Paul Dunion, EdD

Gender inequality is written and spoken about as a disparity of power.  What is meant by power? An ancient definition of the word power is “able to”.  We live in a significantly extroverted culture and therefore the idea of being “able to”, will likely refer to several external conditions: education, occupation and finances. When we…

Friendship is the place where our hearts are touched and moved. Moved toward some depth of feeling and insight. Moved toward some new courage ushering me closer to a risk that has been waiting for me. My friend remembers himself in my presence, assuring me that distractions will be minimal. My friend remembers me, and…

The same contractions that pushed and nudged you from the comfort and repose of your mother’s womb will again and again announce the presence of some threshold awaiting you. May you be received with welcome whenever you dare to be born again. That initial incubation was meant to prepare you for something larger. You were,…

Contrary to popular opinion, the arduous work of living in integrity has little or nothing to do with being moral.  It’s not about right and wrong. It’s about who you are. It’s about growing up.  It’s about leaving home enough times to know what are your personal values, rather than believing in something because you…

I have committed to bringing what I refer to as more Hermetic energy into my life. Hermes was the messenger, able to deliver communiqué from the gods to humans as well as information from mortals to the Divine.  We can utilize this divine messenger as a metaphor. The spirit of Hermes lives as we allow…

“Boy, it’s time for you to die!” proclaims an indigenous Chief flanked by tribal elders dressed in their ritualistic garb, about to address an American boy whom they found lost in the jungle and raised.  (From the film ‘The Emerald Forest’, based upon a true story.)  An unspoken tragedy of our times is that it…

Unlike wounds resulting from physical or sexual abuse where the invasive energy is blatant, the wounding energy of Emotional Incest is stealthy and very difficult to track. The intrusive psychic energy of the perpetrator is packaged in care and attention. It can be quite challenging to break into this care-package and reveal the expectations and…

Trauma can be defined as the experience of an unregulated nervous system due to the violation of a physical, sexual or emotional boundary.  An unregulated nervous system tends to constrict thinking, feeling and acting. Developmental trauma is the result of repeated violations throughout childhood. It leaves violated individuals confused about how to support their own…

An ancient definition of the word sacred is “confirming what truly matters”.  Obviously, it’s always a good time to confirm what truly matters.  However, the Winter Solstice ushering in diminished light, Christmas, Hanukkah and an end of the year review may be a fitting time to confirm what truly matters.  I recommend suspending some probing…

Once darkness descends, it can be very difficult to return to the light. Darkness comes when you feel forgotten by those you deeply hoped would remember you.  Darkness comes when loss arrives seemingly indifferent about the removal of your health or a loved one succumbing to illness or injury. Darkness comes when a cherished belief…