THE WRITTEN WORD includes an assortment of writings: The Almond Tree, which includes an occasional Life-Line to help you stay tethered to that which matters most, poems of others, essays and reflections by moi, some published articles, and some prayers also by me.
A few words in particular about The Almond Tree. The Almond Tree began not so much as a poor-man’s blog as a poor man’s epistles sent by email attachments to members of The Human & the Holy (H&H) spiritual formation community which I began in 2003 in Orange, CA. I started sending these reflections more regularly in 2009. Each year of H&H had a theme and each monthly gathering a sub-theme. I was writing as the spiritual guide of the community and the tone reflects this (for example, sometimes I offer Reflection Questions and Practices). The content often reflects the immediate or upcoming focus of our monthly gatherings.
Over time, H&H participants began sending The Almond Tree to their Aunt Mildred and Uncle Mort or, like me, to family and friends. I have uploaded many of the previous year’s posts with the idea that if they were of any value to Mort and Mildred, others beyond H&H might find something there worth reading as well. If you read archived posts dated before January 1, 2016, keep the above context in mind.
NOW, through THE SACRED BRAID website, I am expanding our circle of companions by sending The Almond Tree to a broader community of subscribed readers and happen-alongs. The posts will no longer be specific to the H&H community and our gatherings. With a few exceptions, the general theme remains spirituality in and for the 21st century. While I bring in wisdom and world views from other religious traditions and spiritual paths, I write from the perspective of a lived Christian spirituality. In particular, I am convicted about the necessary and dynamic relationship between the contemplative and active expressions of faith. I am aligned with the beatitudinal message and way of Jesus that is concerned about the most vulnerable, exploited, and oppressed. And I am committed to accentuating the relationship between authentic spirituality and living in kinship with the earth.
I am glad you found your way to my website and THE ALMOND TREE. I hope you stick around. Please consider subscribing, and if it is worth your while, pass it on.
Gratefully,
♣ Dan