by Nikol | Jul 31, 2015 | Finding Peace and Ease
I lay the black plastic cloth across my parent’s table, following up with black paper plates, bold white lettering and colorful confetti popping from the center of each individual circle. Napkins coordinate the overall theme and silverware is placed at each dark seat....
by Nikol | Apr 23, 2015 | Finding Peace and Ease
I jumped out of the van, into steady rain, holding my hood tight to my hat, and making sure my binoculars were covered. Water beaded on my royal blue shell, down the back of my head and down my arm, in rivulets and mini streams from shoulder to waist. My pants were...
by Nikol | Apr 17, 2015 | Finding Peace and Ease
No Kahiki mai ka wahine `o Pele, Mai ka `aina mai o Polapola, Mai ka punohu a Kane, Mai ke ao lapa i ka lani. My whole life I have wanted to go to Hawaii. I have stared wide-eyed at many friend’s and family member’s photos, taking in the lush landscapes, and...
by Nikol | Mar 6, 2015 | Finding Peace and Ease
Looking down in my hand, there on the paper in bold capital black ink, those four letters. They are not love. They are not hate. Something far more complex, and though I spent months and hours trying to erase these four letters from my sight and world, here they arise...
by Nikol | Jan 16, 2015 | Finding Peace and Ease
“How do you let go?” Tears stream down my face, as I sit on the cushion in front of Ryushin Sensei, the Abbott of the Zen Mountain Monastery, any last illusion of keeping it together completely shattered as I choke out my question. He gently grabs a box of...