Hey folks. I was a little disappointed at how dark my family portrait images came out in the physical letter. Hopefully they look better here. You can also see ’em on Flickr.
Here’s some more stuff that didn’t make the cut for the physical letter.
- In March, I wrote a new chant for the spring equinox, “Step into the Light,” which was performed at an interfaith gathering (listen). Later, I devised a globalized version of the chant, and another for the solstice, to facilitate global online celebrations sponsored by the Gaian Way. (You can hear the latter on the Gaian Way’s YouTube channel.)
- I continue to serve on the board for two nonprofits, one local and global: the Greater New Orleans Interfaith Climate Coalition and the Gaian Way. Check ’em out and support them if you can. Back in October I had a table at our local Pagan Pride Day, repping both these groups and promoting the new radio series, Earth Eclectic.
- I led a book club for Becoming Earth by Ferris Jabr. This is a new, accessible, pop-science book that does a great job of communicating the idea that Earth is, indeed, a living planet. Highly recommended!
- I haven’t had a drink since August, but don’t worry, I’m still just as crazy as ever. As if to prove that, my Muse started speaking to me in the fall, and she hasn’t stopped since. I coincidentally became aware of a local therapist who convened a “Meet Your Muse” workshop in November. We’re now collaborating on a proposal to the Harvard Divinity School. With any luck, we’ll be presenting at their conference in April.
- Speaking of conferences in April, I will definitely be presenting at the annual meeting of the Popular Culture Association. My topic will be “Songs for Earth: Promoting Biophilia and Ecocentric Values Through Music.” That proposal has already been accepted.
- Speaking of presentations, here are the titles of some presentations I made over this past year…
- The Subtle Art of Doing Nothing (at Tulane University, with Wendy Gaudin)
- Decolonizing the Mind Through Gaian Song (at Harvard Divinity School, with George Cawley on guitar) — watch it online
- Human Learning in an AI World — this was a week-long institute at Xavier, with all my co-workers. I made videos on “How Human & AI Learning Works” and “Ethical Education with AI.” These may sound dry and technical, but I tried to give them my personal touch.
- The Role of Spiritual Philosophies and Communities in Supporting and Promoting Degrowth (at the 10th International Degrowth Conference in Spain)
- What I Learned in Pontevedra (online for various groups including friends and family) — watch it online
- Copyright, Copyleft (at Xavier) — watch it online
- Mystical Pizza (for the Religious Naturalist Association)
- Also: my knee gave out with a loud pop as I walked through the house one day in March. I had visions of being laid up for weeks, but I made a quick partial recovery. MRI reveals a torn meniscus but also some osteoarthritis. I’m still having issues, but I’m basically mobile, jogging regularly and riding the bike, so I’ve decided to forego the surgical option for now.