Author Archives: Laura Simms

PART IV The journey into the forest for the youngest prince is a series of kind acts without hesitation or request for reward—actions from his heart’s natural care for others. Although we are familiar with the actions of heroes and … Continue reading »

PART III When the story of The Giant with No Heart began, the listeners/readers had no idea that the natural world was disturbed. Or that it was even in the story. We were ensconced in a palace with a king … Continue reading »

Our quest continues… PART II From the point of view of the most profound Buddhist and Shambhala teachings the root cause of personal and societal suffering is the emphasis on individualism. Our mistaken view of our selves as solid – … Continue reading »

PART I Each time I tell the fairytale – THE GIANT WITH NO HEART –  I am awestruck by the its’ effect on children and adults.   There is something about the way in which the story works within the listener … Continue reading »

Every morning I walk like this around the pond, thinking: if the doors of my heart ever close, I am as good as dead. Mary Oliver “Landscape” I was inspired by a reading by Patricia Smith as part of ‘ … Continue reading »

Lovers, Romany and Gypsy in the Buhusi Zoo, 2005   In the last of three dreadful concrete cages at the far end of the zoo in Buhusi, across from a small cage crowded with twelve dingoes, were two disabled lions … Continue reading »

I began a New Year ‘s clean-up in my office.  Secreted under a pile of papers was a folder containing notes for a never manifested project using tales about Good Fortune for an Arabian Nights Casino theme park in Las … Continue reading »

A great sage studied alchemy for thirty years. He learned chemistry and magic, studied texts and meditated for months, acquired mantras and secret herbs. But he was unable to transform his metal begging bowl to gold. One day a woman … Continue reading »