A good friend, Barbara Zelter, recently graduated from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. She shared the following poem by Howard Thurman, an alum from the same school and a 20th c. African-American theologian who co-founded the first interfaith church in America. He was a friend of Gandhi.
The Work of Christmas
by Howard Thurman (1926)
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Charter for Compassion
The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.
It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.
We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.
We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.
To affirm and share the Charter for Compassion with others, go here:
http://charterforcompassion.org/share/the-charter/
It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.
We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.
We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.
To affirm and share the Charter for Compassion with others, go here:
http://charterforcompassion.org/share/the-charter/
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Ethical Framework
The Ethical Framework is a years-long project of the Triangle Interfaith Alliance, spearheaded by longtime member Martin Jacobs, dedicated to the following mission:
* To build a common bond around which all people can come together.
* To transform society through ethical daily living.
* To develop a way of life that brings out the best in ourselves.
The document produced by this group is also called The Ethical Framework and is a worthwhile resource for people and communities of faith as they strive for ethical living. It is worth studying and sharing with others. Download it here:
http://www.interfaithalliance-nc.org/Ethical_Framework.PAGES.pdf
* To build a common bond around which all people can come together.
* To transform society through ethical daily living.
* To develop a way of life that brings out the best in ourselves.
The document produced by this group is also called The Ethical Framework and is a worthwhile resource for people and communities of faith as they strive for ethical living. It is worth studying and sharing with others. Download it here:
http://www.interfaithalliance-nc.org/Ethical_Framework.PAGES.pdf
Saturday, November 06, 2010
51 Ways to Spark a Commons Revolution
Check out "51 Ways to Spark a Commons Revolution: What you can do, alone and with others, to share life" by Jay Walljasper. Click here:
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/a-resilient-community/51-ways-to-spark-a-commons-revolution
My favorites include:
1. Challenge the myth that all problems have private, individual solutions.
3. Take time to enjoy what the commons offers. As the radical Brazilian educator Paulo Freire said, “We are bigger than our schedules.”
6. Become a mentor—officially or informally—to people of all ages. Be prepared to learn as much as you teach.
12. Treat commons spaces as if you own them (which, actually, you do). Keep an eye on the place. Tidy things up. Report problems or repair things yourself. Initiate improvement campaigns.
14. Get out of the house and spend some time on the stoop, the front yard, the street—anywhere you can join the river of life.
17. Conduct an inventory of local commons. Publicize your findings and suggest ways to celebrate and improve these community assets.
24. Barter. Trade your skill in baking pies with someone who will fix your computer.
27. Watch where your money goes. How do the businesses you patronize harm or help the commons?
29. Oppose cutbacks in public assets like transit, schools, libraries, parks, social services, police and fire, and arts programs.
31. Take every opportunity to talk with elected officials and local activists about the importance of protecting the commons. Do the same with citizens groups, nonprofit organizations, labor unions, professional societies, and business leaders.
39. Roll up your sleeves to restore a creek, wetland, woods, or grassland, or beautify a vacant lot.
44. Patronize and support your public library.
50. Launch a commons discussion group or book club with your neighbors and colleagues, or at your church, synagogue, or temple. (onthecommons.org)
Read all 51: Click here: http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/a-resilient-community/51-ways-to-spark-a-commons-revolution
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/a-resilient-community/51-ways-to-spark-a-commons-revolution
My favorites include:
1. Challenge the myth that all problems have private, individual solutions.
3. Take time to enjoy what the commons offers. As the radical Brazilian educator Paulo Freire said, “We are bigger than our schedules.”
6. Become a mentor—officially or informally—to people of all ages. Be prepared to learn as much as you teach.
12. Treat commons spaces as if you own them (which, actually, you do). Keep an eye on the place. Tidy things up. Report problems or repair things yourself. Initiate improvement campaigns.
14. Get out of the house and spend some time on the stoop, the front yard, the street—anywhere you can join the river of life.
17. Conduct an inventory of local commons. Publicize your findings and suggest ways to celebrate and improve these community assets.
24. Barter. Trade your skill in baking pies with someone who will fix your computer.
27. Watch where your money goes. How do the businesses you patronize harm or help the commons?
29. Oppose cutbacks in public assets like transit, schools, libraries, parks, social services, police and fire, and arts programs.
31. Take every opportunity to talk with elected officials and local activists about the importance of protecting the commons. Do the same with citizens groups, nonprofit organizations, labor unions, professional societies, and business leaders.
39. Roll up your sleeves to restore a creek, wetland, woods, or grassland, or beautify a vacant lot.
44. Patronize and support your public library.
50. Launch a commons discussion group or book club with your neighbors and colleagues, or at your church, synagogue, or temple. (onthecommons.org)
Read all 51: Click here: http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/a-resilient-community/51-ways-to-spark-a-commons-revolution
Saturday, September 04, 2010
10 Ways to Solve the Jobs Problem
10 Ways to Solve the Jobs Problem
by Fran Korton: Fall 2010: Issue 55 of Yes! Magazine
Imagine a no-holds-barred "summit" that comes up with ideas
to solve both our job and environmental problems. What might it
come up with? Read More:
http://online.yesmagazine.org/t?ctl=166FF32:F7224F4EA13AA927CD1ACC78B5D3F7868B33FD9282452D6B&
by Fran Korton: Fall 2010: Issue 55 of Yes! Magazine
Imagine a no-holds-barred "summit" that comes up with ideas
to solve both our job and environmental problems. What might it
come up with? Read More:
http://online.yesmagazine.org/t?ctl=166FF32:F7224F4EA13AA927CD1ACC78B5D3F7868B33FD9282452D6B&
Friday, July 09, 2010
Revitalizing the American Dream. Bring on the Entrepreneurs.
Inc. magazine's July 2010 cover story is a special report on revitalizing the American Dream through entrepreneurship. "Our high practical, eminently doable, totally reasonable plan to revitalize the American dream and create thousands (upon thousands) of new companies and millions of new jobs." The article calls out a 16-point plan to improve entrepreneurship: http://www.inc.com/startup-economy-2010
Monday, July 05, 2010
10 Ways Our World is Becoming More Shareable
We’re sharing more things, more deeply, with more people. Why sharing is the answer to some of today’s biggest questions.
Our world is inherently shareable, though it’s easy to take that for granted. We are already historically connected by climate, roads, fisheries, language, forests, culture, and social networks, all of which are part of the commons. But in recent decades, the rules of access and ownership have started to shift in new directions, making sharing more convenient, necessary, fulfilling, and even profitable. Here are ten ways that our world is becoming more shareable.
Read more & see the whole article here: 10 Ways Our World is Becoming More Shareable by Neal Gorenflo, Jeremy Adam Smith
Our world is inherently shareable, though it’s easy to take that for granted. We are already historically connected by climate, roads, fisheries, language, forests, culture, and social networks, all of which are part of the commons. But in recent decades, the rules of access and ownership have started to shift in new directions, making sharing more convenient, necessary, fulfilling, and even profitable. Here are ten ways that our world is becoming more shareable.
Read more & see the whole article here: 10 Ways Our World is Becoming More Shareable by Neal Gorenflo, Jeremy Adam Smith
Sunday, June 06, 2010
A Personal Strategy for Engaging and Building Your Resilience
How do we deal with difficult events that change our lives such as the loss of a job, serious illness, loss of a loved one, and other challenging life experiences? Many people react with a flood of strong emotions and a sense of uncertainty. Yet, people generally adapt well over time to life—changing situations and stressful conditions. What enables them to do so? It involves “resilience,” an ongoing process that requires time and effort, and engages people in taking a number of steps.
The rest of the article is here:
http://ucsfhr.ucsf.edu/index.php/assist/article/a-personal-strategy-for-engaging-and-building-your-resilience/
The rest of the article is here:
http://ucsfhr.ucsf.edu/index.php/assist/article/a-personal-strategy-for-engaging-and-building-your-resilience/
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Values
Revisit your values. It was a good exercise for me. My values are the foundation and roots of my life and work.
My life's work is to be a good steward of my talents and resources, nurture good work that advances the greater good, and encourage others to do the same.
The values my work and life flow from are:
• home, family, kinship & nature
• love, compassion, empathy, gratitude, & generosity
• self-reliance, resilience & stewardship
• beloved community
My life's work is to be a good steward of my talents and resources, nurture good work that advances the greater good, and encourage others to do the same.
The values my work and life flow from are:
• home, family, kinship & nature
• love, compassion, empathy, gratitude, & generosity
• self-reliance, resilience & stewardship
• beloved community
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The altruism in economics
Standard economic theory states that people are interested only in their own material gain. However, new insights from behavioral economics show that altruism is our primary motivation. Read here: http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/63/altruism-vs-economics
Five steps to better health through integrative medicine
Integrative medicine can make health care simpler, more effective and more affordable. Read here: http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/67/integrative-medicine
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal
Check out the LASER (Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal) Guide to Community Development. See here:
http://www.natcapsolutions.org/projects/LASER/LASERguide.pdf
http://www.natcapsolutions.org/projects/LASER/LASERguide.pdf
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Pursuit of Happiness
Americans are far more affluent, on average, than we were in the 1960s,
but no happier. What do research data tell us is the real source of joy and contentment? Read The Secret to Happiness.
Also: 10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy
but no happier. What do research data tell us is the real source of joy and contentment? Read The Secret to Happiness.
Also: 10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Hard-Wired to Cooperate
posted by David Bollier on
On The Commons
While all of us have healthy dollops of ego and selfishness, experiments have shown that children have an almost reflexive desire to help others even before parents and culture begin to shape those instincts. The cooperative impulse can be seen in children across cultures, and it is a trait that our closest evolutionary ancestor, primates, do not have. In one experiment, for example, when an adult pretends to be searching for lost objects, infants will start, 12 months old, to point at the “lost” objects.
For more click here.
On The Commons
While all of us have healthy dollops of ego and selfishness, experiments have shown that children have an almost reflexive desire to help others even before parents and culture begin to shape those instincts. The cooperative impulse can be seen in children across cultures, and it is a trait that our closest evolutionary ancestor, primates, do not have. In one experiment, for example, when an adult pretends to be searching for lost objects, infants will start, 12 months old, to point at the “lost” objects.
For more click here.
Global Innovation Commons
posted by David Bollier on
On The Commons
As the world attention converges on Copenhagen climate summit, a little-mentioned issue is the proper role of patents in encouraging the development of emissions-free energy technologies. Large tech companies like to claim that they need broad patents to encourage their investment in innovative new technologies. And they are poised to make a fortune off of selling patent licenses for new “green technologies” designed to abate carbon emissions.
But David E. Martin, an intellectual property activist who works with many developing countries, argues that a great many green technologies are already in the public domain and ready to be developed. They just need to be identified and used.
For more click here.
On The Commons
As the world attention converges on Copenhagen climate summit, a little-mentioned issue is the proper role of patents in encouraging the development of emissions-free energy technologies. Large tech companies like to claim that they need broad patents to encourage their investment in innovative new technologies. And they are poised to make a fortune off of selling patent licenses for new “green technologies” designed to abate carbon emissions.
But David E. Martin, an intellectual property activist who works with many developing countries, argues that a great many green technologies are already in the public domain and ready to be developed. They just need to be identified and used.
For more click here.
Good Group Work
We need more good groups. I encourage folks to come together in a spirit of cooperation around the common interest of working together for mutual social and economic benefit. We need more people coming together to advance the greater good.
Developing good groups take time and skill. Groups will be more viable if their participants are reliable, communicate skillfully, support others in the group, and work together to develop, maintain, and renew the group’s work. Based on my experience I believe good groups:
1. Are open, inclusive, empowering, and democratic
2. Make sure that everyone feels welcome, informed, and involved
3. Cooperatively identify common vision, purpose, and goals
4. Create an environment that fosters trust and builds commitment to the group
5. Allow differences of opinion to be discussed and handle conflict directly and civilly
6. Examine biases that may be blocking progress
7. Continue to clarify expectations of individuals and of the group, revisiting purpose and renewing commitment
8. Celebrate individual and group accomplishments and find renewal in relationships
9. Develop a schedule and rhythm that works best for the group
10. Encourage and empower members to learn new skills and share roles and decision-making
11. Leverage the strengths of civic, cultural, historical, political, community, and environmental contexts
12. Draw leadership, knowledge, talent, strengths, and resources from relationships with government, business, faith communities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and resourceful individuals as needed
Developing good groups take time and skill. Groups will be more viable if their participants are reliable, communicate skillfully, support others in the group, and work together to develop, maintain, and renew the group’s work. Based on my experience I believe good groups:
1. Are open, inclusive, empowering, and democratic
2. Make sure that everyone feels welcome, informed, and involved
3. Cooperatively identify common vision, purpose, and goals
4. Create an environment that fosters trust and builds commitment to the group
5. Allow differences of opinion to be discussed and handle conflict directly and civilly
6. Examine biases that may be blocking progress
7. Continue to clarify expectations of individuals and of the group, revisiting purpose and renewing commitment
8. Celebrate individual and group accomplishments and find renewal in relationships
9. Develop a schedule and rhythm that works best for the group
10. Encourage and empower members to learn new skills and share roles and decision-making
11. Leverage the strengths of civic, cultural, historical, political, community, and environmental contexts
12. Draw leadership, knowledge, talent, strengths, and resources from relationships with government, business, faith communities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and resourceful individuals as needed
Monday, November 30, 2009
10 Actions for Peace in 2010
Here are the 10 recommended actions for developing peace in 2010 from the Peace and Collaborative Development Network. Hopefully this will inspire folks to share their ideas and actions with others.
1) Examine how to create more peace in your personal life - If we do not have some degree of peace in our own internal lives, there is the question of how effective we can be in helping to build peace in our organizations, communities, societies and the world. There is no recipe for building peace, but there are many options that people have explored such as mediation, yoga, exercise, writing, reflecting, building community and more.
2) Share your experiences and hopes for peace, as well as frustrations around conflict - This site is intended as an open resource where people can share both their success stories of helping to address conflicts around the world, and also ask questions/inquiry about ways to improve practice. If you have a particular success story, please share it with others. If you have questions/challenges that you would like input on please feel free to post it on this site and of course on other social networking sites)
3) Support Organizations working to effect change in the world - There are thousands of dynamic organizations around the world working to address conflict, build community, foster economic development and more. There are many ways you can support organizations such as contributing financially, volunteering, and more. I do not want to endorse specific organizations, but some resources that can be helpful in identifying opportunities include the Alliance for Peacebuilding, Interaction, GuideStar, among others.
4) Advocate for Preventing and Ending Conflicts - One of the challenges in conflict prevention is that often policymakers, NGO professionals, academics and others may have information about the potentially negative direction of conflicts. However, translating this information to effective policy changes often requires extensive advocacy campaigns by individuals, NGOs, religious groups and the larger civil society. Advocacy can mean anything from writing a legislature, talking with policymakers, taking direct action and more. For some useful examples of Advocacy Approaches see the International Crisis Group, Women Thrive Worldwide and the Genocide Intervention Network.
5) Mainstream a Conflict Sensitive Approach into your organization/company - Many organizations and companies around the world are beginning to look at how they can integrate a conflict sensitive approach (see the work of International Alert) throughout their external and internal operations. This means examining how an organization's internal hiring, procurement and other policies, as well as the external interactions and services can help to potentially reduce conflicts.
6) Get Additional Training - There are many different paths to pursuing a career in international conflict and related fields. If you feel like you might benefit from additional training there are many academic options, professional training programs, summer institutes and more that can help provide additional training and skills.
7) Join an Existing Network - There are many academic and professional networking organizations that exist around the world that focus on conflict related issues. In the United States, the Association for Conflict Resolution is a network of practitioners, the Alliance for Peacebuilding is a network of organizations, the Peace and Justice Studies Association is a network of academics and activists, the International Conflict Management Association has an annual conference.
8) Engage in Productive Dialogue with Others - One of the keys of addressing conflicts is building understanding and connections between people with diverse perspectives. There are many organizations working on facilitating and engaging communities in dialogue, conversation and discussion. Find an organization in your community, or start your own process. Some great resources in this area include the Public Conversations Project , the Kettering Foundation, and the World Cafe.
9) Foster Sustainable Economic Development - One of the key ingredients in building peace in post-conflict societies is to help create sustainable economic opportunities for communities. This can be done through a variety of means, international development, social entreprenuership, socially responsible investing, lobbying for changes to foreign assistance programs and more.
10) Build Community in your Own Life - There are many ways to build community in your own personal and professional circles. If you don't know your neighbors, invite them over for a party or gathering, start a new group to gather people around a common interest, look for exiting volunteer opportunities (see www.volunteerweb.org), contribute time and resources for helping others, etc.
Please feel free to add your own suggestions and lists for a more peaceful 2010.
1) Examine how to create more peace in your personal life - If we do not have some degree of peace in our own internal lives, there is the question of how effective we can be in helping to build peace in our organizations, communities, societies and the world. There is no recipe for building peace, but there are many options that people have explored such as mediation, yoga, exercise, writing, reflecting, building community and more.
2) Share your experiences and hopes for peace, as well as frustrations around conflict - This site is intended as an open resource where people can share both their success stories of helping to address conflicts around the world, and also ask questions/inquiry about ways to improve practice. If you have a particular success story, please share it with others. If you have questions/challenges that you would like input on please feel free to post it on this site and of course on other social networking sites)
3) Support Organizations working to effect change in the world - There are thousands of dynamic organizations around the world working to address conflict, build community, foster economic development and more. There are many ways you can support organizations such as contributing financially, volunteering, and more. I do not want to endorse specific organizations, but some resources that can be helpful in identifying opportunities include the Alliance for Peacebuilding, Interaction, GuideStar, among others.
4) Advocate for Preventing and Ending Conflicts - One of the challenges in conflict prevention is that often policymakers, NGO professionals, academics and others may have information about the potentially negative direction of conflicts. However, translating this information to effective policy changes often requires extensive advocacy campaigns by individuals, NGOs, religious groups and the larger civil society. Advocacy can mean anything from writing a legislature, talking with policymakers, taking direct action and more. For some useful examples of Advocacy Approaches see the International Crisis Group, Women Thrive Worldwide and the Genocide Intervention Network.
5) Mainstream a Conflict Sensitive Approach into your organization/company - Many organizations and companies around the world are beginning to look at how they can integrate a conflict sensitive approach (see the work of International Alert) throughout their external and internal operations. This means examining how an organization's internal hiring, procurement and other policies, as well as the external interactions and services can help to potentially reduce conflicts.
6) Get Additional Training - There are many different paths to pursuing a career in international conflict and related fields. If you feel like you might benefit from additional training there are many academic options, professional training programs, summer institutes and more that can help provide additional training and skills.
7) Join an Existing Network - There are many academic and professional networking organizations that exist around the world that focus on conflict related issues. In the United States, the Association for Conflict Resolution is a network of practitioners, the Alliance for Peacebuilding is a network of organizations, the Peace and Justice Studies Association is a network of academics and activists, the International Conflict Management Association has an annual conference.
8) Engage in Productive Dialogue with Others - One of the keys of addressing conflicts is building understanding and connections between people with diverse perspectives. There are many organizations working on facilitating and engaging communities in dialogue, conversation and discussion. Find an organization in your community, or start your own process. Some great resources in this area include the Public Conversations Project , the Kettering Foundation, and the World Cafe.
9) Foster Sustainable Economic Development - One of the key ingredients in building peace in post-conflict societies is to help create sustainable economic opportunities for communities. This can be done through a variety of means, international development, social entreprenuership, socially responsible investing, lobbying for changes to foreign assistance programs and more.
10) Build Community in your Own Life - There are many ways to build community in your own personal and professional circles. If you don't know your neighbors, invite them over for a party or gathering, start a new group to gather people around a common interest, look for exiting volunteer opportunities (see www.volunteerweb.org), contribute time and resources for helping others, etc.
Please feel free to add your own suggestions and lists for a more peaceful 2010.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
being and doing our best
To me, we must work hard to be the best we can be in order to do our best. I stress importance on good communication, healthy relationships, eating well, staying healthy, living a spiritual life, and practicing generosity, openness, patience, compassion, kindness, and gratitude. Studying your roots, faith, and beliefs, as well as learning about your community, bioregion, state, current affairs, and history can keep you connected to the world and your place in it.
Develop closer relationships with family, friends, and other folks in your life. Care for one another and support each other. Let's help each other develop into the best we can be. Let's nurture good hearts, share goodwill, and conduct good works. Keep the faith. Have courage. When the going gets tough, make a way out of no way. Act on your sense of fairness, justice, and the greater good. Help others do the same. Find some balance in your life. Remember "I am because we are." We are all connected. We cannot be ourselves without community, our health, and our beliefs. We are caught up in the well being of others. Life is abundant. Share the abundance. Be a good steward.
To me, these acts strengthen the mind, heart, body, and spirit, nurturing balance and resilience, and strengthening your foundation to be and do your best.
Develop closer relationships with family, friends, and other folks in your life. Care for one another and support each other. Let's help each other develop into the best we can be. Let's nurture good hearts, share goodwill, and conduct good works. Keep the faith. Have courage. When the going gets tough, make a way out of no way. Act on your sense of fairness, justice, and the greater good. Help others do the same. Find some balance in your life. Remember "I am because we are." We are all connected. We cannot be ourselves without community, our health, and our beliefs. We are caught up in the well being of others. Life is abundant. Share the abundance. Be a good steward.
To me, these acts strengthen the mind, heart, body, and spirit, nurturing balance and resilience, and strengthening your foundation to be and do your best.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Your Life's Work
My life's work is to be a good steward of my time, talents, and resources, develop transformative relationships, nurture good work that advances the greater good, and encourage others to do the same.
Given the state of the world and the dynamics of the economy, it’s more crucial than ever that everyone figures out appropriate roles and good contributions to society.
In order to advance the greater good, I believe we must stay awake, have an open mind and a good heart, and organize ourselves.
When you discover your life’s work and continue to learn about it, you will see your life’s work has integrity because it is shaped by your values and visions. Ask yourself: Who am I? What was I born to do?
Your life’s work is an opportunity to do what you love and what seems natural. What are your natural talents and abilities?
By working from your natural flow, it encourages you to pursue excellence, to strive to be your best, to live into your greatest potential. What is your potential?
Your life’s work provides opportunities for good stewardship, for serving the greater good. What is your greatest contribution to others? What gifts do you want to share?
Stay awake and aware. Be curious. Question why things are the way they are. Ask why. Imagine how your world could be improved and what role you can play in making it happen. Develop a vision for how your home, family, work, and community can be. Bring people around the vision and work together to develop the goals and strategies to get there.
What’s keeping you from your true vocation, your calling? How do you get from where you are to where you want to be? What steps could you take to overcome any obstacles, remove barriers, and get beyond where you are now? Should you…
• Reorganize your time?
• Build empowering relationships or the right connections?
• Obtain more education or different training?
• Carve out more reflection and visioning time?
• Have true, meaningful, and intimate conversations?
• Improve your communication skills?
• Develop a greater understanding of culture, society, history, trends, markets, the world’s diversity, or the planet’s resources?
• Cultivate greater intellectual agility?
So what needs to happen to be successful in your life’s work?
You know you must develop the know-how to do what you want to do. Learn what works in your chosen field or career.
Success and progress, however you define them, require commitment and dedication.
You must believe opportunity is abundant. You need to learn to see opportunities, and to create them as well.
Create good goals. Goals are focused intentions, seeds of change. Goals help us clarify what we want in our lives. Goals should help us stretch. Goals should be about you, not others. To encourage action, results, progress, and impact, goals should be as specific as possible. Create good goals and then put the hard work in to achieve them.
Be a lifelong learner. Reflect. Learn. Forgive. Renew. Organize. Adapt.
As Gandhi said, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
Given the state of the world and the dynamics of the economy, it’s more crucial than ever that everyone figures out appropriate roles and good contributions to society.
In order to advance the greater good, I believe we must stay awake, have an open mind and a good heart, and organize ourselves.
When you discover your life’s work and continue to learn about it, you will see your life’s work has integrity because it is shaped by your values and visions. Ask yourself: Who am I? What was I born to do?
Your life’s work is an opportunity to do what you love and what seems natural. What are your natural talents and abilities?
By working from your natural flow, it encourages you to pursue excellence, to strive to be your best, to live into your greatest potential. What is your potential?
Your life’s work provides opportunities for good stewardship, for serving the greater good. What is your greatest contribution to others? What gifts do you want to share?
Stay awake and aware. Be curious. Question why things are the way they are. Ask why. Imagine how your world could be improved and what role you can play in making it happen. Develop a vision for how your home, family, work, and community can be. Bring people around the vision and work together to develop the goals and strategies to get there.
What’s keeping you from your true vocation, your calling? How do you get from where you are to where you want to be? What steps could you take to overcome any obstacles, remove barriers, and get beyond where you are now? Should you…
• Reorganize your time?
• Build empowering relationships or the right connections?
• Obtain more education or different training?
• Carve out more reflection and visioning time?
• Have true, meaningful, and intimate conversations?
• Improve your communication skills?
• Develop a greater understanding of culture, society, history, trends, markets, the world’s diversity, or the planet’s resources?
• Cultivate greater intellectual agility?
So what needs to happen to be successful in your life’s work?
You know you must develop the know-how to do what you want to do. Learn what works in your chosen field or career.
Success and progress, however you define them, require commitment and dedication.
You must believe opportunity is abundant. You need to learn to see opportunities, and to create them as well.
Create good goals. Goals are focused intentions, seeds of change. Goals help us clarify what we want in our lives. Goals should help us stretch. Goals should be about you, not others. To encourage action, results, progress, and impact, goals should be as specific as possible. Create good goals and then put the hard work in to achieve them.
Be a lifelong learner. Reflect. Learn. Forgive. Renew. Organize. Adapt.
As Gandhi said, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
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