about that note today, in the context of SPiN and my conversation with you, is how much of my career is missing from the piece.

In writing about my journey of self cultivation and spiritual practice, I did not mention some items you might consider key resume points – the obvious bars and stripes. I’ve been practicing meditation and Qi Gong (a potent martial art and healing modality) for more than 20 years. I’ve practiced Reiki (a Japanese modality) for nearly 15 years. I earned an MS in Chinese Medicine through a rigorous four-year course of study. I’ve taught and/or mentored more than 200 students and treated more than 300 clients since 2003. But when I was spurred to answer the question: what is the source of your spiritual practice? my mind immediately leapt to scenes from the 12 years I spent in corporate cubicles and the myriad, mundane jobs I’ve held as a writer, journalist and temp-for-hire. The reason? Deep spiritual practice begins and ends in the living and breathing of everyday life. That is, IF you tune in with intent and reverence.

My adventures in writing have been a constant in my story from the moment I discovered words (seriously). Since the early 80s, I’ve published a novel, several short stories, flash fiction pieces, feature articles and art reviews. As a journalist, I covered “beats” as odd and wonderful as baseball in Japan, emerging artists in Tucson, endangered leatherback turtles in Malaysia and Blues legends in Memphis. The Arizona Commission on the Arts graced me with a creative writing fellowship and the muse continues to grace me with creative restlessness.

If you’ve stuck with me this far, you’re welcome to read the journal entry I mentioned above. I’ve re-posted it on my web site with minor editing to clean up punctuation (remember it was hastily written, the typer’s equivalent of scribbling on a bar napkin). Find it here: Notes on Spiritual Practice