Author: Michael Stevens

The word dharma has many meanings. Etymologically, it comes from the Sanskrit dhr–, meaning to hold or to support. It refers to the law that sustains everything; from one’s life to society, and to...

I’m sitting on one of those inexpensive seasonal patio chairs on our back deck, thankful that Tarn’s skillful sewing has provided back and seat pads to make for reasonable comfort. I like to write...

Today, the cornflower blue sky is only interrupted by a few thin cirrus clouds. Variegated hues emanate from one gauzy wisp of vapor like streaks of subtle rainbow colors painted by a passing sky...

Mr. Lowe, my high school English teacher, told me in no uncertain terms, “Michael, whatever you do in life, you should be a writer.” It took me twenty years to think about it, and...

Because I’ve explored meditation and consciousness most of my life, some folks might think I have a handle on stress. I suppose I have some skills in this area, but some things really tick...

It is a word I rarely use, but I came across it the other day and thought to myself, “That’s it! I’ve been doing that my whole life.” Until recently, I had no conscious...

The clouds today in this high-altitude sanctuary seem to defy the definition of the word “cloud.” They are painted in wide swaths of vapor, barely condensing before re-forming into a wide variety of brush...

It is a cool late spring day, and windchill temperatures are in the 40s. We have to layer up on our hike up Garfield Peak overlooking Giiwas or Crater Lake. This peak is really...

I’ve never been what you would call a library person. By this I mean I’ve not been prone to use municipal libraries except for a time in my preteen years—and only then because I...

Shadow and light mingle; they dance together on the table in front of me. Sun, filtered through maple leaves, has found its way through the kitchen window and produced a display on the veined...