Truth, unvarnished and unabridged. It's what's for breakfast with me, every day!

My main challenge in life is to in some way enlighten every person I meet by introducing them to truths I know- the take-away is new truths emerge and my own enlightenment increases (and perhaps theirs as well!). This ongoing journey is my duty - and my gift - to myself and the world. It costs me precious little, yet the rewards are manifold. Sharing a laugh (ice-breaker), some insight (warm-up), some wisdom (main course), and some filios (love for a sibling), in my short encounters with strangers is my trademark, because truly we are all brothers and sisters in spirit, so what connects us is stronger than what separates us. I mean to build, repair and maintain those connections wherever possible.

My life partner, Stephanie, can only be properly described through a quote from the Master troubador, as I am unable to muster a more fitting tribute:

"Precious angel, under the sun
How was I to know, you’d be the one
To show me I was blinded, to show me I was gone
How weak was the foundation, I was standing upon?
You’re the queen of my flesh, girl, you’re my woman, you’re my delight
You’re the lamp of my soul, girl, and you torch up the night
Shine your light, shine your light on me
Ya know I just couldn’t make it by myself
I’m a little too blind to see."
(excerpted from "Slow Train Coming" album by Bob Dylan)
Copyright © 1979 by Special Rider Music

Though she is an Atheist, her soul is sacred to me. Gautama Buddha lends assistance:

Speaking to the Kalamas (a people from a neighboring country), who are confused by the conflicting message they are receiving from various sages, gurus etc. There are so many, all of whom claim their own truths to be more venerable than the others who came before, even those who will come after. On how to find their truth, the Buddha instructs thusly:

Now, Kalamas, ignore reports, legends, traditions, scripture, logical conjecture, inference, analogy, agreement through pondering views, probability, or the thought, ‘This contemplative is our teacher.’ When it is true for your mind, soul and heart that, ‘These qualities are skillful; these qualities are blameless; these qualities are praised by the wise; these qualities, when adopted & carried out, lead to welfare & to happiness’, only then can you believe as truth what you have heard.