Welcome Back: “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Rembrandt

On leaving and returning

Hello friend,

This week I was interviewed for Emily Mohn-Slate’s (@mohnslate) wonderful substack newsletter Be Where You Are. The interview is part of her “Beginner’s Mind” series, which delves into the intersection of mindfulness and creative practice, and I really enjoyed thinking about how my work as a spiritual care provider and artist/writer fit together. I hope you will check it out!

In the interview Emily asked if I had a mantra that’s related to my practice. I have to admit I had to sit with that question for a bit. I’ve been thinking a lot about what the Zen teacher Koshin Paley Ellison says when he catches his mind wandering in meditation: “...and we’re back!” Since first hearing him say this, I’ve started saying, “welcome back, friend,” when I notice I’m not as present as I want to be.