Some of us love surprises. A thrill runs through us when we discover something we did not expect. Surprises are always new. We see surprises as gifts life gives us to keep us on our toes. Surprises help us be more open to the spiritual life in the world around us. Others see surprises as part of […]
Spiritual Life is Full of Surprises Read More »
This may be the summer after high school, or college, graduation for you. It may be the summer after you finished grad school, or your dissertation. You may have spent your entire life working toward this summer. Now it is here. It may be a summer filled with expectations, anxieties, and questions for you. After
Which Way Do We Go Next? Read More »
We expect that leaders already know what they are talking about. We think we want our leaders to be steadfast and certain. We believe we are looking for leaders who know exactly where they are leading us. Leaders with new ideas who want to try new approaches can make us a little nervous. Who knows where we
Laboratory of Leadership Read More »
Our lives do not include room for reflection. We do not have time to pay attention. We have gotten out of the habit of listening, even to ourselves. We are busy entertaining ourselves and each other. We carry music, books, movies, and other distractions on our devices wherever we go. We put much more effort into
Spiritual Life is Fed in Reflection Read More »
In a couple of days my fellow citizens and I will celebrate our Independence Day. We will spend our day grilling and eating, then blowing things up in the evening. Across the country almost all of us will celebrate our independence the same way everyone else does. I believe the time has come for us to declare our independence once
Celebrating Independence Read More »
Some leaders become great because they plan and prepare. Some become great because they are adaptable and flexible. Some leaders find their greatness in persistence and perseverance, overcoming all obstacles. Some find greatness in how they inspire the people around them. Some people become great leaders by being patient, while others find greatness in impatience.
Where Is Your Greatness? Read More »
There are people who think spiritual life is a way to run away from the real world. They see spiritual life as a crutch, an escape, a way to ignore or avoid what is really happening. Some people talk about my brother and sister monks as if they were hiding behind cloister walls. They seem
Spiritual Life Looks Truth in the Eye and Does Not Blink Read More »
Leadership is not the same as running a race or climbing a mountain. We do not cross the leadership finish line, or reach the leadership summit. There have been times when I thought if I checked off all the boxes I could become a leader. I thought I needed to finish school, to get enough experience,
Leadership is Not Something We Accomplish Read More »
Wired for Authenticity by Henna Inam is a valuable tool for leaders seeking to lead from their true selves. Henna, who leads Transformational Leadership, Inc., first spells out the case for authentic leadership. On that foundation, she builds a supportive framework of practices to help people become authentic leaders. She concludes by describing how those
Book Review: Wired for Authenticity Read More »
We like to think spiritual life grows deeper as we learn and gain experience. We believe spiritual life becomes stronger as we study ideas or memorize quotations. We see spiritual life as a product of what we know. When we know more, we will recognize more of the sacred depth all around us. I value
Spiritual Life is About Not Knowing Read More »
