…The problem with the clinical, psychological idea of a narcissistic personality disorder is that the narcissists aren’t really self-obsessed; they’re obsessed with how they appear to others. The clinical narcissist doesn’t love themselves as they are; they want to love themselves, but can never live up to the image of themselves that would be worthy of that love and need other people to do this for them. When Narcissus stared at himself in that pool; that’s not what he was really doing. He literally fell in love with himself, as he was, as he appeared to himself…

I found two easy ways to practice what I preach, to stop functioning from overwork to burnout like that crappy old guitar amp.

Something happened on that walk. I still felt the grief of loss that occupied the silences between the bustle of everyday life. But something else began to take over: a sense that it was all part of something bigger, that life and death and light and darkness were all one and essential and part of a broader cosmic unity. I miss my best friend, but I will carry with me all that we experienced together—until the day that I, too am gone. I hope to have letf behind some positive memories for others, as well, when my time comes. I also take with me, not only the memories, but an imperative—to live in such a way as to honor the memories of those lost along the way.