Searching for Sophrosyne

Sophrosyne: I first heard this word at a small music festival, from an exceptional guitarist who had used an ancient Greek concept as the title for a song about his nonagenarian grandmother. From his perspective, she had reached a level of balance in her long life that combined strength of character, integrity, self-control and prudence. I have not, but the short pieces that follow chart my determined, if somewhat erratic pursuit of it that remains ongoing. From formative life experiences of love, compassion and profound tragedy to perspectives gleaned from a long time running, my journey will hopefully entertain, instruct, bring laughter and tears, and above all paint a picture of one person's path towards belonging. As befits any journey along a path of heart, I have learned from ravioli, mountain gorillas, music, seeds, bears that laugh, salmon that outwit, spiders, clergy, trees, museums, extreme weather, gardens, exceptional women, philosophers and mystics. I have been sustained by the aroma of countless pizzas, good dope and soothingly fragrant yellow and red cedar. But mostly I have listened to the wisdom of those I've shared this journey with: my family and friends, political supporters and foes, co-workers and bosses, memorable feline companions and the planet upon which I am fortunate to live. Just as each and every cloud that has ever drifted towards a horizon at dusk is distinct from all others, so our thoughts are never the same. Like fingerprints, they identify who we are, where we've been and the journey that lies ahead.