Tasks constantly weigh on my mind, urging immediate attention. However, I'm realizing that my often-neglected lists shouldn't consume my thoughts on the Sabbath. Yet, their persistent calls beckon even as I pen this blog post. "Attend to me! Attend to me…" they seem to chant, even as I find solace in my chair. I take … Continue reading Beyond the List: Finding Peace on A Friday
If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to? What organizations will get my money? The question is best answered with another question: What organization or cause inspires me? If I have money, not imaginary extra money to give away, I can be inspired to part with it. There … Continue reading Inspire Me!
List three jobs you'd consider pursuing if money didn't matter. Money has never been the goal of my work life. Sure, I wanted enough to live and provide for the significant people in my life. I currently do the same work I have done for just shy of 38 years. The work I chose and … Continue reading Money Matters?
What's your favorite word? My practice for these daily prompts is to sit with them a bit to see what rises in me. I pause. Then I begin to write whatever arises. Today, I was surprised- as I often am- when the blogging prompt brought forth this word: Yes. I must add this disclaimer: “Yes” … Continue reading Let Your Yes Be Yes
Describe your ideal week. I think my ideal week defies moment-by-moment description. No particular event has to happen to make my week ideal. I will note that there are some components that would make any week ideal for me. Presence. I want to “be there” in each moment of my week as it unfolds. I … Continue reading Non-Specific “Ideal” Weeks
I find it meaningful to begin my day in gratitude. So I have a gratitude practice. Gratitude Practice (summarized) Open my journal. Close my eyes and “breathe myself here.” Open my eyes and say, “I am thankful for…” Write name by name what arises from that statement. When I reach a “stopping point,” repeat out … Continue reading Joy of Being Thankful
What TV shows did you watch as a kid? There were three notable shows that immediately come to mind from my childhood. The first was Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, a show about nature and the realities of animals. I remember looking forward to the show weekly even when it was a repeat. Marlin Perkins … Continue reading Life As It Is and Could Be
Where did your name come from? Names. What do they say about a person? What story do they tell? Are they pointers to identify the one about whom or to whom we are talking or something more? Birth Names. My given name, James Edward, came from my mother’s step-father (James) and her dad who died … Continue reading Names, Stories, and Meaning
What motivates you? I suppose there are any number of ways to answer this question. As a younger person, I was motivated by fear: of failure, of being unloved and unappreciated, of not-fitting-in, of mediocrity, of dying unknown. It is amazing what an unrelenting motivator fear was; it never let up and created stress, anxiety, … Continue reading Living My Mission
I have a morning daily practice that includes meditation, reading, journaling, reflecting. It is a helpful practice and sets me up to keep practicing presence throughout the day. While I know better than to attach a value to my daily practice, this morning was especially good! And having labelled it, I find myself smiling even … Continue reading Getting caught up… again
