This story appears in the new book Wake Up Call: Daily Insights for the Spiritually Curious. As you grow older, do you really begin to figure it all out? Do you start to realize what your purpose was here on Earth and what you need to do before your departure from this life? After years of reading about and talking to elders, I think the answer is mixed. In short, some people just don’t figure it out—but the flip side... Read more
If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, it will be enough. ~Meister Eckhart What are you thankful for? Chances are, if you stop what you’re doing right now, you can come up with a bunch of reasons to give thanks. Think about everything, from the people you love, to the roof over your head, to the phone or computer you’re reading this on. No matter what’s wrong in your life right now, you must admit that there... Read more
Pick up the classic Chinese philosophy book titled Tao Te Ching and its logic may escape you. That’s how I felt when I read it years ago, puzzled by lines like “when nothing is done, nothing is left undone.” But taking a closer look today, it’s beginning to make more sense. The Tao Te Ching is comprised of aphorisms (or sayings) that detail the principles of a philosophy called the Tao. Added together, these sayings have been alternately defined as... Read more
The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. ~Eden Phillpotts What if there was magic in the world that was just out of your view? What if by honing your instincts, by taking the time to look at life a little more closely, it revealed itself? The magic I’m talking about here has nothing to do with sleight of hand or pulling a bunny out of a hat. It’s about the magical realization... Read more
How do you start your day upon waking up? After you hit the alarm, do you immediately reach for your phone and start scrolling through email or social media posts? Or do you ease into your day, making sure your head is clear and you’re spiritually centered before facing the world? Tim Ferriss, the author and podcaster, is a big proponent of a regular morning practice and has found that if he can do five specific activities each morning, he... Read more
I heard the voice of God in 1993. At least, I believe it was God. I had just completed a 6-mile run in a local park, the weather was overcast and misty. As I walked slowly to cool off, everything around me went quiet. A voice came into my head, one I swear to you was not my own. It instructed me to take a series of steps that would lead me to move half-way across the country and reconnect... Read more
Whether it’s a son or daughter, niece or nephew, granddaughter or grandson, we all want to pass along the life lessons we’ve learned to the important people in our lives. Yet, as we all know, it can often be hard to find the appropriate time to share our well-earned wisdom. I have a daughter who is a junior in college and I’ve come to realize that the best way to communicate is often not through the grand gesture or big... Read more
Whenever I feel myself getting stressed and overburdened by the demands of work and/or life, I often come to a sudden realization: I haven’t been meditating lately. It’s weird how this very simple act—and meditation is simple—has the almost magical effect of calming you down and making you better prepared for the day ahead. It’s a way to get your chattering “monkey-mind” under control, so you’re not captive to your brain incessantly jumping from thought to thought to thought. Meditation... Read more
There are two kinds of New Year resolutions you can make. One is outward facing, pledging to be a better spouse or parent, boss or employee, or engaging in any behavior that makes the world around you a better place. (For instance, by being more kind.) The other kind of resolution is inward facing. While for many of us this can mean a renewed commitment to exercise more and shed a few pounds, what I’m talking about here is an... Read more
For those who say it is hard to find good news these days, let me tell you the story of Jon Potter of Pittsburgh, PA. He may be the kindest person in the world. I learned of Jon earlier this year in a story published in The Washington Post titled: ‘I have $1500 that I’m giving away’: Man becomes legend for extreme acts of kindness toward strangers. Potter has used his limited financial resources and skills as a handyman to... Read more
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