Category Archives: Reflection

reflective content, about life and living

not the ohio buckeyes

Posted on January 20, 2019 by Tom Childers

As we settle into the deep part of winter, letting go of the excitement of the holidays, it’s sometimes hard for me to be completely present with the season. We are dug in deep in ourselves, the season of death … Continue reading →

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westy guts, part I

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Tom Childers

I like fixing things, especially vehicles. So perhaps it’s no surprise that we own a 1985 Volkswagen Westfalia camper, a vehicle known throughout mechanic-dom as a labor of love. “Mz. Parker”, as she is know, is not an unreliable vehicle, … Continue reading →

Posted in Geek, Reflection, Travel | 1 Comment

60 autumns

Posted on September 22, 2018 by Tom Childers

I’ve recently turned 60, no longer working for companies, and getting used to all this freedom to do exactly what I want. It’s a little disconcerting how often I look for ‘what I should be doing’. What do I truly … Continue reading →

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reboot

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Tom Childers

I’m just home from a ten-day retreat, trying to comprehend fundamental changes in my being. The short story is: I’m eight pounds lighter, my taste in food has changed, I eat differently now, my sense of smell has gotten better, … Continue reading →

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chöd

Posted on July 14, 2017 by Tom Childers

The very first teaching of Buddhism is that misery is caused by attachment. No wonder that so much of the dharma and practices look at attachment, and no attachment is stronger than the one to our body. To really feel … Continue reading →

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bhutan presence

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Tom Childers

Yesterday in Bhutan was quite a shock. After 13 years, I was expecting change, but was completely unprepared for what I’ve found. The heart is the same, the people are the same, the beauty and spiritual depth are all still … Continue reading →

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thai high

Posted on June 24, 2017 by Tom Childers

My Bhutan journey begins and ends in Bangkok. The last time I was here, I totally enjoyed the bustle, the street food, temples and water tours. This time, I feel like I’m plunged into a distopian Chicago on a sweltering … Continue reading →

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solo journey

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Tom Childers

Once upon a time during a difficult transition in my life, I went to Bhutan. The two-week journey was strange and magical, through a land of deep heart, Buddhist teaching and belief everywhere you look. It gave me a chance … Continue reading →

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serendipity revisited

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Tom Childers

This week, something happened that was so mind-bogglingly improbable, that serendipity itself is called into question. This is the center of a labyrinth at the top of the ridge we live on. Today, it’s wet, thank you to the forces, … Continue reading →

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there comes a time

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Tom Childers

It’s been a summer of change, as I’ve quit my corporate gig as of the beginning of the month. Not sure how much software engineering is in my future, but I don’t think I will ever work in a company … Continue reading →

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