Apathy is not compatible with love
The Waiting
If you are filled with anger or anxiety about the uncertainty of an election, just remember that there are many more who feel the exact same way as you - including those who would passionately disagree with you.
On Almost Giving Up
We often association “giving up,” with a bad thing, like failure, except in the cases of bad habits like smoking or chewing on nails. When that happens, giving up is a good thing. In those cases, we’re dropping excess - we are getting rid of something negative that is holding us back. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say that we are letting go.
Invisible Problems
How we think about the roof is a lot like how we think about social problems: they are seldomly thought of by some but very visible to others.
Say Their Names
Just as a steam locomotive is propelled forward, not by a single piece of wood or lump of coal but rather the boiling point of its fuel reserves reaching critical mass, major movements in social change are driven by persistent voices who course their way through systems in order to change them and reach new destinations.
National Loving Day
Remember, justice isn’t arrived at because people want to uphold the status quo or because social order is prioritized over people. Sometimes, it takes troublemakers to bring about change. But always, without a doubt, it requires a generous dose of courage, empathy, and love. Here’s to National Loving Day, a reminder that it is always worth fighting for the people we love.
Statements are a start…but they are definitely not the finish
A more cynical person would probably respond by saying that talk is cheap. But a relentless optimist (like yours truly) would say it's a start. It isn't enough but if talking moves the conversation forward, if it shines the light of accountability, and if it helps change the culture, then it is often a good start. Even if some of the statements are clumsy or late - as people, this only seems natural - if they reflect core values or some inner intention, we can work with that.
Dismissing the Messenger
This idea of completely dismissing ideas because of who is saying something or how they are saying it is rooted in ignorance and insecurity. These days, people aren’t shooting the messenger – they don’t want to hear any views that don’t align with their own perspective so it is easier to simply dismiss the messenger altogether.
Rushing and Navigating
When is rushing a good idea? When we think about both our professional and personal lives, there’s a general consensus that rushing is a bad idea because it can often lead to mistakes. Like interest, those errors can compound if let unchecked and uncorrected.
Conflict and Resolution
The standard for progress shouldn’t be if you win a debate or argument, but rather, if you find new ways of developing compassion in the face of opposition.
Why Isn't the Media Talking About This?
When someone asks, why isn't the media talking about this? They usually aren't doing the work first.When we pose this question, we aren't being literal with it. What we're really saying is, "Why aren't they reporting on the matter as much as I would like or presenting the story in a way that I approve of?"
Unexpected Nuance
About this time last year, I had an impactful (and surprising) discussion around race. Here's how it went...
