Category Archives: Wisdom

Practical Jokes

Posted on December 10, 2012 by John Swinburn

I awoke this morning just after 4:00 a.m.  The blanket and comforter that made the bed snug and comfortable when I went to bed had grown heavy and overly-warm.  I decided to start the day early. The first thing I … Continue reading →

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Exercises in Wonder: What If?

Posted on November 28, 2012 by John Swinburn

Many years ago, sometime in the early 1980s, I think, I was enamored of a film called Overdrawn at the Memory Bank,which starred Raúl Julia in the character of Aram Fingal, a programmer for NoviCorp, a global corporation that shared … Continue reading →

Posted in Dreams, Philosophy, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Mood Altering Experiences

Posted on November 18, 2012 by John Swinburn

I’m sometimes surprised at the extent to which my mood can change, sometimes dramatically, in response to external stimuli.  My outlook can plummet toward depression if I read a news article, for example, that reports a beating victim’s cries for … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Philosophy, Wisdom | 3 Comments

Lost and Angry

Posted on October 26, 2012 by John Swinburn

Every time I get away from the city, I take a risk.  I risk overwhelming sensations of longing for a life close to the land.  It’s cliché, but it’s real.  I want so badly to feel connected to the earth, … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Random Thoughts

Posted on October 23, 2012 by John Swinburn

Fashion Models It occurred to me before but as I was skimming an old copy of D Magazine it struck me again.  Young female fashion models who have their photos taken wearing haute couture, whether  bikinis and impossibly tall spiked heels … Continue reading →

Posted in Dreams, Philosophy, Politics, Wisdom | 1 Comment

An Enlightening Perspective

Posted on October 19, 2012 by John Swinburn

On occasion, I relearn something I’ve long since learned and lost. Sometimes when that happens, I’m struck by the fact that I’ve allowed myself to forget something so pleasing, so enlightening.  This morning was one of those occasions.  It was … Continue reading →

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Another life, another time

Posted on October 5, 2012 by John Swinburn

Walking along the the Lake Chapala waterfront in Ajijic, Jalisco, I cannot help but wonder if the “good old days” in the USA might once have been like this.  There are couples strolling along the malecón and families gathered around … Continue reading →

Posted in Mexico, Philosophy, Wisdom | 5 Comments

He who knows he has enough

Posted on September 26, 2012 by John Swinburn

I keep a book on my desk: The Essence of Zen: An Anthology of Quotations.  When I feel the need to reflect on myself, life in general, and the world I live in, I pick it up.  I find myself … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Considering the Concept: Selfishness

Posted on September 21, 2012 by John Swinburn

A good friend, someone I’ve never met but who has become a good friend nonetheless, made a comment to me that piqued my interest.  He said he was considering writing an analysis of selfishness, what it is and how it … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Selfishness, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Little Luxuries, Big Essentials

Posted on September 17, 2012 by John Swinburn

Fall weather is upon us, for the moment, at least temporarily ameliorating my loathing of the north Texas climate. With temperatures in the mid-sixties to start the day, I can tolerate Dallas weather for the moment. I welcomed yesterday’s on-again, … Continue reading →

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Mourning Shadows

Posted on September 15, 2012 by John Swinburn

Inexplicable shadows mill about in the pre-dawn darkness, shadows that follow the early-morning walker, occasionally darting in front of him, then slipping quickly from view. Street lamps and the headlights of passing cars and the weak light of a waning … Continue reading →

Posted in Walking, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Foundation

Posted on August 10, 2012 by John Swinburn

To the extent that I have acquired any wisdom during the course of my life thus far, which is highly debatable, it has been acquired through good luck and good people, as opposed to having grown from any innate capacity. This … Continue reading →

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