Dear readers, I seem to have migrated my writing to Substack. It’s given me a chance to rethink what I write and how much of it to share. For years now my output has been mostly longer essays, usually carefully considered over a period of weeks or months. I’m going to try something different here and open the floodgates wider, at the risk of a bit of silt and foam following the water through the sluices.
We've got enough public intellectuals, trying to make "head sense" of the world. I think we need more public affectuals and imaginators who reflect a heart-centered sense of the world and contribute to a new vision of the cosmos that includes both head and heart. <3
Understood. You stand tall among those less courageous Charles, and you have been a tremendous help to all of us who question our own sense of self in these times that have gotten so crazy. Just saying that now, although I and many I know have been saying it to each other these past months, saying it to you this time, in case this small voice can do anything to counteract the harshness of the maddened mob mentality.
I have drawn deep solace, enjoyment and stimulation from your writings and interviews since stumbling across Ascent of Humanity in 2012, and more recently have immensely appreciated your willingness to cut through the intense polarization of our times with insight, humility, and wit.
The time is nigh when the only way to be an intellectual worth paying attention to is to have the courage to let the mind be the heart's servant, and I have taken you as an example of someone working towards embodying this ideal. I am excited to read (or see) what comes from this new orientation towards your work, including drawing!
Arigatou, Charles ♥️ Do you know that the kanji for this word, 有り難う, actually means “this is difficult to be” or (perhaps more accurately conveyed) “this is rare”? No you or me, simply a recognition, a treasuring. The response, dou itashimashite, is “however it is received”. No attachment to the outcome of what is given. I look forward to reading what comes through from you in this vulnerable state, and I’m grateful you’re still in the kitchen ♥️🙏🏻✨
You have been my life line in the last few weeks. My mirror to my truth. The first place I truly felt, thank God, here's some sanity, depth, wisdom, and most of all, hope. Thank you.
Your work always inspires me, Charles. I'm so happy to know you're still in the writing kitchen and that the heat perhaps sent you closer to your heart. Thank you for you.
I love your essays, absolutely, so please don’t stop writing, but as a writer who became an artist and started learning to draw and paint and sculpt at age 55, I believe EVERYONE should learn to draw, no matter who and no matter what their profession!
What you're doing here is a movement toward wholeness. I honor the human heart beneath your enormous intellect and look forward to reading the alchemy of "attending to the precious gifts of life" along with all the rest. Kudos to Inka for excellent coaching and companionship. <3
Yesterday my beloved mother-in-law passed away at 97 and moments before I read your email, Charles, I was sitting on the edge of my bed searching for what was important to me, how to make the most of my day, and what I needed to focus on to make sense of feelings, grief, joy and love all mixed up together. The intensity of grief is a gift, life is a gift and I dedicate myself again and again to a more beautiful world we know is possible when love is the language we use. Thank you once again for being you, for staying in the kitchen and for being a shining light.
Thanks for your brilliance, your humility, and your generosity. I appreciate your willingness to share all sides of yourself with those of us who are eager to receive.
I’ve been reading your work, listening to podcasts and watching your videos for several years. Your thoughts are important to me and valued. I appreciate having your intellectuality and spirituality in my life. If it’s your destiny to opt out of public life then so be it. It would, however, be a great shame. You are special Charles. Be encouraged!
Whatever you say, Charles, and however you say it, you will be saying what you need to say & how you need to say it. Yes, come from your unhindered heart. "The minute i stopped arguing, i could begin to see and feel. Right there."
"I let too much in... And then I go into a tailspin." The horrible predicament of the sensitive open-minded soul, and how relatable this is for many of us exposed daily to the ruthless world of social media. Wanting to leave public life makes so much sense on many levels but we, your readers, selfishly need you. Many of us are on the verge of sinking into the dark waters of an increasingly totalitarian society and your words and wise, even, or especially, if sometimes insecure, vibes throw at us one of the rare lifelines we have.
What I'm doing here
We've got enough public intellectuals, trying to make "head sense" of the world. I think we need more public affectuals and imaginators who reflect a heart-centered sense of the world and contribute to a new vision of the cosmos that includes both head and heart. <3
Understood. You stand tall among those less courageous Charles, and you have been a tremendous help to all of us who question our own sense of self in these times that have gotten so crazy. Just saying that now, although I and many I know have been saying it to each other these past months, saying it to you this time, in case this small voice can do anything to counteract the harshness of the maddened mob mentality.
I have drawn deep solace, enjoyment and stimulation from your writings and interviews since stumbling across Ascent of Humanity in 2012, and more recently have immensely appreciated your willingness to cut through the intense polarization of our times with insight, humility, and wit.
The time is nigh when the only way to be an intellectual worth paying attention to is to have the courage to let the mind be the heart's servant, and I have taken you as an example of someone working towards embodying this ideal. I am excited to read (or see) what comes from this new orientation towards your work, including drawing!
Arigatou, Charles ♥️ Do you know that the kanji for this word, 有り難う, actually means “this is difficult to be” or (perhaps more accurately conveyed) “this is rare”? No you or me, simply a recognition, a treasuring. The response, dou itashimashite, is “however it is received”. No attachment to the outcome of what is given. I look forward to reading what comes through from you in this vulnerable state, and I’m grateful you’re still in the kitchen ♥️🙏🏻✨
You have been my life line in the last few weeks. My mirror to my truth. The first place I truly felt, thank God, here's some sanity, depth, wisdom, and most of all, hope. Thank you.
Your work always inspires me, Charles. I'm so happy to know you're still in the writing kitchen and that the heat perhaps sent you closer to your heart. Thank you for you.
I love your essays, absolutely, so please don’t stop writing, but as a writer who became an artist and started learning to draw and paint and sculpt at age 55, I believe EVERYONE should learn to draw, no matter who and no matter what their profession!
What you're doing here is a movement toward wholeness. I honor the human heart beneath your enormous intellect and look forward to reading the alchemy of "attending to the precious gifts of life" along with all the rest. Kudos to Inka for excellent coaching and companionship. <3
Yesterday my beloved mother-in-law passed away at 97 and moments before I read your email, Charles, I was sitting on the edge of my bed searching for what was important to me, how to make the most of my day, and what I needed to focus on to make sense of feelings, grief, joy and love all mixed up together. The intensity of grief is a gift, life is a gift and I dedicate myself again and again to a more beautiful world we know is possible when love is the language we use. Thank you once again for being you, for staying in the kitchen and for being a shining light.
Thanks for your brilliance, your humility, and your generosity. I appreciate your willingness to share all sides of yourself with those of us who are eager to receive.
I’ll keep it short and sweet.
I’ve been reading your work, listening to podcasts and watching your videos for several years. Your thoughts are important to me and valued. I appreciate having your intellectuality and spirituality in my life. If it’s your destiny to opt out of public life then so be it. It would, however, be a great shame. You are special Charles. Be encouraged!
Whatever you say, Charles, and however you say it, you will be saying what you need to say & how you need to say it. Yes, come from your unhindered heart. "The minute i stopped arguing, i could begin to see and feel. Right there."
Reading comments.
I have just found my people.
Gratitude.
"I let too much in... And then I go into a tailspin." The horrible predicament of the sensitive open-minded soul, and how relatable this is for many of us exposed daily to the ruthless world of social media. Wanting to leave public life makes so much sense on many levels but we, your readers, selfishly need you. Many of us are on the verge of sinking into the dark waters of an increasingly totalitarian society and your words and wise, even, or especially, if sometimes insecure, vibes throw at us one of the rare lifelines we have.
Thanks for opening up comments. I look forward to readers' engagement with your posts.
standing with you, CE!!