Hi Reader,

Happy Wednesday!

Father’s Day is next week. Don’t forget about your dad. Whatever kind of man he was— or is — understanding the influence he had on you can offer surprising clarity.

I don’t see my father often, but I do see him. He’s a man’s man with a domestic streak — keeps his house and car clean, cooks for himself (not just BBQ!), and still volunteers planting redwood saplings in the Sequoia National Forest.

He turns 89 in a few days. Born in 1936, he’s still sharp and vibrant. He drives himself to visit family in Wyoming and Colorado each year, stays active in his Rotary club, and keeps his garden fresh. I don’t know all that he does, but I know he lives with dignity and effort.

We’ve had our differences. I won’t list them here, but like many of you, I’ve had to do the work to process what was and what wasn’t. I’ve come to see that many of the struggles he faced were unexpected and unwanted — just like all of ours. Being a dad doesn’t mean you don’t feel pain.

His divorce at nearly 80 shook his faith and his identity. His god, his culture, his generation — I’m sure it was all complex for him. I could only observe from the outside.

But this is where karma comes in.

Karma isn’t just about doing what’s right or being punished for doing what’s wrong. It’s about how we meet life. How we respond. How we show up — especially when things don’t go the way we hoped.

We can’t always count on someone else to make us feel safe. Sometimes we must become that for ourselves. It’s hard, but it’s also empowering. Effort matters. The right effort helps us evolve — and might even help the world.

Next weekend, my dad will drive up to Marin County to celebrate Ingrid’s high school graduation, his 89th birthday, and Father’s Day all in one. However you mark the day, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the meaning, experience, and presence of the Father in your life — whatever form that takes.

👉 Read more in this week’s blog: Ayurveda and Karma: A Father's Day Reflection on Inner Strength​

Warmly,
​Marisa

P.S. If you live near San Francisco, I’m co-hosting a free talk this Friday, June 6, from 6:15–7:15 pm with acupuncturist Debora Silverman:
​Discover Your Elemental Nature: An Introduction to Ayurveda & Acupuncture.

​

I’ll be bringing homemade Kitchari for everyone to enjoy afterward.
Here’s a link to my Kitchari post if you're curious:
👉 Jewish Chicken Soup is from India — It’s Vegetarian and It’s Called Kitchari​

We’d love to have you join us. 👉 Reserve your spot here​

Best,

Marisa

​