State of the Union: 1998 and 2010

"For 209 years, it has been the president's duty to report to you on the state of the union. Because of the hard work and high purpose of the American people. . . we have more than fourteen million new jobs, the lowest unemployment in 24 years, the lowest core inflation in 30 years, incomes are rising, . . . crime has dropped for a record five years in a row, and the welfare rolls are at their lowest in 27 years. Our leadership in the world is unrivaled. Ladies and gentlemen, the state of our union is strong.For three decades, six presidents have come before you to warn of the damage deficits pose to our nation. Tonight, I come before you to announce that the federal deficit, once so incomprehensibly large that it has eleven zeros, will be simply zero. "

These were Democratic President Bill Clinton's words in 1998. Now, after 8 years of disastrous Republican policies under George W. Bush, our current president has inherited an enormous deficit, an illegal war, an economic crisis, and an epidemic of cynicism, distrust, and despair. As President Obama seeks to move America forward again, Republican extremists are trying to undermine him.

Let's stop this Republican war against the American people, encourage our elected officials to get back to the work of representing us, and give Barack Obama--and America--a chance to create a better future.

Insights for today from ancient China

Taoism was developed over 25 centuries ago, around 530 BCE, during the warring states period in ancient China, a time of challenge and change much like our own. Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching, a book of 81 poems translated more than any book in the world except the Bible, offering principles especially relevant to us today. Lao Tzu and Confucius were contemporaries. Each came up with his own response to challenging times. Confucius emphasized ritual, obedience, and observation of social rules, while Lao Tzu studied nature, basing his philosophy upon the interrelatedness of all things, the patterns of energy within and around us.

Taoism has always appealed to creative thinkers, artists and innovators, such as Hegel, Dag Hammarskjold, Abraham Maslow, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Carl Rogers, who carried in his wallet this quote from the Tao:

With the best of leaders,
When the work is done,
The project completed,
The people all say
"We did it ourselves."
(Tao, 17)

In the spirit of Tao leadership, I'm delighted to link to a new blog that Rebecca has begun, meditating on Tao principles from my book, The Tao of Inner Peace.

Fascinating read

In Search of Bill Clinton: A Psychological Biography by John Gartner


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carefully researched, beautifully written biography, fascinating psychological analysis of a complex personality and one of the most compelling leaders of our time.

Don't give up

Disheartened and disappointed by the Massachusetts senate election, the conflict and confusion in our world, I draw strength from the example of Winston Churchill.

Don't give up in challenging times.
As great leaders have always realized, we overcome the darkness and disappointment around us by increasing the light within us. Our greatest natural resources are our hearts and minds.

What is your calling now?

I was surprised to learn that my alumni presentation next Saturday on "Finding Your Calling in This Season of Life" has enrolled twice what we'd expected. Clearly, this "back to school" season beckons many of us to pursue new projects, new intentions. Studies have shown that people of all ages are happier and healthier when they pursue their own meaningful goals. And as citizens in a world of challenge and change, we are architects of our collective future. We have the power not only to change our lives but to create our country anew with the small choices we make each day.

What is your intention for this new season?
What do you feel really called to do?

Think of one small step you can take in that direction and begin moving forward.
As the Tao Te Ching reminds us:

"The journey of a thousand miles
Begins with a single step."

I wish you joy on the path.

What do I really value?

Each day we hear of new economic crises as old paradigms of security crumble beneath us. Yet amid the debris of broken dreams, there's a chance to renew our dreams, to ask, "What do I really value?"

My favorite quote from Bobby Kennedy shines today with greater clarity than it did in 1968:

"The gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play.

It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages; the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials.

It measures neither our wit nor our courage; neither our wisdom nor our learning; neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country; it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile."

Address at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, March 18, 1968.

Discovery

When was the last time you really played? My puppy, Ginny, insists on playing. All young animals play. It's how they learn, develop their brains, exercise their creativity.

There's a part of you that is forever young, forever in discovery. As a child, you followed your natural curiosity to explore your world, discovering what you were good at, what you loved to do. Beneath all the layers of adult responsibility, all the shoulds and obligations, there's still that young child within you, your source of energy, joy, and creativity.

In chapter 1 of Your Personal Renaissance, I ask readers to reflect on their childhood, to remember what they loved to do. You can do this by visualizing your child self, asking what you loved to do, and making a few notes to yourself.

Did you feel energized when you recalled what brought you joy in childhood? What gifts or talents did your young self demonstrate: a love of nature, courage, kindness, resourcefulness, interpersonal skills, a sense of adventure, teamwork, leadership, artistic talent, or something else?

Now choose one of your favorite gifts and find a way to use it in your life today. If you loved nature as a child, take a walk in a garden or park. If you loved playing team sports, begin an exercise practice or find a way to develop a sense of teamwork in your life. Studies have shown that when we use our gifts--our inner resources--we are happier, healthier, and more successful. Discovering your gifts is the first step on your journey to find your true calling.

You can find more ways to discover your gifts in Your Personal Renaissance, pages 20-37.