Dorothy Parker Reads “Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom” in a Rare 1926 Recording

An ode to the unflinching comfort of the bed, our most reliable sanctuary of safety. Brain Pickings takes 450+ hours a month to curate and edit across the different platforms, and remains banner-free. If it brings you any joy and inspiration, please consider a modest donation – it lets me know I’m doing something right.Continue reading “Dorothy Parker Reads “Inscription for the Ceiling of a Bedroom” in a Rare 1926 Recording”

Questions for You: What Habits Most Affect Your Spiritual Life and Work Life?

Have I mentioned that I’m writing a book about how we make and break habits? Oh right, I think I have. Before and After will hit the shelves in 2015 (sign up here to be notified when it’s available). Most of us — well, perhaps not the Rebels — have habits that we’d like toContinue reading “Questions for You: What Habits Most Affect Your Spiritual Life and Work Life?”

Dare to Disturb the Universe: Madeleine L’Engle on Creativity, Censorship, Writing, and the Duty of Children’s Books

“We find what we are looking for. If we are looking for life and love and openness and growth, we are likely to find them. If we are looking for witchcraft and evil, we’ll likely find them, and we may get taken over by them.” Brain Pickings takes 450+ hours a month to curate andContinue reading “Dare to Disturb the Universe: Madeleine L’Engle on Creativity, Censorship, Writing, and the Duty of Children’s Books”

Mary Oliver on the Mystery of the Human Psyche, the Secret of Great Poetry, and How Rhythm Makes Us Come Alive

“Rhythm is one of the most powerful of pleasures, and when we feel a pleasurable rhythm we hope it will continue. When it does, it grows sweeter.” Brain Pickings takes 450+ hours a month to curate and edit across the different platforms, and remains banner-free. If it brings you any joy and inspiration, please considerContinue reading “Mary Oliver on the Mystery of the Human Psyche, the Secret of Great Poetry, and How Rhythm Makes Us Come Alive”

The Science of Smell: How the Most Direct of Our Senses Works

“A smell can be overwhelmingly nostalgic because it triggers powerful images and emotions before we have time to edit them… When we give perfume to someone, we give them liquid memory.” Brain Pickings takes 450+ hours a month to curate and edit across the different platforms, and remains banner-free. If it brings you any joyContinue reading “The Science of Smell: How the Most Direct of Our Senses Works”