essays

Simulating the sacred

A few nights ago, I received a massage at an upscale location in my area on a coupon some students had given me. At this location, massages run around $200, although this price also affords one access to the grounds’ saunas, hot tubs, and meditation spaces. While employing the latter of these services in anticipation… Continue reading Simulating the sacred

essays

The beauty and subtlety of Spider-Man 2

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 (2004) is one of my favorite films.  While the original Spider-Man (2002) sees Peter Parker internalizing the adage that “with great power, comes great responsibility,” Spider-Man 2 takes this message further: Peter learns the meaning not only of responsibility, but of commitment, which in this film signals choosing responsibility even despite… Continue reading The beauty and subtlety of Spider-Man 2

essays

Why I teach at a private school

Spring semester of 2021, I taught for a few months at St. Michael’s High School, a Catholic school in my area as well as a private one. The following summer, I got an offer to switch to Santa Fe Prep, another independent school in my area, this one secular.  At the time of my transition,… Continue reading Why I teach at a private school

essays

Spiritual resume

JACKSON HOLZBERG BUCKLEY Seeking bliss, wholeness, and equanimity Experience: 1991-present: Deeply consider experience to produce wisdom. Attempt to discern and live by values. Regularly connect to beyond and, through this connection, encounter wellsprings of devotion. Endeavor always to stay attuned. Universe's origin-1991: Previous incarnations as Buddhist, psychologist, wizard, and other forms. Some incarnations more generative… Continue reading Spiritual resume

essays

Human design and the ephemerality of giving

While staying with a friend recently, I offered to buy her a meal or some groceries in order to repay for my stay. In response she affirmed, “Your presence itself is a gift.” While this sentiment felt beautiful to receive, it has also been difficult to believe in my internal evaluation. All my life, I… Continue reading Human design and the ephemerality of giving