With our Hydra Writing Retreat with Phil Cousineau on its way, it’s helpful that we take time to study writing’s impact on the writer as well as the reader. Writing is powerful. In ancient times, poetry shaped the ideologies of civilizations. For example, the poetry of Homer shaped the way the Mycenaens interacted with the… Continue reading

Orvieto has history. It’s one of those places where things happened, where notable people loved or bled—a city made malleable by the stages of history we call ancient, medieval, and modern. But why, moreover, should you care to visit this ancient place situated on a giant, isolated hill of volcanic tuff? We’ll be visiting Orvieto… Continue reading

March’s trip to Italy, La Dolce Vita: The Sweet Life of Mythic Italy with Phil Cousineau, holds the power to transform the pilgrim in many ways. The cobbled streets, old churches, the rich food and wine, the art—Italy hosts a plethora of cultural delicacies that stir the soul and entice spiritual creativity. Moreover, Italy teaches… Continue reading

The Renaissance was a period of triumph for the arts and reestablishment of Classical style and philosophy. It comes as no surprise that this artistic rebirth following The Dark Ages began in a land renowned for la dolce vita: Italy. Like much of Europe, Italy is a time capsule. Going there, one feels integrated into… Continue reading

The Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims every year. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is coined “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.” Other than its notable, vast architectural beauty, what makes the Taj Mahal one of… Continue reading