Are we making progress individually? Our family? Our community? Our region? Our planet? How do we know? In order to tell, to compare, to decide how to use scarce resources, we have to measure in some way, and every measurement is going to contain cultural biases, be incomplete and contain some emphasis that becomes self-fulfilling. [...]
Archive for the ‘Spirituality’ Category
How Do We Tell?
Posted in Ethics, General economic, Spirituality, Sustainable Economics on May 29, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
The Future’s So Bright – I Gotta Wear Shades
Posted in General economic, New England, Regional Economy, Spirituality on May 29, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Anybody remember Michael Dukakis theme song in his run for president in 1988 (from a song by “Timbuk3?”) The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades. What’s important? Surviving Relationships/friendships Accomplishment/respect Justice Ecology Spirituality How’s your present? How’s your future look? Health Happiness Good work Relationships Your family’s present? Your family’s future? Your community’s present? [...]
Economic Thanks
Posted in Ethics, General economic, Spirituality on April 11, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
I have a very religious son, a chasid, who is visiting during a break from his studies at a yeshiva in Paris. We had a conversation yesterday (probably more me speechifying) on how to remember the sacred in work, and in the world. I’ve known many that have proposed approaches to accomplish that sanctifying of [...]
Growing Up?
Posted in Ethics, Spirituality on January 23, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
I’ve been surprised that even at 56 years old, I can change, learn things, even fairly fundamentally change important things in my life. And, I’ve been made aware that the things that I have learned, I have to reinforce to continue to be functional. I like it. Just dreaming is over.
Prayer
Posted in Ethics, Jewish reflection, Spirituality on December 9, 2010 | 4 Comments »
I’ve started praying regularly, Jewish prayer, three times per day per rabbinic instruction and guidance. Its changed me, for the good. It gives scope to my expansive and imaginative side, and at the same time reinforces the sober promise of living well and kindly and confidently in the actual world.
Exploration into Racism
Posted in Ethics, Jewish reflection, Spirituality on July 11, 2010 | 2 Comments »
I’ve been invited to explore racism. The stimulus for the inquiry was a discussion on another blog, Mondoweiss, by an old friend (I hope he is still), Philip Weiss, who has opened up a similar inquiry there. I want to take this time to first explore what racism is, how it plays in my inter-personal [...]
“My Favorite Things”
Posted in Spirituality on September 14, 2009 | 1 Comment »
One of my heroes, John Coltrane, would play his interpretation of “My Favorite Things” frequently in gigs from the late 50′s until his death in the mid-60′s. I can’t imagine what he was thinking while he was playing, but I would like to think that he was reflecting on what he loved and enjoyed in [...]
Simple person – simple community – simple planet
Posted in Ethics, Jewish reflection, Simplicity, Spirituality on August 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
“Live simply so that others may simply live”. A decade or so ago, an old acquaintance of mine, Vimala McLure wrote a wonderful book, “The Ethics of Love”, which was an elaboration/exploration of the practice of yama/niyama in three relationships: From/To “One”, From/To other individuals, From/To society. (She and another long-time friend Jody Wright are [...]
Daily
Posted in Ethics, Spirituality on August 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Search my heart silently (let God/reality do it, I just make room for it) Ethical review of yesterday: Kindness (1-10) Sincerity (1-10) Respect of others’ person/property (1-10) Sexual moderation (1-10) Simplicity (1-10) Cleanliness/orderliness (1-10) Attitude of acceptance (1-10) Service to others (1-10) Study (1-10) Meditation/prayer (1-10) Affirmations/prayer This morning
