7 for Sunday

How does acceptance transform us? In today’s world, rarely is anyone actually listening. Everything is intentionally distracting. Everything clamors for our attention. That makes what should be the “simple” act of listening into something profound. The results of fully listening are profound and couldn’t be more relevant today in times of immense distractions and a…

What makes a fulfilling life? It’s a mistake to continue doing something solely to extend the streak of doing. Longevity can be a sign of value, but it isn’t inherently valuable. I’m more interested in noticing that it was only just a year ago that I moved all of this to its own web site,…

Where does real progress begin? So much is written and discussed about history: recording it, studying it, learning (or not) from it, does it repeat or rhyme, etc. But why don’t more people talk about each of our personal histories? If progress is real despite our whining, it is not because we are born any healthier, better,…

Can we simply wait? There’s something wonderful in the moments we don’t understand. It can be a bit of conversation, a moving image, or even just a thought. This week, I’ve been thinking about waiting—waiting for something to happen, for understanding, for serenity. I always feel a tension to hurry through the waiting, as if…

Can we choose attentiveness? I’ve spent my lifetime seeking: knowledge, control, achievement, clarity. Finally, I began to wonder—and have subsequently become convinced—that life is not about seeking. It’s about noticing what’s already here, and being honest about the tradeoffs I’m making with my time, attention, and effort. ‘Dagon’ has all the elements of a classic…

Can we create meaning through language, learning, and daily practice? The search for meaning is clearly universal. It may take us a few decades before we begin, but we do eventually take that first step in our search. And one of my goals as the communicator is to make it as easy as possible for…

Shall we cherish dignity in our high-tech world? Everything is fun, until one’s expectations are crushed. I thought I was getting the convenience of online shopping for things that were previously literally unavailable. Instead, the local stores closed and I’ve lost the convenience of local purchasing. I thought I was getting expanded communication via email.…

What is the role of patience? This week I’m thinking about patience. I’m thinking about being patient with others, of course. But mostly I’m thinking about being patient with myself. Stop rushing through the current moment—the next moment is not guaranteed, so enjoy this one. I’ve been trying to stop thinking about the things I…

What fuels lasting personal change? I’m endlessly fascinated by motivation, habits and processes. As I’m gearing up to start coaching (in the context of movement, at the intersection of mindfulness and longevity) I’ve been thinking a lot about how to help people find their motivation. I’ve realized that motivation, habits and processes are related to…

Is playfulness the font of humor and creativity? I was recently thinking about humor, and how we intermingle (if you’ll pardon my presuming to know you) two different things when we use the word humor. We say both: One has a good sense of humor, and one is of good humor. That first refers to…