Curiosity

I have been blessed to be married to the most curious person I know. My wife Sandra asks curious questions about everything. “How does that work? How does that song go? I wonder what that means? Is it better this way or that way?”

Sandra sees the world through the eyes of wonder and awe. She is like a wide-eyed excited child. Everything is potentially a new learning experience. She is a student of art, pottery, ceramics, color, form, texture, and shape. Nature is one of her greatest teachers. She is humble, open minded, and open hearted. She finds joy in the learning experience. 

Let us be joyfully curious. Curiosity leads to empathy. When we are curious, we begin the journey to caring about each other. Every day brings us an opportunity to be curious, caring, and empathetic. 

What are you curious about?

What brings you joy?

Because of you

Because of you, my sweet daughter, wheelchairs have wings and surgery is a place for prayer and meditation. 

Because of you, the birds and deer and scampering chipmunk speak to me and I listen. 

Because of you, the sun wraps around me like a cozy blanket and the breeze brushes my hair. 

Because of you, I know peace, gratitude, and unconditional love. 

Because of you everything has meaning. The sycamore and oak speak their wisdom. The chirping birds sing their songs. Friendship is abundant and I try to stay connected. 

Because of you, my sense of purpose never waivers. 

I am here. 

I am aware that I am one little particle of energy in the vast universe of energy. 

You are one with the stars as I smile in receiving your light. 

Habits of the Heart

“The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

As a survivor of heart disease and open heart surgery I fear our divided nation is suffering from heart disease as well. I am constantly asking myself “what do we need to do to heal?” We need to embrace the powers of the heart. We need to embrace empathy, compassion, equity, generosity, courage, and listening, deep listening. 

Our hearts are the home of President Lincoln’s “better angels.” Our “better angels” can be found in reflection, contemplation, meditation, going slow, awe, nature, music, poetry, dance, painting, sculpting, gardening, and service to our community. 

One of my heroes, Dr. Parker Palmer offers these 5 habits of the heart:

1. An understanding that we are all in this together. 

2. An appreciation of the value of “otherness”.

3. An ability to hold tension in life giving ways. 

4. A sense of personal voice and agency. 

5. A capacity to create community. 

How can we participate in these habits of the heart and democracy? 

Can we turn off the phones at mealtime and discuss our day? 

Can we invite someone different than us for a lunch or coffee?

Can we empower student voice in our schools?

Can we build community through our service?

Can we spend some time in reflection?

I would love to hear what answers come to you.