A reflection on “Living the spiritual truths of Thoreau”

I've been enjoying "a true moment of serendipity" with Raymond J. Rundus, Emeritus Professor at UNC. As part of my marketing campaign, I contracted with a media company to send out my press release. One of the respondents to this effort was Mr. Rundus. A few weeks had passed after I sent him a paperback, when I received a note from him informing me that he had begun reading my book with interest and came upon a name that was familiar to him.

In the acknowledgments section of the book, I listed my college composition II teacher Walt Klarner for having contributed "to shifting my attitude toward writing so writing became enjoyable." It turns out that Prof. Rundus was Chairman of the English Department at the College of Emporia from 1968 to 1970, while Mr. Klarner was getting his degree. "Walt," as he insisted his students call him, inspired me with his "outside the box" teaching style, his music (he played piano for my choir and the London Symphony Orchestra at 15 yrs. old), and especially that he treated me and his students with enthusiasm, respect and a sense of mutuality. He invited us to "go deeper inside" into "the marrow of our being" (or something like that).

Up and until that time, my educational interests rested only in math and science. Walt helped to bridge the gap between technology and English by being the first teacher I ever had that insisted that all of our work be done on the computer, and had to be submitted in electronic format—while this may not be a big deal today, it was definitely "cutting edge" back in the early 1980’s. Ever since then, I've been writing directly into a word-processor, which has supported clarity, a sense of ease with my writing, and efficient use of time. Besides my book, other areas that were influenced by my new writing skills are my two degrees in electrical and computer engineering from KU, numerous US patents for communications related inventions, various technical documents and papers, and the joy of simply taking a pen to paper in my journal.

Mr. Rundus wrote an editorial piece on my book for The Sandspur (PDF here). Here’s a note that I wrote in reply, which highlights what came up for me as I read it:

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Dear Raymond,

Thank you for sending the newspaper clippings. There's something special about the touch, feel and smell of the real thing--and your scribble on the top of the page; it reminds me that there's a real world out there beyond my computer screen. I liked it so much that I scanned it and placed it on my website under the "Read more" label. I'm saddened that the touch, feel and smell can't be part of the PDF--yet I'm guessing that it might help some to remember them!

I found it poignant that your first article mentioned the "Second Life" virtual world along with mine--almost direct opposites that emphasize mind and heart connections respectively. I'm guessing you are feeling some alarm with the former--around community needs not met authentically? Very interesting juxtaposition of ideas. I enjoyed how you finished that one with the "human" moment of serendipity.

I got excited as I read the title of the second one "Living the spiritual truths of Thoreau." I have always been a naturalist, feeling at home outside with a special love for trees and green hills. Interesting that one of the early supporters of my book is a Franciscan priest Fr. Richard Rohr--St. Francis as you know was an early spiritual naturalist at heart. By way of coincidence (perhaps), I am going on a five day men's retreat next month organized by Fr. Rohr...

I was especially touched that you captured my purpose in the epilogue... there seems to be a lot at stake in the current state of our world--I am alarmed at the prevalent disconnection from our hearts. My book is an invitation to go back in--to the Garden through the teachings of Christ.

Wondering how the words in this message resonate in the cavity of your being?

Warmly,

James Prieto

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Walt opened my eyes to a new world of exploration, adventure and meaning through the written word. I celebrate Walt's contributions to me, Mr. Rundus’ contributions to Walt, and I imagine the thousands of people that both of them have touched with throughout their careers. And so, I use this global medium to express my gratitude and appreciation to them.

Thank you!

The PDF review of my book by Raymond J. Rundus is available here. An online version is also available from the FayObserver.