Memoir
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Waxing a wooden floor is a simple task
In a conversation about proposals, a character expresses disappointment over a rejection from the David Suzuki Foundation, while remaining hopeful about alternatives. They explore the complexities of advocacy, drawing parallels between life and waxing floors. Through connection and persistence, they emphasize the importance of understanding one’s path, leading to unexpected opportunities.
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Algebra and Brussels Sprouts
Conversations with Virgin Mary I showed up at Jorge’s on a Saturday morning. The sun was out and the snow was starting to melt. Virgo was on the porch again, stretched in a warm spot like she had been waiting for the weather to change. Seeing her there felt like a small sign that winter…
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Slowness
The conversation between Jorge and the narrator explores the contrasting modes of thinking: fast, automatic responses versus slower, analytical reasoning. Jorge emphasizes the importance of taking time to slow down and appreciate complexity, cautioning against the dangers of quick, superficial answers. The journey itself, rather than swift arrivals, holds true meaning and depth.
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God is a Swimming Pool
In a contemplative conversation over Turkish coffee, Jorge and the speaker explore the nature of God and faith. Jorge argues that God should not be perceived as a judgmental figure but as a realm of existence and structure. He encourages embracing comprehension over traditional doctrines, advocating for a redefined understanding of spirituality grounded in reality.
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Let’s Bake
Conversations with Virgin Mary Tuesday, February 17 This letter will be different from my previous lessons. This isn’t about messengers or tasks. I need you to understand the process to become, to be transformed, to see why you’re here. Life is full of ingredients. Every event, every moment, is like an ingredient in a meal.…
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How to Read While Riding a Bicycle
The text explores the concept of learning through experience, using the metaphor of riding a bicycle without a manual. It emphasizes that life, like cycling, involves falling and getting back up. The dialogue between two characters highlights the importance of perseverance and seeking support, even in the face of fear and potential failure.
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Meditating in your Laundry Room
The narrative intertwines a chess game between Bill Gates and Magnus Carlsen with a personal reflection on learning and self-discovery through conversations with Jorge. As they discuss chess and life’s challenges, the author contemplates how mundane tasks like doing laundry serve as a form of meditation, fostering personal growth and connection.
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I am traveling on a bullet train, while you are still relying on a diesel engine.
Conversations with Virgin Mary I returned from Guadalajara and went to see Jorge to wish him a Happy New Year. The contrast was brutal. Back from Mexico, where light and dust linger in the air, to snow everywhere. The sidewalks were barely walkable, the neighborhood reduced to a narrow path between piles of ice. I…
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Designing Your Own Rollercoaster
The passage reflects on the metaphor of life as a roller coaster, emphasizing the unpredictability and emotional challenges it presents. The author shares personal experiences with their mother, who recounts a difficult marriage with a mentally ill husband. Through listening deeply, the author explores themes of suffering, presence, and processing past trauma.
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The Shower is Clogged
The text illustrates how both showerheads and people can become “clogged” over time due to unresolved stress and emotions. Just as a clogged showerhead requires cleaning or replacement, individuals must confront their own accumulation of suffering to maintain efficiency. While small acts can provide temporary relief, the inevitable decline remains.
Carlos Fentanes 