This is a small collection of what's shaping my life and practice right now.
Solid References:
The Swamplands of the Soul — James Hollis
On finding meaning in grief, depression, and the places we'd rather not visit — proof that the dark parts of life aren't obstacles to the work, they are the work.
Healing the Shame That Binds You — John Bradshaw
A cornerstone for understanding how shame takes root early, and how it can finally be metabolized rather than carried silently.
The War of Art — Steven Pressfield
On resistance — the invisible force that keeps us from the work we're called to do, and how to meet it anyway.
Addiction to Perfection — Marion Woodman
On the tyranny of the inner critic, and reclaiming the body and instinct from the grip of perfectionism.
On the nightstand:
Unconscious Roots of Creativity — Kathryn Madden
The Virgin's Promise — Kim Hudson
A Jungian Approach to Engaging Our Creative Nature — Robert Sardello
Body Dreaming in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma — Marian Dunlea
Master's Thesis: Music, Play, and Dreams: Individuation through Imagination (2016)
Release
Published in Mothers, compiled by Alan Watt (2025)
Mama,
I never wanted to let go of you—
your leg, your hand.
Never wanted to be apart from you.
Your smile radiated love.
Your eyes said, "I love you."
Mother, let me go!
Why can't you let me grow up?
Bitter and angry,
I begged to be my own person.
You rarely smiled.
Sadness numbed your eyes.
Mama,
I'm here.
I love you.
She waited.
Her eyes no longer visible,
breath shallow.
I held on. Hugging tight.
Tears streaming down my face onto hers.
I'm here, Mama.
Thank you.
For everything.
She took her last breath.
And she let me go.