For most of my life, I held tightly to old identities — pastor, perfectionist, the one who had it all together. Letting go of those versions of myself wasn’t weakness; it was freedom. In this reflection, I explore the paradox of surrender and the unexpected liberation that comes when we release who we thought we had to be.
The Enso, a sacred symbol in Zen Buddhism, embodies the beauty of imperfection and the journey of life. It teaches us that wholeness is not found in perfection, but in presence. My path to recovery has been anything but linear, filled with setbacks and lessons. Embracing the idea that life is about beginning again each day has transformed my perspective. Through meditation and the simplicity of the Enso, I’ve learned to let go of control and fully experience the present moment. Discover how this open circle can inspire you to live with honesty, vulnerability, and peace.
Golf will test your patience — not just with your own swing, but with the actions of others. Just like life, people will sometimes “hit into us” — push too hard, disrupt our peace, or act in ways we think they shouldn’t. We can’t stop that from happening. What we can do is decide whether to feed the anger or to step aside and play our own game with presence.
This weekend, my daughter married the love of her life. As I reflect on the day, I am struck by the gift of presence —
Finding the Trail Again During my recent solo-backpacking adventure on Isle Royale, I came upon a stretch of solid rock—about 50 yards wide and 100
Practicing Equanimity on Isle Royale Driving home after my seaplane flight back from a six-day solo backpacking adventure on Isle Royale—a rugged wilderness in the
Letting Go of the Old Me: Recovery as a Practice of Becoming There’s a moment in recovery when we realize: We’re not just giving up
From Hiding to Here: How Presence Became My Practice By Don Phelps For most of my life, I lived in two places: I was everywhere…
My fall from grace wasn’t just professional. It was spiritual. It shattered the identity I’d built over decades. And in that emptiness, I began to confront truths I’d been running from for years.
