The Illusion of Control

I recently heard a news story about the Chinese government expressing its intent to select the next Dalai Lama. At first, the notion struck me as almost nonsensical — how could a political entity appoint a spiritual leader whose identity is believed to be discovered through reincarnation? When I asked ChatGPT about it through my Alexa device, the political reasoning became clear enough: it’s about control, influence, and the desire to shape a narrative. But even with that understanding, something deeper didn’t sit right with me.

It made me reflect on a broader truth: control, in many ways, is an illusion.

There’s something profoundly contradictory in a government trying to dictate the course of a spiritual tradition. The Dalai Lama isn’t chosen through election or decree — he is recognized through sacred rituals, visions, and centuries of lineage. To attempt to force that process into the machinery of state control is to misunderstand the very essence of what the Dalai Lama represents.

And perhaps that’s the point. When those in power try to control matters of the spirit — matters rooted in belief, intuition, and community — it reveals the limits of power more than its strength. You can command obedience, but you can’t legislate reverence. You can claim authority, but you can’t manufacture faith.

In the end, we are reminded that much of what we think we control — people, ideas, even the future — slips through our fingers the moment we tighten our grip. Real influence comes not from domination, but from understanding. And true leadership, especially of the spiritual kind, arises not from appointment, but from recognition.

What do you think — can something sacred ever truly be controlled? Or does trying to own the sacred only strip it of its power?

From Daydream to Debut

I’m a Published Author!

There was a time—not too long ago—when the idea of becoming a published author felt like nothing more than a daydream. A pleasant thought I would entertain with a smile… and then quickly dismiss. Maybe someday, I told myself.

Well, that someday is now.

I’m thrilled (and still a little stunned) to say I’m officially a published author. My first book is out in the world—not just a manuscript on my screen or a whisper in my imagination, but something real. It’s something readers can download, read, and—if I’ve done my job well—connect with.

This didn’t happen overnight. Like so many writers, I began with scraps of ideas, moments of inspiration, and characters who refused to stay silent. Sometimes the words flowed easily; other times, they trickled out. There were moments of doubt, long pauses, and even longer rewrites. But one idea—the story I had to tell—refused to let go.

Richard Bach once described how some ideas don’t just knock politely; they crash through the wall, grab hold of you, and whisper, “I will not let you go until you set me down in words, on paper.” That’s exactly how it felt. And once that idea had me, I had no choice but to follow through.

And now, here we are.

This is just the beginning. More stories are taking shape, and I’m more energized than ever to keep writing. The creative spark is no longer just a flicker—it’s a steady flame.

If you’d like to see the beginning of this journey, you can visit my Amazon Author page here:

👉 amazon.com/author/alan_wheeler

To those who’ve offered encouragement, listened to my rambles, or just believed I could do it—thank you. Your support means more than you know.

The dream is no longer just a dream. It’s real. And I’m just getting started.

A post I never imagined I would write, but here it is!

🎭 

The Fool’s Task

 — From Side Character to Center Stage

Some stories never quite leave you alone.

Years ago, I came across a BBC audio production of Tom Stoppard’s brilliant play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. The premise blew me away—two minor characters from Hamlet, suddenly given center stage. Their story, once a footnote, became the heart of a new tale. I was fascinated by the concept: What happens when you shine a light on someone who was always standing just off to the side?

That idea stuck with me.

A few years later, while reading King Lear and poring over commentaries, I came across a simple but powerful observation: the Fool—Lear’s jester and confidant—vanishes partway through the play with no explanation. One moment he’s there, offering biting wit and strange wisdom… and the next, he’s gone. No farewell. No conclusion.

That observation lit the same creative fire.

What if the Fool was the true guide through Lear’s unraveling? What if he wasn’t just a jester, but something more—something sent to help? What if he was the one carrying the story’s soul?

But for years, I did nothing with the idea. I didn’t trust my writing ability. The vision lingered quietly, tucked away like a half-remembered line from a play I was too nervous to audition for.

Fast forward to today.

AI has become an incredible creative tool, and with the help of ChatGPT, I finally told the story I had imagined so long ago. The result is The Fool’s Task, my first published work—a lyrical, emotionally-driven novella that reimagines King Lear through the eyes of the Fool.

And now, after years of waiting, wondering, and doubting… it’s real.

The Fool’s Task will be available on Amazon Kindle in just a few days. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Sometimes the side character has the most important story of all.

—

🕊️ Stay tuned for the official release announcement.

#TheFoolsTask #DebutAuthor #KingLear #ShakespeareInspired #LiteraryFantasy #IndiePublishing

🥗 Eating Well with Amy’s Kitchen: A Guide to Healthier Frozen Meals

When you think of frozen meals, you might picture ultra-processed, sodium-loaded, preservative-packed boxes from the grocery freezer. But Amy’s Kitchen has built a reputation as the healthier choice — with organic, vegetarian, and often vegan or gluten-free options.

Still, not all Amy’s products are created equal when it comes to nutrition. So I dug in to figure out: Which Amy’s meals are actually the healthiest? Here’s what I found.

✅ What Makes Amy’s Different?

Compared to many mainstream brands like Stouffer’s or Lean Cuisine, Amy’s stands out for:

1. Organic & non-GMO ingredients
2. Vegetarian (often vegan) recipes
3. No artificial preservatives or flavors
4. Transparent, recognizable ingredient lists

But! Just because something is organic doesn’t automatically mean it’s low in calories, fat, or sodium. So let’s break it down.

🥇 Top Amy’s Products for Low Sodium

If you’re watching your salt intake, these are the top 5 low-sodium Amy’s picks:

1️⃣ Light in Sodium Lentil Soup (~340 mg sodium)

2️⃣ Light in Sodium Split Pea Soup (~340 mg sodium)

3️⃣ Light in Sodium Black Bean Vegetable Soup (~340 mg sodium)

4️⃣ Light in Sodium Minestrone Soup (~340 mg sodium)

5️⃣ Indian Golden Lentil Dal with Rice (~540 mg sodium)

💡 Pro tip: Look for the “Light in Sodium” label — soups especially tend to be your best bet for keeping salt low.

🥇 Top Amy’s Frozen Meals with Best Overall Nutrition

Want meals that offer a great balance of protein, fiber, moderate calories, and whole ingredients? Here’s the top 5 list:

1️⃣ Light & Lean Quinoa & Black Beans with Butternut Squash & Chard

(~240 cal, 8g protein, 7g fiber)

2️⃣ Indian Golden Lentil Dal with Rice

(~280 cal, 10g protein, 8g fiber)

3️⃣ Light in Sodium Mexican Casserole Bowl

(~370 cal, 13g protein, 6g fiber)

4️⃣ Tofu Scramble Breakfast Wrap

(~340 cal, 22g protein, 4g fiber)

5️⃣ Chili Mac Bowl

(~410 cal, 15g protein, 3g fiber)

💡 Pro tip: Meals based on lentils, beans, and tofu generally pack the best nutritional punch.

⚠️ Watch Out For…

While Amy’s is better than most when it comes to clean ingredients, here are a few things to keep an eye on:

1. Sodium: Even organic meals can carry 600–900 mg per serving.
2. Saturated fat: Cheese-heavy dishes (like enchiladas or mac & cheese) can be surprisingly rich.
3. Portion size: Some meals are small (300–400 cal) and might leave you hungry.

Final Thoughts

Amy’s Kitchen really does offer some of the healthiest frozen meals on the market — especially if you focus on their “Light & Lean” or “Light in Sodium” lines, or their lentil- and bean-based dishes.

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to clean up your freezer meals, Amy’s gives you plenty of solid options. But as with any packaged food, read those labels to make sure you’re getting what you want nutritionally.

💬 What’s Your Favorite?

If you have an Amy’s favorite you swear by, drop it in the comments! Let’s build a community of smart, healthy eaters. 🌱🍽️

🥗 Eating Well with Amy’s Kitchen: A Guide to Healthier Frozen Meals

When you think of frozen meals, you might picture ultra-processed, sodium-loaded, preservative-packed boxes from the grocery freezer. But Amy’s Kitchen has built a reputation as the healthier choice — with organic, vegetarian, and often vegan or gluten-free options.

Still, not all Amy’s products are created equal when it comes to nutrition. So I dug in to figure out: Which Amy’s meals are actually the healthiest? Here’s what I found.

✅ What Makes Amy’s Different?

Compared to many mainstream brands like Stouffer’s or Lean Cuisine, Amy’s stands out for:

1. Organic & non-GMO ingredients
2. Vegetarian (often vegan) recipes
3. No artificial preservatives or flavors
4. Transparent, recognizable ingredient lists

But! Just because something is organic doesn’t automatically mean it’s low in calories, fat, or sodium. So let’s break it down.

🥇 Top Amy’s Products for Low Sodium

If you’re watching your salt intake, these are the top 5 low-sodium Amy’s picks:

1️⃣ Light in Sodium Lentil Soup (~340 mg sodium)

2️⃣ Light in Sodium Split Pea Soup (~340 mg sodium)

3️⃣ Light in Sodium Black Bean Vegetable Soup (~340 mg sodium)

4️⃣ Light in Sodium Minestrone Soup (~340 mg sodium)

5️⃣ Indian Golden Lentil Dal with Rice (~540 mg sodium)

💡 Pro tip: Look for the “Light in Sodium” label — soups especially tend to be your best bet for keeping salt low.

🥇 Top Amy’s Frozen Meals with Best Overall Nutrition

Want meals that offer a great balance of protein, fiber, moderate calories, and whole ingredients? Here’s the top 5 list:

1️⃣ Light & Lean Quinoa & Black Beans with Butternut Squash & Chard

(~240 cal, 8g protein, 7g fiber)

2️⃣ Indian Golden Lentil Dal with Rice

(~280 cal, 10g protein, 8g fiber)

3️⃣ Light in Sodium Mexican Casserole Bowl

(~370 cal, 13g protein, 6g fiber)

4️⃣ Tofu Scramble Breakfast Wrap

(~340 cal, 22g protein, 4g fiber)

5️⃣ Chili Mac Bowl

(~410 cal, 15g protein, 3g fiber)

💡 Pro tip: Meals based on lentils, beans, and tofu generally pack the best nutritional punch.

⚠️ Watch Out For…

While Amy’s is better than most when it comes to clean ingredients, here are a few things to keep an eye on:

1. Sodium: Even organic meals can carry 600–900 mg per serving.
2. Saturated fat: Cheese-heavy dishes (like enchiladas or mac & cheese) can be surprisingly rich.
3. Portion size: Some meals are small (300–400 cal) and might leave you hungry.

Final Thoughts

Amy’s Kitchen really does offer some of the healthiest frozen meals on the market — especially if you focus on their “Light & Lean” or “Light in Sodium” lines, or their lentil- and bean-based dishes.

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to clean up your freezer meals, Amy’s gives you plenty of solid options. But as with any packaged food, read those labels to make sure you’re getting what you want nutritionally.

💬 What’s Your Favorite?

If you have an Amy’s favorite you swear by, drop it in the comments! Let’s build a community of smart, healthy eaters. 🌱🍽️

Discovering the Gita

 Discovering the Gita I first encountered the Bhagavad Gita through an unexpected source—Steven Pressfield’s novel The Legend of Bagger Vance . I had heard that Pressfield modeled the story on the Gita, with Rannulph Junuh serving as a modern-day Arjuna, and Bagger Vance embodying Krishna. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of that connection. The spiritual roots of the story were intriguing, but the Gita itself felt distant—like something ancient, elusive, and hard to relate to.

Years passed before I truly returned to the Bhagavad Gita , this time through the words of Eknath Easwaran. His translation and commentary opened a door I hadn’t been ready to walk through before. I found in Easwaran not just a translator, but a teacher. Though he had passed away by the time I discovered him, his voice lived on in his books, his recordings, and his gentle yet clear guidance. His book Passage Meditation became a lifeline, a method of internalizing sacred teachings through daily practice.

As I read the Gita through Easwaran’s lens, it began to unfold for me—layer by layer. I realized that I wasn’t just reading about Arjuna anymore. In a metaphorical sense, I had become Arjuna. I was the one standing in the middle of the battlefield of life, uncertain, overwhelmed, and searching for clarity. And the wisdom offered in those verses, especially the idea of detachment—not in the sense of apathy, but of balanced engagement—spoke directly to my spirit.

The concept of taking action without being entangled in the results, of finding peace regardless of success or failure, was something I desperately needed. Life had often pulled me toward extremes—hope and disappointment, effort and exhaustion. The Gita reminded me that balance wasn’t just possible; it was essential.

I won’t pretend I’m consistent in studying the Gita , or any sacred text. I’m not. But I return to it, again and again, drawn by the clarity it brings. And I hope to explore not just the Gita , but other sacred writings from around the world. I want to build a foundation of spiritual understanding—not dogma, but something deeper: equilibrium . A way of standing still and strong, no matter what the world throws at me. 

Owning the Struggle: A Reflection on Passage Meditation

Reading Passage Meditation by Eknath Easwaran has been both inspiring and humbling. His eight-point program offers a simple, elegant framework for deep spiritual practice—but living it out is another matter entirely.

Here are the eight points he lays out: 1. Meditation on an inspirational passage 2. Repetition of a mantram 3. Slowing down 4. One-pointed attention 5. Training the senses 6. Putting others first 7. Spiritual fellowship 8. Spiritual reading Other than putting others first, meditation is the easiest of the eight points for me. Sitting down, focusing on a memorized spiritual passage, and allowing it to settle into my consciousness brings a certain peace I can’t always find elsewhere. I have several passages that I use, including the Prayer of St. Francis as it appears in the Alcoholics Anonymous  “Big Book.”

The hardest part, surprisingly, is using the mantram. I want it to be a steady presence in my daily life—something I can reach for in moments of stress or quiet—but more often than not, my mind is too scattered to remember it. It’s not that I don’t believe in its power. It’s that I haven’t yet built the reflex to turn to it, especially when I need it most.

As for the other points—slowing down, training the senses, one-pointed attention, spiritual reading—I’ve made attempts at each in different seasons of life. Sometimes I get glimpses of what Easwaran is pointing toward: a calmer mind, a more present heart. But those glimpses come in fits and starts. I haven’t been consistent. Not yet.

It would be easy to see this inconsistency as a failure. But I’m learning to reframe that. This isn’t failure—it’s process. It’s what the path looks like sometimes. So I’m choosing to own the struggle, not hide from it. I haven’t reached full alignment with the practice. But I haven’t given up.

One passage from the book that stays with me is this:

“You may wonder why I recommend an inspirational passage for meditation. First, it is training in concentration. Most of our mental powers are so widely dispersed that they are relatively ineffective. When I was a boy, I used to hold a lens over paper until the sun’s rays gathered to an intense focus and set the paper aflame. In meditation, we gradually focus the mind so that when we meet a difficulty, we can cut right through the nonessentials.” That image of focus—of drawing scattered thoughts into a point of flame—speaks to exactly what I hope to cultivate. I may not be there yet, but I’ve seen flickers of that fire. And I trust it’s worth tending.

This is me, vowing to the universe and to myself: I will return to the practice. I will keep showing up. I will keep trying. Because deep down, I know the silence is waiting—and it’s worth coming back to, again and again.

Freudiana: Music, Memory, and the Mirror of the Mind

Today is Sigmund Freud’s birthday — a day to reflect on the man who cracked open the doors of the unconscious and invited us to explore what lay beneath. In honor of his legacy, I’m revisiting an album that isn’t officially part of the Alan Parsons Project discography, but certainly feels like it: Freudiana .

Originally developed by Eric Woolfson and Alan Parsons, Freudiana straddles the line between concept album and stage musical. Drawing on Freud’s case studies and theories, it dives deep into the subconscious, making abstract psychological ideas feel hauntingly personal — and sometimes even playful.

If you’ve never heard the album, you can listen to it here: Freudiana — Full Album Playlist on YouTube One song that had a profound impact on me was “The Upper Me.” Before hearing it, I’d only vaguely heard terms like id, ego, and superego tossed around. But this track made me curious. It prompted me to learn about Freud’s model of the mind — the primitive instincts of the id, the balancing ego, and the moral compass of the superego, which the song refers to as “the upper me.” It’s catchy, yet deeply thought-provoking, putting a name and a melody to the internal battles we all face. And suddenly, what once felt like academic jargon became personal: I recognized those voices within myself.

But if “The Upper Me” explores the mind’s architecture, then “Don’t Let the Moment Pass” speaks directly to the heart. This song is, to me, one of the most achingly beautiful ever written. A quiet, tender reminder not to overanalyze the fleeting magic of connection. To seize the now, even if we don’t fully understand it. In that sense, it’s almost an answer to Freud — a moment of surrender in contrast to all the dissection.

Together, these songs illustrate what Freudiana does best: it holds up a mirror to the inner world, revealing how much of who we are lies just beneath the surface. On Freud’s birthday, it feels fitting to honor a man who spent his life mapping the contours of the mind — and a musical project that gave those contours a voice. “They say that love is just a dance… Don’t let the music fade away, don’t let the moment pass.” 

The Flow of Being: Reflections on Peter Gabriel’s i/o

“Here is all your money, there is the lode, this is how you travel when you live to see the world explode.” — Peter Gabriel, “Four Kinds of Horses” Peter Gabriel’s i/o isn’t just an album—it’s an invitation. An invitation to reflect, to feel, and to consider the deeper rhythms that shape our lives. At its heart lies a simple phrase borrowed from the digital world: input/output . But in Gabriel’s hands, this becomes a profound metaphor for what it means to be human.

We are constantly in motion—receiving and releasing. We take in experience, emotion, memory, data. And we give back our thoughts, our choices, our art, our compassion. This idea of energetic exchange pulses through every track on the album.

In “i/o,” the title track, Gabriel sings, “Stuff coming out, stuff going in / I’m just a part of everything.” It’s a humble refrain, one that speaks to our place in the greater web of existence. We’re not the center of the universe—we’re part of its current, flowing through it as it flows through us.

Other songs deepen this exploration. “Panopticom” wrestles with visibility and surveillance. “The Court” challenges our impulse to judge before we understand. “Playing for Time” and “And Still” pause to reflect on aging and memory—how we process the past and what we carry forward.

One of the most evocative tracks, “Four Kinds of Horses,” explores how individuals respond to faith, pressure, and ideology. The quoted lyric— “Here is all your money, there is the lode, this is how you travel when you live to see the world explode” —suggests the moment when personal belief becomes weaponized, when devotion turns to destruction. Gabriel doesn’t sensationalize this shift; instead, he paints it with quiet intensity, showing how easily someone can be drawn into a cause, how the line between peace and violence is not only thin—it’s internal. The song stands as a haunting reflection on the choices people make when they feel part of something larger than themselves, and the consequences of those choices when carried to the extreme.

Yet this isn’t a bleak record. Far from it. i/o is full of light, warmth, and ultimately, joy. Tracks like “Olive Tree” and “Love Can Heal” remind us that love is one of the most powerful outputs we have. “Road to Joy” is an upbeat, radiant moment in the album—a celebration of renewal and hope that reflects the choice to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.

And finally, “Live and Let Live” closes the album with a call for understanding and reconciliation. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that embraces complexity, but never lets go of compassion. Forgiveness, it suggests, is not weakness—it’s the most courageous output of all.

What Gabriel offers in i/o is a map—not of fixed destinations, but of ongoing movement. We are, all of us, part of something larger. And as we navigate the noise and beauty of this world, we can choose what we give back.

We can choose to flow with kindness. To listen as much as we speak. To grieve deeply, love fiercely, and keep creating joy—one breath, one note, one heartbeat at a time. Why this album matters to me i/o resonates with me because it’s not just about connection—it’s about interdependence . Gabriel captures life as a balanced portrait of sorrow and celebration, shadow and light. But the emphasis always returns to love, to healing, to joy. In a time when division often drowns out harmony, this album feels like a needed reminder: we are not alone. We are part of something—together.

ChatGPT and Me: Why I’m Fine Using AI to Write

 I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to create something—and what it means to get help doing it.

At some point, I know I’ll publish a novel. And when I do, I also know that some people will roll their eyes when they find out I wrote it with the help of an AI. They’ll say it’s not real. That it’s cheating. That a computer did the work.

But here’s the truth: the story is mine.

I’ve always loved writing. I have a voice, a vision, and a deep need to tell stories that matter to me. But like many writers, I also have my struggles—sticking with structure, untangling timelines, finding just the right phrasing. That’s where AI becomes a collaborator, not a crutch.

It doesn’t write for me. It writes with  me. It helps me move through the stuck places. It helps me ask better questions. It offers ideas, sure—but I’m the one shaping, revising, rejecting, and refining. It’s no different than bouncing ideas off a friend, or working closely with an editor. Only this collaborator is always available, always patient, and always ready to work.

Once I started writing with AI, I gained a great deal of confidence. In terms of novels, I do have a couple of irons in the fire—projects that have quietly simmered for a long time. Having AI assist me has actually made me feel capable of taking them seriously. It’s given me the confidence to truly consider self-publishing—something I never imagined I’d say, let alone do. That shift in mindset means everything. I’m not just dreaming about writing anymore—I’m doing it.

And just as importantly, getting help from AI has helped me stop second-guessing myself. That inner critic—the one that nitpicks every line, that tells me I’m not good enough—has finally quieted down. Not because I’ve silenced it, but because I’ve found a rhythm that works. I can write. I am writing.

In the end, every sentence still carries my voice. Every twist in the plot still comes from my gut. I tweak what needs tweaking, change what doesn’t feel right, and make sure the story that emerges is something I’m proud of.

To say that AI somehow invalidates the work misses the point. It’s not a shortcut—it’s scaffolding. It helps me build what I couldn’t build alone, not because I’m not creative, but because creativity sometimes needs a hand.

So when that book finally comes out, and someone asks, “Didn’t AI help you write it?”—I’ll smile and say, “Yes, it did. And I wrote every word of it.”