the earth is the very quintessence of the human condition

Posted on by

“The earth is the very quintessence of the human condition.”

—Hanna Arendt, 20th Century political philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor

Image from Unsplash by Louis Reed

The latest annual edition of the Global Risk Report by the World Economic Forum, states that the majority of global leaders feel worried and concerned about the outlook of the world, and only 3.7% feel optimistic.

In the survey, nearly 1,000 experts and leaders across various disciplines, organizations, and geographies weighed in on the various Short (0-2 years), Medium (2-5 years) and Long-term impacts on our planet.

When it came to short term risks, respondents identified social risks including the erosion of “social cohesion” and “livelihood crisis” as the most immediate risks to the world.

EXERCISE:

Please review the study to become even more aware of the other societal, environmental, economic, technological, and geopolitical factors that are reflections of our human condition and the state of our beautiful and fragile world.

Consider the influence and power you have to impact these risks in your various communities.

“As our eyes grow accustomed to sight, they armor themselves against wonder.”

Posted on by

“As our eyes grow accustomed to sight, they armor themselves against wonder.”

—Leonard Cohen, late Canadian singer, songwriter, musician, poet, and novelist

This is Ella!

My granddaughter Ella is now about four months old. We adore her sparkling personality and gorgeous eyes, and love watching her gaze at the world around her with delight and wonder.

She especially loves looking at people’s faces, ceiling fans, and various digital devices. The other day we caught her watching the Olympic games as if she was a figure skating judge.

As grown-ups, time and entrenched habits often dull the specialness of things around us. Our brains fill in the attention gaps to be efficient and save the energy of looking at things more closely. Perhaps this is why many people enjoy traveling to new places.

EXERCISE:

Where and how can you refocus on your world a bit more, like Ella? How would a fresh view on the seemingly ordinary aspects of life offer you many more wonders to discover?

Carry a compass and let it point the way.

Posted on by

Carry a compass and let it point the way.

Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Aaron Burden

Which navigation app do you prefer — Google Maps or Waze?

When was the last time you used an actual (paper) map? When, if ever, have you used a compass? I’d have to go back over 50 years to my Boy Scout days!

Getting from here to there by car has never been easier. Since Google owns both apps and has a virtual monopoly on the navigation market, they probably do not care much about which platform you choose. They win either way.

What navigation resources do you use to point you to the true north of your life? What forces and magnetic powers do you summon to show you the way? How do you find your way around the detours, roadblocks, potholes, and winding roads to get where you want to go?

EXERCISE:

What are the compasses you use to guide your life? How do they work to help you find your way in both the bright and dark aspects of your days?

Friday Review: Coach-ability

Posted on by

Friday Review: Coach-ability

How “Coach-Able” are you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“If you are not willing to learn no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”

 

 

 

“I will accept your influence, guidance, and direction if (and only if) I believe that you and I share similar goals.”

 

 

 

“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action toward your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.”

 

 

“An expert is someone who, over many years, manages to remain confident enough to keep trying and humble enough to keep learning.”

Posted on by

“An expert is someone who, over many years, manages to remain confident enough to keep trying and humble enough to keep learning.”

—James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits

Image of Pablo Casals from britannica.com

When asked why he continued to practice the cello three hours a day at the age of 93, Pablo Casals answered: “I’m beginning to notice some improvement.”

My dad, who passed away last March at the age of 94, loved golf. He took up this pastime at the age of 69 and played three days a week in almost any weather. Although he was not what others would call an expert, you could find him on most days swinging a dinged-up yardstick and putting on his carpet during commercial breaks of the golf channel or a televised tournament.

EXERCISE:

Where in your personal or professional life are you still passionate about enhancing your expertise and mastery?  Where do you remain confident to keep trying and humble enough to keep learning?

I don’t know how to act my age I’ve never been this age before

Posted on by

“I don’t know how to act my age. I’ve never been this age before.”

—Author unknown

It’s official!

According to numerous sources, I qualify as a senior citizen having reached my 65th birthday today.  I now have a brand-new Medicare card, and with big data advertisers knowing more about me than me, I have been inundated with all forms of products and services for someone my age.

It’s nice when people complement you with phrases like, You don’t look a day over___,  and praise your walking pace and relative agility playing ping pong.

It is all a bit confusing and strange looking into the mirror when I shave.

Luckily, I had a great role model in my dad who lived a remarkable 94 years. Some primary lessons he offered through his example included, keeping a positive and playful attitude, exercise, eat in moderation, use your brain to keep your marbles, and take naps whenever you wish.

I’m also fortunate to now live near of my grandchildren who set a great example of youthful exuberance, playfulness and wonder.

EXERCISE:

Regardless of your age, make a conscious effort to act anyway you wish today to celebrate with me. Having a broader repertoire of age options from your own life as well as others will hopefully add more spice to your life.

“It is difficult to bring people to goodness with lessons, but it is easy to do so by example.”

Posted on by

“It is difficult to bring people to goodness with lessons, but it is easy to do so by example.”

—Seneca, ancient Greek philosopher

Image from National Geographic

I recently watched the National Geographic documentary, Fauci, to learn more about him and his work. Covid-19 has placed him in both the limelight and the headlights and I wanted to know more.

Now eighty years old, this man has dedicated his life — usually six days a week and often putting in 12–14 hour days — to the health of people not only in the United States but throughout the world. His steadfast work ethic, scientific discipline, and objectivity were also instrumental in combating both AIDS and Ebola.

Dr. Fauci’s example of hard work and treating people with fairness and respect are good lessons for us all. He humbly admits to his shortcomings over the years, often placing his family and others behind his work —  another example of always trying to do better.

EXERCISE:

Who are those you respect that bring people to goodness through their example? How can and do you strive to set a good example for others in your personal and professional communities?

What part of your reality can you meet with more acceptance

Posted on by

What part of your reality can you meet with more acceptance?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from NBC

During the cold months Wendy and I often spend some of our quality time watching TV.  Although we sometimes differ in what constitutes quality viewing, we both agree that NBC’s “This Is Us” is toward the top of our list.

In a recent episode, the mother is diagnosed with plaque in her brain, with early signs of memory loss and dementia. Realizing this decline and other aspects of the aging process she does a beautiful job taking the viewer through many challenging feelings and emotions. Her authenticity, vulnerability, and courage to meet her reality with greater acceptance is done with grace and warmth.

EXERCISE:

Where would greater acceptance of your reality support you in living a more fulfilling and satisfying life?  Consider trying an equanimity meditation to explore being more accepting of your reality as a daily practice.

 

The best mirror is a friend’s eye

Posted on by

“The best mirror is a friend’s eye.”

—Gaelic proverb

Rachel & Lesley (l) — Lesley & Ella (r)

My daughter Rachel’s best friend recently came for a surprise visit to see her, and to meet her new goddaughter, Ella.

Lesley and Rachel call each other Big Sis and Little Sis, and have been very close since grade school.

An elaborate plan for this visit was first orchestrated in November. With many of us playing our part, we accomplished the jaw dropping, tear-filled reunion.

Watching these two best friends reconnect over the next few days was a great gift for us as well.

EXERCISE:

Where and when have you experienced the value and joy of having a best friend? In what fun ways can you surprise them and show how very much they have meant to you over the years?