Spanning back the last fifty years brought up some vivid memories of my early reactions to Bruce. The evolution of my response might of interest to you or completely insignificant. You have your own reactions and trust your own ears, eyes, heart and brain. But my taking to The Boss wasn't immediate. I guess I don't like being bossed around. But....well, listen for yourself.

Just back from a weekend group experience at a small college in western Massachusetts got me thinking about what it is about groups; why they can be so extremely powerful in either a positive or negative direction. People are not wrong to approach them with caution; what, exactly, are we getting ourselves into when we interact with strangers and allow ourselves to feel, and say, what's been on our minds in our previously-quiet isolation? With thanks to all the people who've ever uttered a sentence of true feeling in my presence over the past 39 years of my therapy work, here are some reflections.

I had the privilege of interviewing my friend Ron Plue and discussing the ins and outs of life, itself, from his vantage point of nearly 91 years. Spiritual development, points of view re: optimism and pessimism and the inevitable losses that come with aging are considered in light of the power of living in the moment.

I interview author, and friend, Stephanie Clare Smith about her stunning memoir, "Everywhere the Undrowned." The book is writing at its best as it revisits (through lyrical memory/reflection) the images associated with the summer of her abduction/kidnapping as a 14 year-old left alone in New Orleans. Decades later she cares for the cognitively-declining mother who had left her that summer in the first place. This book is not only for "survivors"; it's for anyone who wants to thrive in life with empathy and understanding of how we hurt each other and need each other in the most powerful of ways.

Stephanie can be reached through her website, https://www.stephanieclaresmith.com/

Some reflections on The Beatles' song/purported-advice 58 years after.
Does it hold up? Was it ever true?

Nope.

Well, what then? What is needed, and how do you get it?

I prefer the words of Procol Harum: "For the answer lies in learning, and in teaching we are taught. There's nothing hidden anywhere, it's all there to be sought."

13 days later, some reflections begin to come into focus. Regardless of your vote, there are real reasons to be concerned. It is time for all of us to turn into adults once again.

In this episode, Jerry revisits and reflects on the concept of forgiveness, exploring its complexities and the importance of personal growth. He discusses the limitations of unilateral forgiveness and emphasizes that true forgiveness is a process that requires understanding and personal investment. Jerry also highlights the significance of letting go of past hurts and the need for meaningful change in relationships.

Jerry explores the impact of our familiar and cultural tribes on our ability to connect with others. What this all means for the crazy-time that a national election brings for the next 5-7 months is profound, as people face the choice of either hating people we see as essentially different from us or reaching for connections and enjoying the good things that follow.

(What are your thoughts? You can communicate directly with Jerry here: https://www.podpage.com/showing-up/contact/)