lessons

I've been experimenting lately with the power of altering my thinking--I notice that when I am excited about something, that oftentimes those around me are, as well. When I am struggling to get someone to move to do something they absolutely resist, I am becoming aware of my own resistence. None of this is new or revolutionary, but the power of shifting one's perspective or feelings can have a revolutionary effect. For example, I have a difficult time myself just getting jazzed about going to the gym to exercise (it's one of the saddest examples in contemporary society of how sedentary we've become) and yet I ask many students I live and work with to get regular exercise. If I am not willing to do it, how can I ask them to be willing to do it? It's a moment to remind myself that I need to be a living example for myself and for others. Read more »

Yesterday, I stood in front of the mirror, my hair all mussed, my shirt hanging off the kilt of my shoulder and I noticed one lone hair, shining brighter than the rest, attempting to craggily stand itself up into the air. I smiled, pulled it away from the rest of its brunette companions and marveled: this white hair was proof that I was again! It was not silvery gray, like many others that tuck themselves here and there; no, this one was white! A shimmering beacon of the next frontier for my life. Unlike perhaps many I know, I didn't freak out, I didn't immediately think, "Now I need to start dyeing my hair." No, I just thought, "I guess I am living." And so I tucked the lone hair back with the rest and went on my way. Read more »