Several years ago I attended a Zen meditation session at Alfred University. The teacher, Dr. Benjamin Howard, continues to keep me on his mailing list and I receive Buddhist quotes periodically in my inbox. Today instead of the usual quote I received instead a link to an article that appeared in a recent issue of the New York Times. Continue reading “Mindfulness in an elementary school”
Mystical mountain
Today was a special day. Mom accompanied me to Mass at Mt. Irenaeus. I knew that I’d get a chance to see and perhaps hear once again the lovely voice of Cyprian Consiglio. What I didn’t know until I arrived was that Cyprian would be the celebrant of today’s liturgy. Continue reading “Mystical mountain”
Crap
In today’s news there is word from General Petraeus, the latest pawn in Game Iraq that we’re succeeding in a new surge against Al-Qaida strongholds. I say that is essentially meaningless crap. A friend of mine used to say, “crap is crap and the square root of crap is still crap.” Continue reading “Crap”
Future of crapitalism
That’s not a typo. Consider one form of biomass that we’ve been trying to rid ourselves of for centuries. Click here for an interesting article at Treehugger.com
Did you know?
I’ve seen the following presentation a number of times and each time I come away with something a little different. I love the music but I love the thoughts highlighted by the music. I work in a small school system that is populated with students, teachers, administrators and parents. In many ways our school is a place where children go for formation. Continue reading “Did you know?”
Business for Human Beings
Ubuntu is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. It’s a unique and timely concept. Ubuntu’s slogan, “Linux for human beings,” is an extension of the concept. Imagine such a radical concept as an active concern for all humanity and even the world itself. It almost sounds like a concept advanced by St. Francis of Assisi. Continue reading “Business for Human Beings”
Fully engaged
Winning is important to me, but what brings me real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever I’m doing.
Phil Jackson
I like Phil Jackson and I like this quote. One of my favorite books is Sacred Hoops:Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior. There’s more than basketball to that book.
Fallow
For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield; but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the wild animals may eat.
– Exodus 23:10-11
There’s a novel concept or is it. I think there is a great deal of wisdom there and it’s an axiom that isn’t practiced much in our production-consumption oriented culture. We’re so busy being busy that we don’t take time to let it lie fallow for a year. What part of your field would you allow to lie fallow this year?
Looking busy
If you need help looking busy at work follow this link.
Attitude of Gratitude
I’ve long heard it said that an attitude of gratitude is one of the secrets of a healthy, happy life. This post at Lifehack.org really sums that up and I thought it was worth sharing.
In today’s hectic and competitive world, there is so much negativity floating around that it is easy to get taken in by it. Pessimistic attitudes lead to chronic depressions and a negative mind is actually a magnet for ailments and sadness. We often complain about what we do not have and take for granted what has been provided to us.