Introducing My New Substack: Otium Intentionalis (Intentional Retirement)

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Greetings! I hope everyone is healthy and looking optimistically to the coming new year. I know I am! The minor maladies that plagued me this past year are healing nicely, and {trumpets!} my retirement from “gainful employment” is on the calendar. I’m looking forward to a period of unprecedented authenticity coupled with the wisdom of my advancing years.

New writing projects are calling as well. Look for posts here to hew more closely to Dogen Zen. I’ve already posted on Dogen’s Shobogenzo and other writings, although it’s been a while, but I anticipate doing so much more frequently in the coming year. As such, my Power, Practice, and Peace blog series will be put to rest, at least for a time.

Power, Practice, and Peace has had a good run. It’s allowed me to add my unique voice of resistance to the authoritarianism that’s been creeping forth over the course of this past year. No, I don’t intend to become silent, but my inspiration is no longer gushing forth as it was, and I don’t want to continue writing on the subject unless I can offer an inspired, insightful, and positive alternative—which may still happen from time to time!


Otium Intentionalis logo

Other big news that I’d like to convey is that I’ve begun a Substack that I’m calling Otium Intentionalis (Intentional Retirement). I’ve been dropping shorter “notes” on Substack for well over a month. I’m also settling into a rhythm of longer “posts” as well. Notes will contain some of my first well-formed thoughts following on the heels of inspiration whereas posts will explore various topics in greater depth. As such, I anticipate Otium Intentionalis will include some of the most immediate, self-reflective, and authentic writing I’ve ever done. Life has brought me to a place where there’s nothing left to do!

What’s with the name? Well, while some Christians speak of otium sanctum, “holy leisure,” time given over to God, I want Otium Intentionalis to convey a non-sectarian point of view. My hope is that these writings will be approachable and meaningful for people of all faiths, or no “faith” at all. Intentionality is the key. The intention might very well be to live more prayerfully, closer to God. But the intention might also be to live a life more in tune with the natural world. The intention might be to live a life in accord with the Bodhisattva vow to save all beings. It might simply be to live most fully during whatever years remain.

Otium Intentionalis will explore these issues and more. If you’re approaching retirement, as I am now, let’s make this journey together. If you’re already retired but experiencing an “is this all there is” sort of feeling, please consider subscribing to the Substack. If you’re far from retirement but are nonetheless having a crisis of meaning in midlife (or earlier), please see what insights you might glean. I trust you’ll gain new perspective as we proceed. Thank you for reading!

Please click this link to Otium Intentionalis or find it on the navigation bar above this post.



Copyright 2025 by Mark Robert Frank







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