In a letter to a grieving father, Albert Einstein shared his thoughts on the human disconnect between the narrow “universe” we are imprisoned in and “Universe” of nature we need to “widening our circles of compassion” to live in:
“A … Read more...
Words: “We Seek An Enlargement Of Our Being” — CS Lewis
In AN EXPERIMENT IN CRITICISM, C.S. Lewis answers the question of Why We Read and also provides the answers to why all forms of storytelling are so important:
… Read more...“We seek an enlargement of our being. We want to be more
Words: ” We Deny The Existence Of Hazard”
… Read more...“If the Bill of Rights contains no guarantee that a citizen shall be secure against lethal poisons distributed either by private individuals or by public officials, it is surely only because our forefathers, despite their considerable wisdom and foresight, could
Words: Research Your Own Experience
When ever we seek to make changes for the better, it is helpful to remember there is never only one path, one chance, or one solution. Better is a process. It can only be found as we evaluate and understand … Read more...
Words: “Never Alone Or Weary Of Life”
Earth sustains us not only in body, but in spirit:
… Read more...“Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations and concerns of their personal
Words: “The Practical Value of Psychology…”
… Read more...
“The practical value of psychology… It is well recognized that the teacher must understand the working of the mind in order best to impart his information in that way that will enable the student to grasp it most readily. It
Words: “To Be Everywhere At Once Is To Be Nowhere Forever”
In our rush to be and do everything, we rush past so much that maybe small in the moment but huge in a life time.… Read more...
Words: “Be An Intelligent Toiler… “
May we each understand the need, and strive to be, an intelligent toiler…
… Read more...“An infallible test of civilization is that a man claiming to be civilized should be an intelligent toiler, that he should understand the dignity of labor, and
Words: “Water …The Vital Humour Of This Arid Earth”
Leonardo Da Vinci was a keen observer and student of nature. His notes on The Nature of Water, from The notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci , Translation by Edward MacCurdy (1955) are perceptive and eloquent:
“Water is that which serves … Read more...
Can We Ever Feel Too Valuable?
We all have an innate need to be valued in life — to feel we are valuable as individuals and as members of our community and to feel that our contributions are worthy and appreciated. But can we ever feel too valuable?
Words: “The World Of The Individual Person…”
Recently, Pew Research asked thousands of Americans where they find meaning in life. Instead of presenting group responses, they highlighted the wonderful responses and stories from the world of the individual person. It reminded me that:
Everything of value … Read more...
Universal Well-Being And Planetary Considerations
What will it take for us to let go of our endless debates and finger-pointings over global warming or global climate change? When will we begin to truly recognize that the heart of our human existence and survival is the … Read more...
Words: “After Us, There Will Be Others…”
You know you are hanging out with the right kind of friends, when, on a day you most need it, you are gifted with a beautiful starfish and the words “You make a difference every day!”
The original Starfish Story … Read more...
Walking In Nature — A Basic Tool For Creative Multitasking
Author Julia Cameron points out that one of the most valuable tools for creativity is one of the simplest — walking.
When she wrote THE ARTIST’S WAY she didn’t address exercise until week 12 in the program. In IT’S NEVER … Read more...
Words: “The Field Of All Possibilities…”
When all the stars align in our favor, we tend to feel a sense of self-satisfaction that the universe has fallen into place for us. But instead, maybe we should feel a sense of humbling recognition that among the field … Read more...
Would Your Ideal Americans be — Honest, Kind, Strong, and Responsible?
These days, it is kind of hard not to believe the great American divide is all around us. As proof we are bombarded daily with endless examples of a society divided by class, race, gender, politics, finances… And not to … Read more...
Here’s To Your Liberty And Mine
While your liberty and mine can take many different forms, may we ever embrace and strive towards an ideal of liberty where all people have the right, the power, and the ability to choose…
… Read more...“Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according
FDR’s Words: ” Forests Are The Lungs Of Our Land “
The Dust Bowl was the worst drought in U.S. history, covering more than 75 percent of the country and affecting 27 states severely. The drought lasted nearly a decade, from 1930-1939. It’s impacts lasted decades longer. Topsoil from the … Read more...
Words To Live By: “Nature Brings Solace In All Troubles”
Within her diary, first published as THE SECRET ANNEX and later published as THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL, Anne Frank expresses her belief in the healing power of nature — “amidst the simple beauty of nature…will always be comfort … Read more...
Words: ” No Wealth In The World Can Help Humanity Forward …”
How do we help humanity forward? When we value the wrong things, then we focus on the wrong things. And, of course, we create the wrong things.
Not the things that we most need…
As Albert Einstein explained in THE … Read more...
Words: Zane Grey “What Any Man Can Do…”
… Read more...Author Zane Grey has a few simple, timeless suggestions for when, in the midst of our helpless frustration, we wonder what any one man or woman can do to change things or make a difference in what is happening around
Words: “Where Human Beings Grow Human Souls …”
Where do we find our courage, our strength, our resiliency, our compassion…
Ursula K. Le Guin explained in her Mills College Commencement address, 1983 (excerpt):
… Read more...“Because you are human beings you are going to meet failure. You are going to
Words: “The Bastard Muses … Propaganda, Sentimentality, and Pornography”
In the age of social media when we are overwhelmed by too much information and too many ultra compelling stories from questionable sources with untold or dubious purposes, it’s helpful to remember Cleanth Brooks’ warning about the “Bastard Muses ” … Read more...
Reclaiming Creativity
Creativity is how we reframe and redefine our world. It is how we express our joys, fears, interests, hates, passions, frustrations… It is how we feed our curiosity, learning, understanding, artistry, craftsmanship, resiliency, social connections… It is a profound part … Read more...