I am essentially a midwestern boy, born and raised in rural Wisconsin. I now live in southern California. I really like living where I live now, but there are some differences that I really do not understand. One of the challenges I have is the difference in how people understand animals here in Los Angeles vs. Midwest. Warning: Minor rant to follow. I grew up in the country. Our perspective was simply that there were only two kinds of animals... Read more
1. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. People riding bikes, skateboards, scooters, skates, and other vehicles will yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk. 2. Children should be seen, and not heard. 3. If you respect other people, then they will respect you. 4. When you want to cross the street, go to the crosswalk on the corner. Stop; look both ways; listen; go across only when it is safe. People driving cars, trucks, and buses, as well as riding bicycles and other... Read more
I talk to a lot of people. I meet with people as a spiritual director, and listen to their stories. I meet with people as a consultant to nonprofit groups, and hear what they think of themselves as leaders and of their organizations. I talk to people at church; I talk with people as I get coffee; I talk to people about sports or books or movies or politics throughout my day. One thing characterizes how almost everyone I talk... Read more
One of the greatest gifts for me in being part of Facebook is the opportunity to reconnect with people I have not seen or talked with for a long time. Some of the first people who “friended” me on the day I set up my profile are people I have not talked with since we graduated together from high school, or college. I have seen that people have gotten married and divorced, been widowed, raised children and grandchildren, settled down... Read more
I read a lot. I have loved books for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up, I was one of those kids who perennially won the reading contests at the public library. I love bookstores and libraries, and can spend hours shopping for books online. There is nothing quite like the scent of a new book, or the feel of the weight of a book in your hand. I believe that nearly any new thing which... Read more
Hello, and Happy 2011! New Year’s is one of my favorite holidays. I love the love the feeling of making a fresh start, letting go of the past, and turning the first page in a new book. I remember specific New Year’s holidays of past years, some in cities and some in the country. Growing up in the Midwest it was usually cold and crisp, and we watched the Rose Bowl every year. There was a worldwide celebration eleven years... Read more
I am trained and certified as a spiritual director. I am a lay oblate at a Benedictine monastery. I have also coordinated the contemplative life ministries at various churches. I practice, and introduce other people to, centering prayer. For a lot of people, hearing about prayer can create separation and build walls between us. Some people are intimidated or become anxious when they hear these things; other people tend to think that I might be a little wacky. The monastic... Read more
It sometimes feels like living in the 21st century is all about getting and staying connected; to friends and family, to the internet, to popular culture, to podcasts and downloads. With the demands most of us have on our time and attention, it is easy for us to become imbalanced and to lose touch with the more lasting, meaningful connections in our lives. Each of us needs to take time regularly to strengthen these connections through prayer and listening to... Read more
The following is a book review I recently had published on Bonnie Thurston’s For God Alone: A Primer on Prayer. I believe that God is always present and waiting for me to pay attention, and that prayer is the way I attend to God’s presence. Prayer is how I relate to God, and my “methods” of prayer have changed over time. I have learned how to pray by praying; it takes practice. One of the most significant things I do... Read more
My name is Greg. I’m a non profit management consultant and spiritual director. I am so excited to journey with you through this blog in 2011. It’s going to be a phenomenal year. Here are just some of the things I hope to blog about in 2011: Leadership Non-profit Management Tips Benedictine Spirituality “Faith on Tap” (The philosophical connection between monasticism and breweries!) Riveting Book Reviews and Recommendations Lectio Divina Read more
Strategic Monk
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In