Being intentional about how we look

being-intentional-about-how-we-look

How we look and the posture we take in the looking shapes what we expect to find. That’s fine if we’re searching for something tangible we’ve mislaid, and we know where we lost it. Because it stops us from wasting effort and attention, both of which are precious. But how often is this the case? … Read more

Why we don’t celebrate the first pancake

why-we-don't-celebrate-the-first-pancake

This phrase – we don’t celebrate the first pancake – was one of the gems from a recent two-part podcast. Brené Brown, Adam Grant and Simon Sinek gathered for an extended conversation without agenda. Simon hosted it for his podcast A Bit of Optimism. It’s a lovely shorthand to remind us that it’s not about … Read more

The gift of perspective

the-gift-of-perspective

Seeing the sunrise as it gathers speed coming down the western side of the valley is a gift in perspective. There is nothing I can do to affect its trajectory or its stunning beauty. And each morning, it reminds me that I am part of something bigger than myself. What shapes your perspective?

Choosing how to live this day

choosing-how-to-live-this-day

May I live this day Compassionate of heart,Clear in word,Gracious in awareness,Courageous in thought,Generous in love. + John O’Donohue, excerpt from For Matins, in Benedictus: A Book of Blessings The choices we make define us. Let’s choose well for the days ahead.

Come step into the quiet

come-step-into-the-quiet

I am not sure we can hear and see what we really need in the rush and noise. Sure, we might find answers to the immediate issues of today. Yet do they have the wisdom of time and space? Pause and step into the quiet with this poem from the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda: KEEPING … Read more

Standing back to see forward

standing-back-to-see-forward

When we only see what is in front of our eyes, we fail to see the whole picture. Yes, it feels like a contradiction, but let’s think about it. What’s in front of us doesn’t take account of what’s in us. And more than that, it only allows us to perceive as far as our … Read more