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When you step back and look at the American culture, from politics to the economy to the life of a typical American, based on what you see, what would you say is our country’s top priority? Some possible answers might include: money achievement fame acquisition of things growth individualism capitalism Now, without judging the wayRead more

If I stop judging, then what? For some of you, this question may sound silly; while for others, it’s a serious one. So what does happen when you stop judging people, behaviors, situations, opinions, positions, choices? The short answer is you become free — free of having to analyze and assess, free of feeling responsibleRead more

Note from Elise:  Occasionally I invite guests to post their thoughts for you. I think you’ll enjoy their ideas and unique voices. At the end of each post, you can read a brief bio about the guest author. Enjoy! ******* Dan Erickson Unhappiness is not the reason for the lack of melody. It’s not business,Read more

“How significant that the rich, black mud of our dead stream produces the water-lily — out of that fertile slime springs this spotless purity!”  (Henry David Thoreau) So many times we hear people bemoaning their challenging life situations, only to discover years later that they attribute incredible awareness and growth to those same experiences. WhatRead more

I was reminded yesterday of how so many people differentiate between their humanness and their spirituality.  And while there are some benefits to clarifying and separating the two concepts, when it comes to living life here on earth, this distinction can be problematic and create division in our thinking where none is needed. Here’s anRead more

“For what?” you may be asking.  And I would have no answer for you.  For there is no way to know what challenges life has in store for you.  And so we return to the question, “Are you ready?” “What does it look like to be ready?”  Now that’s a great question! You are willingRead more

“That life should appear commonplace to any man is evidence that he has invested it with the coarse habit of his thinking.  Life is beautiful to whomsoever will think beautiful thoughts.  There are no common people but they who think commonly and without imagination or beauty.”  (Stanton Davis Kirkham) We’ve all heard it said thatRead more

“Between stimulus and response there is a space.  In that space is our power to choose our response.  In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”  (Viktor E. Frankl) As human beings, while we are animals, we have the ability to override our animal instincts and baser nature…simply by using our heart and mind.Read more

i began life in a small cocoon mom, dad, home exploring led me to new faces fun experiences and the ability to communicate my thoughts, feelings, questions about life as i grew, so did my world more friends, more ideas i began to question my parents authority, teachers to listen to my friends more andRead more

who are you? who were you ten years ago? and who will you be in ten more? qualities and descriptors are simply place-markers for where you are at a certain point in time then you flex, grow, change, adapt and become the next you what remains constant? your essence, your core your spirited light, yourRead more