I recently had the misfortune of watching the news for several moments at a friend’s home. It was the holiday season, so we were, rather curiously I thought, given a special dose of negativity: murder, mayhem, pillage, chaos, and the like. It was easy to see how joyful feelings could be quickly extinguished. There was a stark juxtaposition of values. On the one hand, because of the season, the world was resplendent with joy — “Joy to the World, the Lord Has Come” (1) — goodwill to all. On the other hand, the news presented darkness, pain, and endless suffering.
Continue reading How does one stay in the light?Podcast Episode 165: It is important to respect the many quiet and diligent clerks and bureaucrats. They, potentially, contribute a tremendous amout to the society in the arts or through volunteering, though it is often totally unrecognized because of its hidden nature.
Podcast Episode 164: In life, we must be prepared to move both physically and metaphorically. This affords the individual the opportunity to grow in the direction he or she desires.
Friendship
This is a topic that is fraught with undue amounts of pain and frustration. When we gain consciousness at 20 or so, we realize, fundamentally, that we are alone. — at least all thoughtful people do. Life then becomes an attempt to bridge the distance between other beings in our society and meet people who are like me
— who understand what I’m about. This is most certainly an arduous journey. At its most simple, friendship is something that must be earned. It cannot be simply acquired like a piece of clothing or a new pair of shoes.
Continue reading FriendshipPodcast Episode 163: We must deal with people in a compassionate way. This will greatly improve the overall well-being of society.
Podcast Episode 162: We must be hopeful people, but never naive. Life is hard and its accomplishments come through hard work and effort. But, success can be achieved when you commit to your mission.
The seven deadly sins: which one have you committed?
I recently watched a video of the hot dog eating competition at Nathan’s on Coney Island, New York. (2) Disgusting would be an understatement. Now I am not conservative when it comes to extreme events. I am as titillated as the next person when I watch someone jump out of an airplane without a parachute fall into an enormous net, and survive. (3) But, the food thing, I don’t get.
Continue reading The seven deadly sins: which one have you committed?Podcast Episode 161: What is your commitment in life — or to life, to your society? One must remember that, no matter how small, every contribution — something as simple as a smile — advances the Common Good.
Podcast Episode 160: By learning to live in the light, we uncover those joyful and memorable experiences.
Catch the moment
I am, but one of more than eight billion human beings, and yet each of us is unique. My thoughts are my own, private unto me. We live in the slipstream of the mind — from a magical beginning to an immortal end.
Continue reading Catch the moment