Our highest self

Everyone needs recognition of who they really are on the highest level. When we see the world from the perspective of our highest self we radiate connection, positivity, and unconditional love. We heal the feeling of separation and exclusion.

"There is a divine spark in everyone, no matter how dim."

- God speaking in Joan of Arcadia

When we feel good, we do good. When we know better, we do better.

"I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies; education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits."

- Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane." - Mahatma Gandhi

We are social beings and the roots of our mental and physical health reside in our social connection and community building. It is our responsibility, as fellow human beings to ensure that each of us has enough. We have the resources to intervene with poverty, homelessness and violence. Like the good Samaritan, we need to be other person centered, not self-centered.

We have to learn to trust each other rather than live in fear of someone we "perceive" as different from us. Human evolution and history has proven that when we trust each other and learn to cooperate we grow, succeed and evolve. When we distrust each other, we die. Trust and cooperation are the foundation of health and humanity.

When we feel good, we do good. When we know better, we do better.

"Engaging in conversations where we feel heard and respected helps us relax, build trust, create positive connection and psychological safety." - Dr. Kelli Harding

Engaging in conversation must go beyond Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and your phone. We need to be in face-to-face conversations. Trust allows us to acknowledge our differences and peacefully work to resolve differences.

"The choice is not between violence and non-violence but between violence and non-existence."

- Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Human rights

Human rights begin in our individual hearts and minds. Human rights are in the decisions and choices I make on a daily basis. Human rights begin in my home. How I treat my wife. How I care for our special needs daughter. Human rights are in the conscious words of love and respect I choose to use with those that are closest to me.

Human rights are in my neighborhood. My choice to smile and say hello to everyone who passes me on my walk. My choice to engage with the people at the grocery store. My willingness to listen to the thoughts and feelings of all who enter my home and office.

Human rights are in every connection, interaction, speech, class and workshop I offer to educators. Human rights are in my inclusion, acceptance and respect of all differences.

Human rights are in my honoring the legacy of all those who have served our nation and our world. For all the lives given to bring peace and understanding to this planet.

Human rights are in my working for equality, justice, opportunity, dignity and respect for all life.

Our human brains are hardwired for empathy. Love and kindness are in our DNA. Through the practice of love, kindness and empathy we will give and receive human rights for all.

Enthusiasm

The word enthusiasm has it's roots in the Greek language.  'en' (one with) and 'theos' (the divine).   So enthusiasm literally means to be one with the Divine. When we are enthusiastic we are being one with the Divine energy. We are one with God. When we are enthusiastic, we are connected. We are whole. We cannot force ourselves to be enthusiastic.  Enthusiasm is spontaneous. It happens when we are fully immersed in life. It happens when we are passionately one with an idea, a project, a practice or a person. It is an experience of unity filled with joy.