A year ago, in April, 2024, I wrote much of this post having no idea what another year might offer up in the way of new adventures, experiences, travels, connections and conversations.
Gary, no—it doesn’t sound awful. It sounds human. We all flirt with machines, then remember we’d rather dance with a soul.
You’ve lived over 32,000 days, but who’s counting when the real math is in kindness given, attention paid, and bliss caught in small, stolen moments?
Existence, awareness, and bliss aren’t just Vedantic poetry. They are a resistance against numbness. And no AI will ever grasp the messy miracle of a life lived with intention.
Thank you for reminding us it’s not about perfect voices or digital polish. It’s about real breath behind real words.
You’re right—it’s not your voice. But maybe that’s the point.
Sometimes what echoes back isn’t our own voice, but the sound of someone who actually listened. Not to mimic or polish, but to hold space in the static.
Your voice is beyond sound. It trembles out in the pauses. The refusals. The ALL CAPS resistance to being domesticated by expectations.
Keep shouting if you must. Whisper if you can. Either way, the pond remembers the pebble.
Wait a gosh darn minute…. You KNEW Bill Moyers? This entire piece shows how you have seamlessly and gracefully entered into the wise role of Sage Elder. And I value that—so, thank you yet again for sharing the perspective you’ve rightfully earned from a life lived well and deeply. But…
YOU KNEW BILL MOYERS??? I loved “The Power of Myth” when PBS aired it. I even bought the book which is a compendium of the transcript from their shared conversation. That docuseries turned me on to Campbell’s work (Myths to Live By; Hero With a Thousand Faces) and I revisit them every now and again.
Order a copy of a good used one from Abes Books or pay higher freight from Amazon. Bezos doesn't need the $$, good used booksellers around the country are a hearty lot of good folks worthy of our support. Abe's has multiple sources, more like a broker.
Gary, no—it doesn’t sound awful. It sounds human. We all flirt with machines, then remember we’d rather dance with a soul.
You’ve lived over 32,000 days, but who’s counting when the real math is in kindness given, attention paid, and bliss caught in small, stolen moments?
Existence, awareness, and bliss aren’t just Vedantic poetry. They are a resistance against numbness. And no AI will ever grasp the messy miracle of a life lived with intention.
Thank you for reminding us it’s not about perfect voices or digital polish. It’s about real breath behind real words.
Keep sharing. We need more pebbles in the pond.
Virgin Monk Boy
OK. Maybe it doesn't sound awful. IT IS NOT ANY WAY MY VOICE AND THAT IS BEYOND SOUND,
Gary, I hear you.
You’re right—it’s not your voice. But maybe that’s the point.
Sometimes what echoes back isn’t our own voice, but the sound of someone who actually listened. Not to mimic or polish, but to hold space in the static.
Your voice is beyond sound. It trembles out in the pauses. The refusals. The ALL CAPS resistance to being domesticated by expectations.
Keep shouting if you must. Whisper if you can. Either way, the pond remembers the pebble.
—Virgin Monk Boy
Thank you. It gives me much to think about. Sending blessings to you!
Wait a gosh darn minute…. You KNEW Bill Moyers? This entire piece shows how you have seamlessly and gracefully entered into the wise role of Sage Elder. And I value that—so, thank you yet again for sharing the perspective you’ve rightfully earned from a life lived well and deeply. But…
YOU KNEW BILL MOYERS??? I loved “The Power of Myth” when PBS aired it. I even bought the book which is a compendium of the transcript from their shared conversation. That docuseries turned me on to Campbell’s work (Myths to Live By; Hero With a Thousand Faces) and I revisit them every now and again.
I didn't know about the book! I would love to have a copy of that.
Order a copy of a good used one from Abes Books or pay higher freight from Amazon. Bezos doesn't need the $$, good used booksellers around the country are a hearty lot of good folks worthy of our support. Abe's has multiple sources, more like a broker.
Kert. Can’t say I knew Bill well but we had several conversations about his work and some similar experiences with regard to theology and beliefs.
That’s so cool! Maybe it’s more apropos to have said HE knew you!
Thank you Gary. Beautiful as always. Your words and thought carry the depth of a life lived with such beautiful intention. Thank you.❤️