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Nan Kuhlman

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October 14, 2025
Nan Kuhlman
When Rain Doesn’t Spoil the Day

My worst “fear” about our expensive trip came true, but it turned out to be my favorite part. How did that happen?

 When Rain Doesn’t Spoil the Day
September 30, 2025
Nan Kuhlman
Worry and the Unlocked Car

My typical reaction would be to fret and worry about someone stealing the car or at the very least, taking the ancient iPad and extra snacks we left in there. But in the true spirit of a bucket list trip, I decided I was not going to think about the unlocked car until we returned on Sunday.

Worry and the Unlocked Car
July 29, 2025
Nan Kuhlman
Do You Like Cucumbers?

When things seem chaotic, it helps to think small, and having the conundrum of too many cucumbers gave me a little problem that kindness and generosity easily solved.

Do You Like Cucumbers?
June 10, 2025
Nan Kuhlman
It's Still Here

This Bur Oak tree will keep on producing oxygen, taking in our carbon dioxide, and providing acorns and shelter to local squirrels and wildlife. It is a life giver, not a life taker.

It's Still Here
May 27, 2025
Nan Kuhlman
Look Up

The impermanence of clouds can give us perspective about the world and its troubles. I can’t stay focused on the hate, corruption, and cruelty without being consumed by it, wrung out and hopeless.

Look Up
Nan Kuhlman
March 3, 2020

Going with the Flow

Nan Kuhlman
March 3, 2020
Going with the Flow

Wu wei, loosely translated, means doing what needs to be done by doing nothing. To me, it seems to encompass trusting that I’ll know how to respond to any situation without trying to mold reality into how I think it should be.

 

Tagged: wu wei, control

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Nan Kuhlman
February 18, 2020

The Comfort of Connection

Nan Kuhlman
February 18, 2020
The Comfort of Connection

Whether you live in a big city or small town, it’s easy to feel pretty isolated. A sense of self-protection keeps us from talking to one another, but when we take a chance, we discover how much we’re alike.

Tagged: connection, being human, isolation

2 Comments
Nan Kuhlman
February 4, 2020

Contagious Joy

Nan Kuhlman
February 4, 2020
Contagious Joy

There is joy in the mundane, and smiles are free.

Tagged: joy, happiness

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Nan Kuhlman
January 21, 2020

Making Space for Each Other

Nan Kuhlman
January 21, 2020
Making Space for Each Other

Making room for others’ differences, opinions, and eccentricities gives me pause. Can I observe the differences between us without feeling like I have to persuade you to my opinion or personal preference? Is it possible for me not to defend what I like or think or feel but simply make room in my observation for yours?

Tagged: yutori, spaciousness, tolerance, acceptance

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Nan Kuhlman
January 7, 2020

Sing, Sing a Song

Nan Kuhlman
January 7, 2020
Sing, Sing a Song

I’m trying to read a book on my tablet, but I can’t quite concentrate on the words because a man five rows behind me is singing loudly, as if he is one of the Supremes backing up Diana Ross. I’m a little put off because I can’t concentrate on my book with this singing. Doesn’t he know the rules by heart like me?

Tagged: singing, stress, coping

1 Comment
Nan Kuhlman
December 24, 2019

Reaching for the Light

Nan Kuhlman
December 24, 2019
Reaching for the Light

Just as we can’t make the days get longer (and brighter), we can’t always change or even influence areas of our lives which seem weighed down by darkness. We can know, though, that everything changes

Tagged: light, darkness

1 Comment
Nan Kuhlman
December 10, 2019

Defined by Dignity

Nan Kuhlman
December 10, 2019
Defined by Dignity

She had every right to complain, to be grouchy or negative. God knows, I probably would be most days if I were in her shoes. Yet she did not allow herself to be defined by her suffering.

Tagged: suffering, dignity

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Nan Kuhlman
November 27, 2019

Receiving Kindness: Lesson 1

Nan Kuhlman
November 27, 2019
Receiving Kindness: Lesson 1

My first reaction was to say, “Oh, no, that’s OK. I can wait.” But I stopped myself. Why would I not let this nice man bless me?

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Nan Kuhlman
November 26, 2019

When Fear Left First

Nan Kuhlman
November 26, 2019
When Fear Left First

Then he looks at me and the empty seat beside me. His eyes look as if they’re asking permission: “Can I sit by you?”

Tagged: Fear, metro train, peace, present moment

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