Reflections on a therapist's office

Therapist's office commentary, originally uploaded by RobinJP.

'y r u here'

This message is scratched into a table at an office where my weekly meditation group gathers. It's the office of a therapist.


The first few times I saw this, I didn't look too closely, but thought it said 'you are here.'

True, you are here. But it's not a 'Kilroy was here type of message.' It's much more profound.

'You. Are. You. Here.' is a great reflection on therapy. And a great message to carry daily.

I like to think the angry child, frustrated spouse, bored teen sitting in the waiting room was passing on a message of comfort to us all.

y r u here.

.... wherever you are.


UPDATE inspired by my friend Kate who said on Facebook: 'I thought it was a question... why are you here?"

Now that she says that, I remember thinking that also when I first saw this a few weeks ago.  But last night when I saw it again, my mind just stuck on the optimistic side.  I guess I hoped the carver had left a positive lesson for us all.  And besides, the grammarian in me just didn't see the invisible question mark!  


Robin, Phoenix

Yafit: We don't mind if you stick around a little longer

One year ago this weekend, my friend Yafit Butwin and her three children - Malissa (16), Daniel (14) and Matthew (7) - were killed. 

The brutality of their murder was devastating to those of us who knew them and shocking to the rest of our community. They were mourned by hundreds, if not thousands, and eventually their bodies were taken to Israel where Yafit was born and lived until she moved to the United States at 20 years old.

But to a small band of women who meet weekly in Chandler, Arizona, to meditate and touch base about our lives, Yafit hung around. Her spirit stays with us. She is one of us. Yafit came to meditate when time allowed. She brought excitement, energy and the type of turmoil that can only embody an active, loving mother trying to build her own career. 

I knew Yafit for only about 18 months and I never saw her outside of our weekly gatherings, but she is still a powerful force in my life.  I sometimes feel her in the room while we sit quietly.  At other times, I feel a rush of sadness and loss over her death - not just for me but for all of us.  But more often than not, I am comforted by the fact that I knew Yafit, that she gave me a glimpse into her crazy, chaotic life so filled with love and promise.  

I am better for having known her.  

Robin, Phoenix 


Here's a news report about Yafit's death. Look at it or not. It's really nothing to do with her now.  

Linger Lane. Mindful Manor

Linger Lane, originally uploaded by RobinJP.

Some days it's easy to let my mind wander toward where I've been and where I might be going.

I've pretty much lived for work and love and travel. And family. And as a result, I've got lots of good memories.

But great memories can sometimes lead me down a path of folly, wondering "Hey, what's next? Where'm I going next? Am I missing opportunities? Can I recreate the good times?"

Hold on a minute. The here and now is pretty darn good. I've got family and love and work and travel. I've got good times. And the future will take care of itself.

“I am all the ages I've ever been.”
- Anne Lamott 

And here I am in all my ages somewhere along Dreamy Draw Drive.  I guess I'll linger here a little longer.