The Elusive Quality of Self-Esteem

The Elusive Quality of Self-Esteem Self-esteem, a fundamental pillar of personal well-being, remains an elusive quality for many. Particularly for those raised in environments where parents themselves struggled with self-worth, the seeds of healthy self-esteem may fail to take root. Traumatic experiences, coupled with emotionally unavailable parents or restrictive religious Read more

Blind Faith and the Perils of Unquestioned Belief

Blind Faith and the Perils of Unquestioned Belief In the historic pantheon of human behavior, religion has stood as one of civilization’s oldest pillars. Belief systems and sacred rituals have sculpted societal norms and individual identities. Yet, a hideous and disheartening aspect of religious conformity is the lack of understanding Read more

The Unspoken Bond of Being “Bruce”: A Grandfather’s Reflection

The Unspoken Bond of Being “Bruce”: A Grandfather’s Reflection In any other family, I would be affectionately called “Grandpa.” Yet in Sharon’s family, I am simply “Bruce,” a name rarely also uttered by my three grandsons due to physical and emotional separation.. This seemingly small difference in nomenclature underscores a Read more

The Lingering Echoes of Childhood Trauma, by Bruce Paullin

The Lingering Echoes of Childhood Trauma, by Bruce Paullin I did not start talking until I was four years old. My early years were marked by neglect and a profound sense of being unheard. As an infant, I was often relegated to a blanket-covered baby body in the family car Read more

Patience. Community, the Observer Effect, and Evolution on our Spiritual Journeys

Patience. Community, the Observer Effect, and Evolution on our Spiritual Journeys In today’s fast-paced world, we as spiritual seekers can sometimes feel a sense of urgency to “arrive” at our destination of enlightenment or spiritual fulfillment. However, the truth is that the path to spiritual awakening is neither quick nor Read more

Patience and Community in the Spiritual Journey

Patience and Community in the Spiritual Journey In today’s fast-paced world, spiritual seekers can sometimes feel a sense of urgency to “arrive” at their destination of enlightenment or spiritual fulfillment. However, the truth is that the path to spiritual awakening is neither quick nor linear. It requires patience, community support, Read more

The Observer Effect as a Universal Principle

The Observer Effect as a Universal Principle In the realm of scientific inquiry, the observer effect has long been a subject of fascination and debate. Recent determinations by scientists have underscored its universality, revealing that the mere act of observation fundamentally alters that which is being observed—even down to the Read more

The Journey from Self-Awareness to the Divine “I Am”

The Journey from Self-Awareness to the Divine “I Am” All that we now see, and will ever see, unto eternity, is ourselves.  It is all dependent upon our sense of who We Are, or I Am.  It is an evolutionary journey within our consciousness, and, ultimately, within the collective mind Read more

No More Turning Away From the Weak and the Weary

No More Turning Away From the Weak and the Weary In a world often overshadowed by cold indifference, the true test of our humanity lies in how we treat the most vulnerable among us. The weak and the weary, the aged and the mentally ill, the unfairly judged and ostracized—these Read more

The Three Degrees of Dissolution and the Fragility of Human Connection

The Three Degrees of Dissolution and the Fragility of Human Connection In a world where technology promises to bring us closer together, we find ourselves grappling with the paradox of being more connected than ever before, yet feeling increasingly isolated. This dichotomy is poignantly captured in the evolution of social Read more

The Sacred Duty of Returning Stories

The Sacred Duty of Returning Stories In a world where history often gets buried under the sands of time, certain duties stand as beacons of memory and legacy. Akiko Anderson’s sacred mission of returning Hosegaki Kinumaru flags to surviving Japanese families is one such duty, a poignant reminder of honor Read more

Why Does It Feel Like We Are Led by a Carrot on a String in Matters of Faith?

Is there a basic state of consciousness that we already are living in, yet it is overrun by overactive thoughts and social conformity? Why Does It Feel Like We Are Led by a Carrot on a String in Matters of Faith? In the labyrinthine journey of our spiritual existence, one Read more

Chapter 8: Religion and Spirituality: An Exploration of Faith and Autonomy

Chapter 8 from: An Electrician’s Guide To Our Galaxy–Living Life On The Widest Frequency Religion vs. Spirituality: An Exploration of Faith and Autonomy Religion and spirituality often get lumped together, but they are distinct concepts with unique implications for how individuals live their lives and pursue moral and ethical questions. Read more

The State of the Human Mind: Embracing Silence Over Thought

The State of the Human Mind: Embracing Silence Over Thought In a world that never stops, where the cacophony of daily life is relentless, and our minds are constantly bombarded with information, there exists a rare and precious state of being—greeting each moment with silence rather than another movement of Read more

The Unseen Struggle of New Authors in the Age of AI and Literary Collectivism

The Unseen Struggle of New Authors in the Age of AI and Literary Collectivism In the ever-evolving landscape of literature, new authors face an unprecedented array of challenges. The advent of artificial intelligence, the heavy promotion of established writers by publishers, and a general decline in readership have created a Read more

The Mob Mind and Semi-Conscious Human Beings: An In-Depth Exploration

The Mob Mind and Semi-Conscious Human Beings: An In-Depth Exploration In the intricate labyrinth of human psychology, few phenomena are as compelling and unnerving as the behavior of the mob mind. It is a manifestation where individuality dissolves into a collective consciousness, driven primarily by emotion rather than reason. This Read more

Hattori Akiko Anderson (11/03/1942–05/21/2024).

Ladies and Gentlemen, . My name is Bruce Paullin, one of many friends of Akiko. This morning with a grateful, though heavy heart,  I am delivering the eulogy for our beloved friend, Hattori Akiko Anderson. You will note that.I have a painting by Akiko close to me.  It is her Read more

Is There Room for Christian Concepts of Heaven in Japanese Shinto-Buddhist Beliefs?

Is There Room for Christian Concepts of Heaven in Japanese Shinto-Buddhist Beliefs? The question of whether there is room for Christian concepts of heaven or the afterlife within Japanese Shinto and Buddhist beliefs is a fascinating one, especially in the context of an increasingly interconnected world. As an advocate for Read more

The Architecture of Our Minds: A Parking Structure of Memories

The Architecture of Our Minds: A Parking Structure of Memories Our consciousness, that intricate and infinite expanse within our minds, can be likened to a sprawling, multi-level parking structure—a metaphor that offers profound insights into the ways we store and access our experiences and emotions. We are not merely passive Read more

Eulogy for Akiko Anderson (11/03/1942–05/23/2024)

Ladies and Gentlemen, . My name is Bruce Paullin. With a heavy heart I am delivering the eulogy for our beloved friend, the extraordinary Hattori Akiko Anderson. You will note that.I have a painting by Akiko close to me.  It is her self-portrait.  As we did not have access to Read more