January 17, 2011

January 17, 2011--a new year of challenge and change and, on Martin Luther King Day, a call to live more creatively. I just heard Dr. King's eloquent words on the radio, a reminder to live by our deepest values, to never stop living the dream.

The political climate in this country is polarized, dismissive of differences, riddled with fear and defensiveness. What we need now is the courage to listen with compassion to ourselves and one another. To create new patterns of peace, we must continue to dream, to reach out in hope, to open our hearts to a better tomorrow.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a very old holiday, not only in this country but in many cultures. At this time of year people have traditionally paused to give thanks for the year's harvest.

As the sun shines golden through the bright autumn leaves, I, too, pause to give thanks for my friends, my family of choice, and the beauty of the natural world. Psychologists tell us that "the gratitude practice," the simple act of finding three things to be thankful for each day, can make us happier and healthier.

May you find health, happiness, and a deep sense of peace in this holiday season and may this spirit of peace go forth to heal this beautiful but troubled planet we call home.

Our Greatest Natural Resources

Just posted this article about using our strengths on Ode Magazine's exchange site. We can each create greater joy in our lives and new possibilities for our world by using our strengths more each day.

Contemplative Practices in Action

I'm excited about our new book, Contemplative Practices in Action, published with Tom Plante and my colleagues in Santa Clara's Spirituality and Health Institute. Featuring a foreword by Huston Smith, the book describes contemplative traditions from East and West--including Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Islamic approaches--offering history, current research, and step-by-step instructions for each. We have chapters on the 8-Point Program of Passage Meditation, Centering Prayer, Mindfulness Stress Management, Mantram Meditation, Energizing Meditation, Yoga, and Zen as well as discussions of how a regular contemplative practice can help people deal with job loss, stress, bereavement, chronic pain, psychological disorders, and the challenges of daily life.

Discernment

Here we are on the edge of summer--with a chance to reflect before plunging into a new season.

Living with a the joy of vocation means living our deepest values. Vocation doesn't just happen; it requires ongoing discernment. You can begin by pausing whenever you've finished a task to ask whether you feel:
--a sense of accomplishment
--or just relief.

The answer can light your way to wiser choices and greater joy in life.

New Beginnings

Yesterday on campus I met Juan Gonzalez, who's in the US Air Force, stationed in Colorado. He'll be retiring soon, and is reading Your Personal Renaissance, finishing his master's degree, and planning for the next season of life. I was heartened and inspired by our discussion. May we all embrace life's new seasons with joy, courage, and faith in new possibilities.

Today's challenging job market offers us an unexpected opportunity

Check out
>my new OPED about hope for new graduates--picked up nationally.