Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better. –Florence Nightingale 1820-1910, Founder of Modern Nursing In a 1972 film clip (below), Viktor Frankl borrows a term from aviation: crabbing. Pilots navigating crosswinds must point the nose of the aircraft above the destination — because if...Read More
Simplify, simplify, simplify! Henry David Thoreau (on doing the hard part) We all get gut-punched at some point—an unplanned, unwanted event that splits life into before and after. First, face the fact that it’s over. When my kids left home and the house went quiet, I had to admit that a season...Read More
Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again. Jack Kornfield Cows chew their cud as part of their unique digestive process. They regurgitate semi-digested food from the first stomach chamber, re-chew and re-swallow it for further digestion. This process is crucial for extracting nutrients. We humans, on...Read More
They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself. Andy Warhol Years ago, I attended a lecture on preventing **”burnout” (a term I detest, but the advice was sound). The speaker recommended taking 7-10 days a year AWAY, without family, to restore completely. This time doesn’t need to...Read More
If I could name one emotional well-being superpower, it would be mastery of ‘letting it go’. When others’ behavior or unchangeable circumstances gnaw at us, we imprison ourselves. By quickly accepting and releasing what we cannot control, we alleviate so much suffering and unlock human potential. Learn to LET. IT. GO. PS: this is not...Read More
To travel means, ultimately, nothing more than coming back home a different person from the one who left. Pico Iyer I grew up on a cul-de-sac (see above), defined as a blind alley closed at one end. As a street design when I was a kid, it was glorious. As...Read More
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” – Pablo Picasso (Spanish cubist painter, 1881-1973) A middle school teacher posed a simple question to his class: “Who can sing?” Not a single hand went up. “Who can draw?” Again, not a single hand. His students declared their lack...Read More
Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. Dolly Parton I meet so many people throughout the year, many of whom are overwhelmed and stressed. There are many things in the wider world that are beyond distressing and troubling, and we Americans are not great at using vacation time. ...Read More
“Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” Mandy Hall, Master Chef One year ago, a beloved family member faced a pivotal moment in his life when a routine check-up with his physician revealed the early signs of fatty liver disease, a consequence of his fast food diet. ...Read More
