That’s the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. “Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?” (Mary Oliver, Long Life, Forward) We’ve all been reading a number of poems by and tributes to Mary Oliver since her death on January 17, 2019. And, to be honest, that’s … More (Another) Ode to Mary Oliver
In Parker J. Palmer’s On The Brink of Everything, he writes, “I no longer ask what do I want to let go of and what do I want to hang on to… Instead I ask what do I want to let go of and what do I want to give myself to.” For me (like most of … More A New Year Offering
In a world of destruction, ignorance, and falsities—there is not only a place for love, but love is the only answer… … More Merton’s Voice For Today
How did you get inspired to create a film about Thomas Merton and his hermitage? … More Carl McColman Interviews Cassidy Hall
Many of you know I’ve been working on my directorial debut: DAY OF A STRANGER. This short film is about the world-renowned Trappist monk, Thomas Merton. Best known for his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, Merton is said to be one of the most influential religious writers of the twentieth century. From 1965 until his … More New film project: DAY OF A STRANGER
Looking up, I knew this was a moment to behold. Across the living room from me sat Jim Forest, laughing among friends while in Toronto for the first annual Voices For Peace conference. The 76-year-old peace-activist, author, storyteller, and lover of humanity was frozen in a moment of pure joy. I grabbed my camera … More The Tireless Pursuit of Peace
Today I set out walking to walk. Visiting a new city fills me with childlike wonder and awe—each nook a new treasure to behold, every turn an adventure. I’m in Toronto, Canada just two days after a terrible tragedy that took the lives of ten fellow humans. And while wandering in the wet morning, the … More Loving to Love
Many of you know I’ve been working on co-authoring a book with Patrick Shen. We lovingly titled the work Notes on Silence based on our extensive deep-dive into studying silence over the last four years. It includes nearly 300 pages of original essays, images, quotes, notes, and transcripts from the silence experts featured in the documentary film, In Pursuit … More Notes on Silence… is here!
To go seeking for something which cannot be sought. To go on looking for something which cannot be found. To attempt to do something which cannot be done. … More Encounters with Silence – Thomas Merton’s Hermitage
(This will be among the many essays featured in the forthcoming book Notes on Silence that I’m co-authoring with Patrick Shen which can be purchased here.) “…I want to be with those who know secret things or else alone…” Rainer Maria Rilke I was around 8 years old when I began to have reoccurring dreams about … More The Uncertainty of Silence
