Brad Rourke

Brad Rourke’s Blog

  • Learning To Meditate

    Learning To Meditate

    As a part of my yoga teacher training with Down Dog Yoga, I have been asked to start a regular meditation practice. When I first learned of this requirement, I thought it would be relatively easy. I have for many years had a spiritual practice that involved daily contemplation. I have learned since that the…

  • Idiomatic Pet Peeves

    I can’t seem to help myself. I get my dander up when confronted by improper use of idiomatic English (or even just plain, old correct English) expressions by people who ought to know better. A few on my mind lately include: One does not “home in on” something. One “hones in on” it. [UPDATE: I…

  • My Ancestor, Tiernan O'Rourke, The Irish King

    It’s St. Patrick’s Day, so it is a good time to explore the Irish king in my ancestry, Tiernan O’Rourke. Tiernan (or Tigernan Ua Ruairc) was king of Breifne, a region that no longer exists, from around 1124 until around 1172. Breifne was where the current counties Cavan and Leitrim are. At the height of…

  • Why Am I In Yoga Teacher Training?

    Why Am I In Yoga Teacher Training?

    As last year ended, I announced that I had decided to take a yoga teacher training course. The first weekend (of eight) is done. I am both exhilarated and tired. I am excited to be taking these first steps along a new path, and to deepen my connection (and understanding) of the practice. The teacher…

  • New Issue Guide Available: Social Security — How Can We Afford It?

    I am pleased to announce a new issue book developed by the Kettering Foundation for the National Issues Forums titled: Social Security: How Can We Afford It? This issue guide, authored by Maura Casey, is the latest in the issue book library of which Mannakee president I am Executive Editor. The new guide is available…

  • New Song Demo: "It Is What It Is"

    Here is a demo of a new song I have been working on. This video is just to document the tune. I plan to do a full recording of it sometime later this month: And here are the lyrics: It Is What It Is By Brad Rourke It is what it is they say But…

  • Regrets Upon Death

    Regrets Upon Death

    The top five regrets of the dying. As the year closes, and as we sweep away the past and look to the blank slate of the future, many of us are making “resolutions” or at the least setting their intentions.

  • Riding the Waves of Ambivalence

    Just now I heard the doorbell ring. “I ran into your car,” says the guy at the door. (My car was parked on the street.) He got it way worse than me. Crumpled hood, smashed grill. I had scratches on my rear bumper and some scrapes. I finished the call with Geico and walked over…