The Only Conversation of Value

"It is a terrible, an inexorable, law that one cannot deny the humanity of another without diminishing one's own: in the face of one's victim, one sees oneself.'' - James Baldwin

As a literature student, I was always moved by Baldwin's writing.  The above quote speaks to our challenges as a nation today.  I am inspired to know that cutting edge researchers in the Humanities (biology, spirituality, neuroscience, literature, and the social sciences) agree.

We are all one; we are all united.  
At this point in human evolution, the only conversation of value is
How do we work together?
How do we listen to each other?
How do we celebrate each other?
How do we love each other?

The Neuroscience of Optimism

Dr. Andrew Newberg of Jefferson University Hospital reports, "Hope, faith, and optimism are the best ways to exercise your brain."  Our inner critic (pessimist) resides in the right pre-frontal lobe of our brain.  Our inner optimist resides in the left pre-frontal lobe of our brain.  Research shows that people who consistently maintain hope and optimism are the happiest and most successful people in the world.

Which voice do you choose to listen to?

Barbara Frederickson, one of the founders of Positive Psychology, recommends, "Every time you catch yourself having a negative feeling, focus on your attitude on three to five positive aspects of your life."

Begin with reviewing what went well today.  What did you do that helped others?  What are you grateful for?

The research shows if we do this for seven days, our self-esteem will grow for the following three months.

The Road Less Taken

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost

I look back on my choices.  I have often chosen the less traveled road.  I have followed the “still, small voice” that has called me to deeper meaning and higher learning.  Creativity, innovation, imagination, and a constant re-inventing of my life has led me to a very unique wisdom.  I follow the wisdom path traveled by Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mandela.  

When I feel diminished or broken, I rest for a day or two and begin again.  I read, pray, talk with my beloved wife Sandra, stay close to our angelic daughter Ashley, and reconnect to my passion and mission.

We are all a part of a divine spiritual birthright.  We are eternal.  We are ever evolving change agents of an ending we will not witness.  The power to choose our path is a daily offering.  Be your unique self, follow your passion. Travel the road less taken.  It will make all the difference.

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