A lot of folks in our society try to be hyper-productive. You know — the people who scurry from task to task, always checking e-mail, organizing something, making a call, running an errand, etc. The people who do this often subscribe to the idea that “staying busy” means you’re working hard and are going to [...]
I broke my neck in a skiing accident last week, and it was both an awful and profound experience. I was in beautiful Crested Butte, CO, spending a few days on the slopes, coasting about without a care in the world. It was delightful while it lasted. Unbeknownst to me, a near-death experience was waiting [...]
Despite predictions of apocalyptic events in 2012, planet Earth shows every sign of arriving in 2013, intact. It’s hard to believe we’re nearly 13 years into the new millenium. Time just keeps on rolling. The impending New Year, for many people, means it’s time for a bit of lifestyle re-imagining. Under the guise of ‘New Year’s [...]
I can hardly believe I’m doing this. Again. It’s mid-December, and I’m standing in swimming trunks on a boat ramp situated along the snowy shore of Lake Superior. Near-30°F water stabs at my feet, punishing them, numbing them. I’ve never taken a dip in such threatening water before. It’s like knives. I’m not sure I can do [...]
This world contains a colossal amount of scary, evil nastiness. Helpless children are gunned down with increasing regularity in our schools. Real, honest people face constant discrimination because of the color of their skin pigment. Innocent civilians are murdered daily because of wars over whose God knows best. Dedicated life partners are denied marriage because of a natural [...]
Words are the building blocks of the world. Words are powerful beyond measure. This is why Fascist regimes burn books and why corporations pollute mass media with subliminal promotions of popular ideology. Words make us who we are, and if you aren’t conscientious of how words are directing your life, you’re likely a slave to [...]
Last week, I was crippled by pointless worry. Little stresses here and there snowballed into serious anxiety. I began imagining worst case scenarios about the future, my hectic schedule, and my relationship. I allowed myself to be consumed by needless fretting. Instead of being swept up in these negative thoughts, I should’ve focused on being [...]
Every second of every day, we are all changing the world, for better or for worse. Some of you may scoff and think, Bullspiittt. Like what I’m doing right now has any effect on everything else. But you’re wrong. It does. All of our tiny thoughts, words, and actions add up to the whole. You are [...]
Life isn’t always vibrant rainbows and blue crystal skies. Dark clouds, hail storms, and the occasional tornado crop up in our minds. Exasperation, anxiety, melancholy, and other bad feelings strike us, often unexpectedly. It’s important to recognize these states of mind as necessary. Without them, we wouldn’t appreciate the wonders of contentment, peace, and joy. We should [...]