I once proclaimed, and have heard others make similar pronouncements, that sitting meditation just isn't for me and that moving meditation must be more suited. I'm confident that I know the culprit for this shared sentiment made crystal clear to me during my very first solo silent retreat: sitting still in silence can be maddening.

This facet doesn't often get fair mention, but that's not because it's the exception. To sit absolutely still and silently with yourself for long periods means not only the pleasurable discovery of ... Read more

I have been exploring the intersection of self-discipline and self-compassion. How does extending love to myself inform my choices and light the moment by moment path of entelechy? Society exerts acute pressure on us to achieve predefined concepts of success in diverse facets of our daily life. This never-enough striving for approval and worth is a welcome mat for depression, anxiety, craving and addiction. I find that these societal measurements inversely foster hesitance, confusion and paralysis in me when I become consciously or unconsciously vulnerable to them, impeding organic action toward personal fulfillment.

Deeply instilled social ... Read more

Somewhere between San Diego and Houston, I discovered that I am actually not crazy after all. Or, I discovered that I am uncommonly stubborn about being crazy, which is fortunate. Those who have received me on the road thus far -- friends, audiences, hair stylists, natural monuments, and that unforgettable Cuban guy at the Orange County gas station -- have steadily unveiled a heartfelt consensus that I am right where I am supposed to be (in their presence) doing exactly what I ought to be doing (singing). To say that I have abandoned a path of decay for a means ... Read more

Tomorrow I cross the border of California for points east. With some sadness, I wave farewell to the west coast until next fall (yep, you heard me right; I'm already planning the post-tour Tour...).

After a rejuvenating hiatus in so-Cal, tomorrow morning I hop onto US I-8 toward an extremely musical month of February -- look out Arizona and New Mexico. The month of March will include major stops in Houston and New Orleans. The music schedule is lighter in March so I am hoping for an opportunity or two to focus my energies on some nature-based community ritual. Let me ... Read more

I walk somewhat timidly into the Mandolin Cafe, a spacious and elegant coffee house in the heart of Tacoma. I don't know a soul in the place and have no idea what to expect when I walk through the doors. With these smallish venues I frequent, the reception I get when I walk in with my guitar strapped to my back varies widely -- a befuddled barista stoically acknowledging that "oh yeah, I guess we are having music tonight..."; bustling waiters that seem vaguely annoyed that I need a meal and a glass of water to nourish the vocal chords ... Read more