What Helps Us Return
On Presence, Dehumanization, and Remaining Human in Polarized Times by Chuck Craytor What happens when fear, rage, humiliation, loneliness, and the longing to belong go unattended? Last fall, a client shared a reflection with me following an act of political violence that had deeply disturbed him. For reasons of confidentiality, I cannot share his words […]
Departure
I first wrote Departure nearly 30 years ago and have recently returned to refine it. I’m sharing it again here as the opening piece of a new series, The Work of Being Human. For me, it remains a living reflection on what it means to keep crossing into life. Departure A five-year-old boy, suitcase in […]
Confluence
Decay,and the insistence of growth. Roots crossing,not asking permission—only time. This ground holds what has been,and waits for what I am becoming. I stand here briefly,borrowed. What will take me backis already at work. A confluence—where I belong,because I will not remain. — Soft ground underfoot—what holds me, holds my ending.Roots do not resist. ~Charles […]
Shattered
Healing an Anxious Attachment Style: A Journey Toward Secure Connection
By Charles Craytor Recently, I found myself stuck in a cycle of ruminating on what was bothering me. I know from experience that it’s not as easy as saying, “Stop ruminating.” While journaling, I asked myself, “What is a meaningful and effective way to respond to what I am experiencing?” Almost instantly, I was inspired […]
In This Quiet
In This Quiet by Chuck Craytor I breathe into the stillness,where thoughts drift like leaves on waterand the current carries what I no longer need. The light does not need to be just right.I do not need to find the focal point.All that is necessaryis right here, now. Hear the still point of this moment—not […]
The Bullets: A Reflection on Courage, Commitment, and Dignity
At nineteen years old, I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, serving in the U.S. Army (1975-1977). I didn’t know it then, but a decision to encourage a friend to coach a youth basketball team would grow into one of the most meaningful leadership experiences of my life. What began as an innocent suggestion evolved into […]
How Do We Create Courage in the Face of Distressing Circumstances?
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor Frankl How can you cultivate and maintain courage in the face of overwhelming circumstances? This is not just a theoretical question for me; it’s something I’ve experienced firsthand. In January 2013, after completing graduate school, I found […]
A Practice For Troubled Times
Pause for a moment. Gaze into this scene from nature, and as you gaze upon this scene, notice. Be attentive and aware of the detail, color, and context. Name what you see:A rock sitting in the middle of a creek.Water surrounds the stone in stillness.Forest shadows resting upon the water.Branches covered in green moss. Please […]
Creating New Life
Outside of Blue River, Oregon, where the community was devastated by the Holiday Farm Fire less than two years ago. Nature is coming back, giving birth to new life. May we find new life through these disruptive, sometimes devastating, times.