I used to have a special running bike made by an unfortunately now defunct company in Australia (run4). They described using their bike as "running on air". That's what standing up to pedal feels like to me on a regular bike, and it's especially pleasant when you get the gearing right. My Trek is now … Continue reading Running on Air →

I recently read True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart, by Thich Nhat Hanh. This is a nice little book that emphasizes that true love is unconditional. And, appropriate for the teacher whose writing introduced myself and many others to mindfulness, he also points out we must be present to others to be truly … Continue reading True Love →

The beautiful Uvas Canyon County. one the jewels of the Santa Clara County park system, lies at the end of Croy road in the hills west of Morgan Hill. My wife and I lived in a little house halfway up Croy, with Uvas creek running through our backyard, for 24 years. It was an old … Continue reading Bike/hike: Uvas Canyon County Park →

As I mentioned previously, the normal description of what neurons do as taught in neuron 101 is now known to be incomplete. I'll give a brief attempt at a layman's understanding (I'm not an expert) then get to the exciting new developments on what is going on inside the neurons. I hope this will make … Continue reading Neurons Are Sophisticated Microprocessors- and Quantum Devices →

I went for a 3 1/2 hour bike and hike tour at the northern end of Morgan Hill and a little north, on a beautiful late spring morning. Nice View of El Toro from an unpaved path near the Coyote Creek Trail New unpaved trail next to Coyote Creek trail that leads to Coyote Creek … Continue reading Early Morning Bike Tour →

I start with the caveat that I am by no means an expert, but I have been practicing this and reading the writings of the real experts for decades. This is my own synthesis that works for me. The transformational path goes beyond meditation, which you typically only do in dedicated sessions once or twice … Continue reading Techniques For Self-Transformation →

In a recent post, I mentioned that I've tried to reframe sheltering-in-place during the Covid-19 crisis as a retreat. This has worked pretty well. I've made progress in my "mental fitness" during this time, so I've decided to go into a few blog posts about it, which this post will kick off. Meditation is great … Continue reading Meditation Is More Than Stress Relief: The Transformational Path →

I have recently read some fascinating books about findings in neuroscience, and their practical applications in cognitive behavioral therapy. Equally important, they can be used for everyone to become happier. My interest in this was first piqued when I heard, years ago, that the Dalai Lama had asked neuroscientists whether our thoughts can change our … Continue reading The Neuroplasticity Revolution- Willpower Can Change our Brains. →

I went on a bike tour to the south and West of Morgan hill, then up into the hills from the west. El Toro Up Close From the old neighborhood on the west side of Morgan Hill Ducks and Geese at Community Park. There is an unpaved path around this park that is a favorite … Continue reading Up in the Hills to the South and West →

We are now into our third month of "sheltering in place" due to Covid19. Previously I discussed various coping skills I've been using for this situation. As I mentioned, thinking of it as a retreat continues to work well for me. Equally important is getting along well with those you are "sheltering" with. We can … Continue reading Covid Coping: Enjoying Being With Your Shelter-mates →