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Validation

It is important to let people know that their feelings are as real as they feel them. Sometimes, their feelings seem delusional. When that happens, you should check in with your feelings; you might be projecting. Sometimes, their feelings are delusional, and you should tell them. Everyone wins.

4 3 2 1 (Paul Auster)

Our choices determine our future, even if choice-making is a deterministic illusion. It is important to consider them carefully. If you would like to surf the possibilities of just one life, sink your teeth into this Bildungsroman (one of our better words). This book is also a Time Machine to ~1960s NJ/NYC, if you like that sort of thing.

Georgian Polyphonic Singing

Polyphonic singing is not unique to Georgia; however, Georgian polyphony emerged "independently," resulting in a unique acoustic framework. In fact, it is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is particularly ancient (pre-Christian). I will not claim to know what exactly is going on here. Instead, I recommend you lie down in the grass, surrender to the earth, and fill your ears with microtonal madness.

The [secular] Sabbath

Six consecutive days of work and play are too many consecutive days of work and play. Give yourself permission to pause; a ritual rest reconnects your humanity to itself. As it happens, religiosity is largely irrelevant, despite its advocacy for the concept. (You will be joining an ancient tradition regardless, so you are free to ignore it.) Create your "sanctuary in time" (Heschel) and enter with grace. Needs: candle(s), food/drink, gratitude

Validation

It is important to let people know that their feelings are as real as they feel them. Sometimes, their feelings seem delusional. When that happens, you should check in with your feelings; you might be projecting. Sometimes, their feelings are delusional, and you should tell them. Everyone wins.

4 3 2 1 (Paul Auster)

Our choices determine our future, even if choice-making is a deterministic illusion. It is important to consider them carefully. If you would like to surf the possibilities of just one life, sink your teeth into this Bildungsroman (one of our better words). This book is also a Time Machine to ~1960s NJ/NYC, if you like that sort of thing.

Georgian Polyphonic Singing

Polyphonic singing is not unique to Georgia; however, Georgian polyphony emerged "independently," resulting in a unique acoustic framework. In fact, it is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is particularly ancient (pre-Christian). I will not claim to know what exactly is going on here. Instead, I recommend you lie down in the grass, surrender to the earth, and fill your ears with microtonal madness.

The [secular] Sabbath

Six consecutive days of work and play are too many consecutive days of work and play. Give yourself permission to pause; a ritual rest reconnects your humanity to itself. As it happens, religiosity is largely irrelevant, despite its advocacy for the concept. (You will be joining an ancient tradition regardless, so you are free to ignore it.) Create your "sanctuary in time" (Heschel) and enter with grace. Needs: candle(s), food/drink, gratitude