Galen Pearl

Galen Pearl

Galen Pearl

Welcome!

What, you might ask, is the No Way Café? Like any café, it is a place to relax, have some refreshment, visit with friends. The “way of no way” is what’s on the menu. As the name suggests, it cannot be clearly defined. Just as a basic ingredient can be used in many different dishes, the way of no way can be tasted in countless forms, although it itself is formless. Think of it as an opening, inviting us with our whole selves to be fully aware of and engaged in the present moment. 

For the last two years, I have enjoyed in person gatherings to explore the way of no way in discussion, body awareness, and silence. This blog is an invitation to expand the conversation to include anyone who would like to stop by.

So pull up a chair and enjoy the chef’s special of the day. You are always welcome here.

Note: Bruce Lee revolutionized martial arts by developing an approach he described as “having no way as way.” He believed that practicing one style exclusively, no matter how expert you become, limits your ability to respond to the immediate unpredictability of an actual situation–real life, in other words. The name of the No Way Café is inspired by his martial arts philosophy, which was deeply rooted in the Tao Te Ching.

40 thoughts on “Welcome!”

  1. I love the idea! Being in a cafe with a nice cup of tea and a riveting conversation is simply the best. Looking forward to the posts.

  2. very pleased you´re back! Looking forward to your "no way"
    sincerely, Sanne from Germany
    just bought your book after reading about you at fireflies and hummingbirds……

  3. Hey, Phil! Thanks for stopping by. Being like water (including flowing) is exactly what we reflected on in the last in-person gathering of the No Way Cafe. You are right–that is exactly what this little cafe is about! And the Tao Te Ching is full of comparisons of the Tao to water. I'll post something about it soon.

  4. Thanks, Jeffrey. I've been exploring waylessness for some time now in my life, so the challenge is to put into words what really can't be put into words! It is, as you said, an experience rather than a concept. We'll see what happens.

  5. It's so lovely to find you back in the blogosphere! I thought of you on New Year's Eve (for the first time I tried something similar to your ritual, writing letters to the past and future years ; it was very liberating). Thank you for the invitation to your café! I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts again.

  6. Hi Galen,

    Let's try this again! I have no clue what my first comment was–the one that floats just outside your cafe door–so I'll chime in with the others and say a big CONGRATS! It is so good to see you back in a new/old space. It's been a little lonely without you! Can't wait to see and experience what this new venture unfolds for you.

Comments are closed.