Veterans Day 2022

Posted on by

Veterans Day 2022

Image from Unsplash by Sir Manuel

Who among you—or who do you know—who has served in the military? Today is Veteran’s day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring the veterans with us right now. Most of us have celebrated it our entire lives, but it was not originally so.

This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service in World War I, and was originally called Armistice Day—in honor of the official signing of the Armistice that ended “The War to End all Wars,” at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, it was changed to Veterans Day to account for all veterans, in all wars.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has declared “honor” as the theme for the celebrations this year. Honor reflects the military value and tradition of answering the call to duty.

My family and I honor all those across this great land who have served our country, and ask that you will, as well.

EXERCISE:

Who can you reach out today to a friend, neighbor, or family member who has served? Let them know that today you are grateful for them and their service to the country.

Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what’s left and live it properly

Posted on by

“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what’s left and live it properly.”

—Marcus Aurelius, ancient Roman emperor & Stoic philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Usman Yousaf

What does it mean to live a “proper” life?

At the end of your life what would you like people to say about you?

How would you have answered these questions 10 or 20 years ago?

As we age, many of us notice changes occurring in our minds and bodies.

Usually, this a gradual process and most of us come to terms with the finite nature of our lives.

We usually strive to do better and make the most of it.

What if instead of a more gradual process your life was coming to an abrupt end? How satisfied and complete would you feel and what regrets would you experience?

EXERCISE:

The movies Defending Your Life with Albert Brooks and Groundhog Day with Bill Murray offer many laughs and some good examples to consider.

“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this—You haven’t.”

Posted on by

“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this—You haven’t.”

—Thomas Edison, American inventor and businessman

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

A few months ago, we had technical difficulties with our television and our fire alarm system. The Darth Vader sound from the set and the beeping every 40 seconds were driving us crazy!

Turning off the set and wearing noise cancelling headphones didn’t make things better so I called upon U-Tube, a few friends, and an electrician for support.

To my delight, after many hours of Thomas Edison-ing, trying this, that, and other things, we embraced success with a considerable sense of pride and satisfaction.

EXERCISE:

Where would a bit of Thomas Edison’s persistence and tenacity help you in your current efforts?

What new possibilities have you yet to explore to realize the outcomes you desire?

To let go is to release the images and emotions, the grudges and fears

Posted on by

“To let go is to release the images and emotions, the grudges and fears, the clinging and disappointments of the past that bind our spirits.”

—Jack Kornfield, American author & Buddhist practitioner

Personal freedom is a core value many people cherish. In her book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson describes many tragic examples from the past that still spill over into our modern world.

Despite certain gains in personal freedom in parts of our world, many people often find themselves confined and bound in their inner worlds by aspect of their past.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the ways you can better release yourself from the past?

What difference would letting go of these burdens do to free your spirit?

Learning to adapt to the current circumstances is a key to being happy

Posted on by

“Learning to adapt to the current circumstances is a key to being happy. Right now, it’s like this.”

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Kelly Sikkema

Following the devastation caused by hurricane Ian in the southeast, the area where I live in Pennsylvania experienced a few days of constant rain. I was surprised that some people complained about our soggy situation.

They apparently internalized the rain and cloudiness, instead of adapting to things as they were. That’s why we have umbrellas and rain coats.

Learning to accept things as they are and working to change things where we can is a road to self-determination.

EXERCISE:

What do you need to accept that you cannot change?

How can you take things as they are and make the most of even the stormy days ahead?

Friday Review: Preparation

Posted on by

Friday Review: Preparation

Are you prepared? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.”

 

 

 

“The proper work of the mind is the exercise of choice, refusal, yearnings, repulsion, preparation, purpose, and assent.”

 

 

 

“Now is the perfect time to prepare.”

 

 

 

 

If you fall in love with the imagination, you understand

Posted on by

“If you fall in love with the imagination, you understand that it is a free spirit. It will go anywhere, and it can do anything.”

—Alice Walker, American writer and social activist

Image from Unsplash by Michelle Cassar

Imagine that you are a new Marvel superhero that can do anything and go anywhere in an instant.

What special powers would you demonstrate and how would you share them with your communities and the world?

How did this journey into your imagination feel? To what degree did your notice a new level of freedom and a lifting up of your spirits?

How did you feel when you shifted back from your right brain to your left to get on with your day?

In what ways might you have experienced a bit of heaviness from your current responsibilities and obligations?

EXERCISE:

Make some time today to exercise your imagination.

What could you do and where might you go as this practice spills over into some of your typical daily activities?

The pleasure of doing a thing in the same way at the same time every day

Posted on by

“The pleasure of doing a thing in the same way at the same time every day and savoring it should be noted.”

—Arnold Bennett, 20th Century English novelist

Image from Unsplash by Prophsee Journals

To what degree are you a creature of habit? What are the routines and rituals you repeat each day in the same way and time? How many of these behaviors support your health and well-being? How many would you describe as simple pleasures or bring you a sense of pride?

Consider when and why you first developed these habits.

How much discipline and intentionality did it take for you to become the person who acts in this manner?

EXERCISE:

After savoring this list, examine what new or different habits you’d like to incorporate into the melodies and harmonies of your days.

Feel free to reply to this post with what you discover.

How do you limit yourself by caring about what others think of you

Posted on by

How do you limit yourself by caring about what others think of you?

Image from Unsplash by Mitchel Lensink

What examples can you recall from your youth of peer pressure? For me, having a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers and a banana seat bike were top priorities to be accepted by the kids in the neighborhood.

What are some examples of peer pressure you experience these days in your personal and professional communities? What are the expected norms you accept and follow in order to fit it?

EXERCISE:

What is the cost of going along to get along?

Where would the “To Thine Own Self Be True” philosophy be the road to take at this point in your life?

How often do you play thought dominoes

Posted on by

How often do you play thought dominoes where one thought cascades into another and another?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Bradyn Trollip

When was the last time you saw a domino exhibition? How long did it take to topple all the tiles? How many hours or even days did it take to set up?

Domino experts know all too well that one slip of the hand can destroy much of their effort well before showtime. Given this possibility, they almost always place blocking structures to stop the cascade of tiles to limit the damage.

EXERCISE:

How can you use your own mindfulness efforts as tools to slow or stop the domino thinking that can sometimes topple your days?