🌍 The World in 2050: A Future Shaped by the Progress of Our Present

This month, we crossed a threshold where we are now closer to the year 2050 than the year 2000. In 2025, we are constantly bombarded with negative imagery, wars, threats, and reasons to be fearful. Our leaders yearn for days of the past they want to take us back to. It is seems the challenges ahead of us are insurmountable.

But evidence does not support this fear based world. In fact, a student of history can demonstrate we are more likely to overcome our differences than to succumb to them. Our brightest days are ahead of us if we work to create them.

If you were born before the year 2000, you’ve already witnessed a world transformed. The rise of the internet, smartphones in every pocket, renewable energy growth, artificial intelligence breakthroughs, and life-saving medical advances have all become part of daily life. But what if the trajectory we’ve been on — socially, technologically, and environmentally — continues to accelerate in the same spirit of innovation and reform?

Let’s take a trip to 2050 — not a dystopian future, but a world built on the momentum of the last 50 years of progress.

🌱 A Climate-Conscious Civilization

Clean air. Renewable power. Resilient systems.

In 2050, the energy transition is largely complete. Solar, wind, and geothermal now power the majority of the world’s infrastructure. Battery storage and smart grids have made energy abundant and accessible — even in previously underserved regions. Cities run on clean energy, and the air in once-polluted metropolises like Delhi and Los Angeles is fresh and breathable.

Massive reforestation and carbon capture projects, kickstarted in the 2020s, have reversed decades of atmospheric damage. Climate change hasn’t disappeared — but we adapted in time to avoid the worst. Coastal cities have upgraded their defenses, agriculture has become climate-smart, and the circular economy has become the default rather than the exception.

🤖 A Technologically Augmented Life

AI-enhanced creativity. Safer transportation. Smarter living.

Artificial intelligence has grown from a niche tool to a silent partner in everyday life. AI tutors tailor education to each student’s learning style. Healthcare AI systems diagnose illness with incredible precision and prevent disease before symptoms even appear. Autonomous vehicles have eliminated most traffic accidents, and mobility is no longer a barrier to opportunity.

The fusion of AI and human creativity has ushered in a cultural renaissance. Artists, designers, and storytellers collaborate with machines to produce new forms of expression, pushing the boundaries of music, film, literature, and visual art.

Meanwhile, augmented reality and virtual reality have redefined “place.” You can attend a concert in Tokyo, a lecture at Harvard, and a dinner with your family across the globe — all in the same evening.

🌍 A More Just and Inclusive Global Society

Equity is no longer a fringe idea — it’s policy.

If the social progress of the early 21st century continues, by 2050 we may see a world that is markedly more equitable and inclusive. The gender gap has shrunk significantly. Diversity is not just celebrated but embedded into governance, business, and education. More countries have embraced democratic values, and technology has enabled a deeper kind of civic participation — direct democracy through secure blockchain voting, for example.

The internet has become a human right. Universal access to education, knowledge, and opportunity is available through global learning platforms and open-source tools. Poverty has not been eradicated completely, but extreme poverty is rare, thanks to global investment in infrastructure, education, and health.

🌐 From Nationalism to Global Cosmopolitanism

A world that thinks in “we,” not just “me.”

The 2020s were marked by a surge in nationalist politics — walls went up, alliances fractured, and fear of the “other” defined much of the decade. But in hindsight, that period looks more like the final gasp of an old world order than the birth of a new one.

By the 2030s, a shift began. As global crises — pandemics, climate disasters, cyberattacks — continued to cross borders, it became painfully clear that no nation could solve these challenges alone. The result was a slow but profound move toward global cooperation and cosmopolitan identity.

In 2050, international institutions have been revitalized and democratized. There’s a Global Commons Council that governs planetary resources like the oceans, atmosphere, and space. Cities form regional alliances across borders based on shared challenges, not national divisions. Younger generations, raised on global platforms and intercultural collaboration, see themselves as both citizens of their nations and of the world.

Patriotism still exists, but it’s not zero-sum. Love of country no longer requires fear of another. National pride now flows from global contribution — what a country gives, not just what it protects.

🧬 Health and Longevity Reimagined

Longer lives. Better lives.

Medical science has exploded in capability. Gene editing, personalized medicine, and regenerative therapies have extended not just the human lifespan but the healthspan. People are routinely living healthy lives well into their 90s and beyond. Mental health is treated with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health, and stigma has largely faded.

Diseases that were once chronic — diabetes, heart disease, even some cancers — have either been cured or managed to the point of invisibility through beneficial updates to the food system. Global pandemics, thanks to real-time viral detection and universal vaccine platforms, are neutralized within weeks rather than years.

🚀 A New Space Age

Not just reaching for the stars — working among them.

Human presence beyond Earth has expanded dramatically. There are now scientific research stations on the Moon and a permanent human settlement on Mars. Space is no longer the domain of governments alone — universities, private companies, and global coalitions participate in a new era of exploration.

Earth-orbiting satellites deliver instantaneous global internet. Space-based solar arrays beam clean energy back to Earth. The stars are no longer unreachable dreams but shared frontiers.

🌐 The Spirit of 2050

The defining feature of 2050, if we stay on our current course, won’t be flying cars or robot butlers — it will be balance. A balance between technology and humanity. Between progress and sustainability. Between individual freedom and collective well-being.

This is not a utopia. There will still be conflict, inequality, and struggle. But the difference is: we will have the tools, the wisdom, and the global will to address them.

2050 won’t be the finish line. It’ll be proof that we chose the right path when it mattered most — and that the best is still ahead of us.

The world is waiting. What will you help build?

July 4, 2025 0

Fear, Violence, and the Power of Radical Nonviolence

As I reflect on the military being deployed to Los Angeles this week, I question why we are so afraid. The escalating use of violence by citizens, police, and military units is not new. Wars have been fought, won and lost through the use of violence, but the average person is never better off at the end of a war than at the beginning. We have a tendency as humans to allow our fears to justify violence, but this is always a short sighted response. Escalations continue until someone moves past the willingness to “fight back” and demonstrates true courage through radical nonviolence.

Violence is often misunderstood as a show of strength. But at its core, violence is rooted in fear—fear of loss, fear of vulnerability, fear of the other. When individuals, groups, or nations resort to violence, they often do so out of a desperate need to control what feels uncontrollable. But while violence might offer a temporary illusion of power, history has shown time and again that the most enduring transformations come not from domination, but from the courageous demonstration of those unwilling to back down, but also unwilling to allow fear to overcome reason.

Violence: A Reaction Born from Fear

Fear is primal. It’s the survival instinct that kicks in when we feel threatened. But when left unchecked, fear can lead us down a destructive path. Violence is the knee-jerk reaction that seeks to extinguish perceived threats through force. Whether it’s the fear of losing power, identity, territory, or dignity, violence promises a swift answer. But it rarely brings peace—only more fear, more wounds, and more cycles of retaliation.

Responding to violence with violence may feel justified, even necessary, in the moment. But it often reinforces the very structures of oppression and conflict it seeks to dismantle. It escalates harm, fractures communities, and perpetuates trauma across generations.

The Transformative Power of Nonviolence

Radical nonviolence, on the other hand, requires immense courage and discipline. It is not passivity or weakness—it is the deliberate and strategic refusal to meet hatred with hatred. It seeks to disarm not just weapons, but the dehumanizing ideologies that fuel violence in the first place.

History offers us remarkable examples of leaders who chose nonviolence as a powerful tool for justice and change:

Mahatma Gandhi

Facing the brutal oppression of British colonialism in India, Gandhi pioneered satyagraha—the philosophy of nonviolent resistance rooted in truth and love. Through massive civil disobedience campaigns like the Salt March and the Quit India Movement, Gandhi mobilized millions. Despite violent crackdowns, he insisted on peaceful protest. The result: the eventual withdrawal of British forces and the birth of an independent India. His approach not only broke the chains of colonial rule but inspired a global movement for nonviolent resistance.

Martin Luther King Jr.

In the segregated American South, Dr. King picked up the torch of nonviolence. Drawing from both Christian teachings and Gandhian principles, he led marches, boycotts, and sit-ins that exposed the cruelty of Jim Crow laws. He understood that responding with violence would play into the hands of oppressors. Instead, he chose love, even in the face of bombs, dogs, and jail cells. His leadership helped pass landmark civil rights legislation and reshaped the conscience of a nation.

The Dalai Lama

After China invaded Tibet, the Dalai Lama could have called for armed resistance. Instead, he became the living symbol of compassion and forgiveness. Exiled from his homeland, he has tirelessly advocated for Tibetan autonomy through peaceful means. Even after decades of cultural repression and personal exile, he continues to preach understanding, inner peace, and nonviolence as the only viable path to freedom.

Other Voices of Peace

Nelson Mandela, though initially aligned with armed resistance, eventually chose reconciliation over revenge, guiding South Africa through the end of apartheid with remarkable grace.

César Chávez, founder of the United Farm Workers, used fasting and nonviolent protest to bring attention to the exploitation of agricultural workers.

Malala Yousafzai, who was shot for advocating girls’ education in Pakistan, responded not with vengeance, but with a global campaign for education and empowerment.

Why Nonviolence Works

Radical nonviolence works not because it avoids conflict, but because it reframes it. It refuses to accept the terms of oppression, yet also refuses to dehumanize the oppressor. It creates moral tension, revealing the cruelty of unjust systems while inviting change rooted in dignity.

Nonviolence appeals to the conscience, not just the power dynamics. It builds coalitions, not walls. And most importantly, it breaks cycles. Instead of sowing the seeds of the next war, it plants the foundations of lasting peace.

A Call for Courage

In a world still brimming with injustice, inequality, and conflict, the path of nonviolence remains as vital—and as challenging—as ever. It demands that we confront our fears, reimagine strength, and practice the kind of love that risks everything but hates no one.

Violence may seem like the faster path to change. But if we want peace that lasts beyond the battlefield, we must choose the slower, deeper, and infinitely more courageous path of nonviolence.

Let us not underestimate the quiet power of those who choose peace in the face of violence. They are not reacting to their fears—they are transforming it. And in doing so, they can change the world.

June 13, 2025 1

Where do we go from here?

I started this blog eight years ago after the first election of Donald Trump. It was (and is) an introspective reflection of what I aspire to be and the good I see in the world. The lead up to the 2016 election was filled with vitriol and hate. My first blog post was about how we need reconciliation as a country. It pains me to say we find ourselves in an even deeper hole eight years later.

After Trump’s first election, I took a step back. I could not wrap my head around why conservative Christians would elect a person who so blatantly disregards the principles they stand for. I took a deep dive into meta-cognition, asking myself: how do I know what I know? I read the classics, from Plato and Aristotle to Descartes and Kant. I researched psychology from William James to Martin Seligman to Philip Zambardo. I studied history from Caesar, to Lincoln, to George Marshall. Along with readings in business, economics and leadership, I have read over 400 books since Trump’s first election.

Below are the timeless takeaways I have found:

In our hearts, people deeply desire to love and be loved. To do good and be good. To connect and be connected.
People fear losses more than they appreciate gains. The fear of loss is the most powerful motivator and is genesis of hate between people.
Individuals take logical actions based on their frame of reference. The clearer your frame is, the better outcome you will receive.
There is more information available than any individual’s ability to understand it. Thus, we all have incomplete frames of reference.
Individuals, communities, and nations prosper when they collaborate with their neighbors.
The suffering of individuals, the failing of communities, and the collapse of nations is not caused by the presence of enemies. It is caused by the apathy of friends.
The arc of history bends toward justice. We are living in better times today than at any point in history.
There are powerful forces working to misinform you because they are afraid of losing their own power.

I find these takeaways to be most relevant, because I truly believe we need to re-ground ourselves in fundamental truths before we can address the current state of global and national geopolitics. Our problems are rooted in the tension created by the above truths. However, I believe the majority of Americans believe in a better future and are willing to work toward it. We want a better form of leadership.

I also believe their is overwhelming agreement on the below principles, even if their is disagreement upon the policy solution:

Working middle class people have been left behind by globalism. Although the total economy has expanded, the majority of the benefit has gone to the elite.
The two party system has been corrupted by finances and is not serving average Americans. Politicians have to spend too much time raising money and not enough time solving problems.
Concentration of power in the Federal government and mega-corporations is an inherent problem, because it concentrates power in the hands of very few people. As noted, no one has a perfect frame of reference, so concentrated power will ALWAYS result in distorted outcomes.
We believe in both individual freedom AND collective action. We want laws that work and are enforced. We want leaders who inspire us to build better communities.
We are terrified by the path we have been headed down for the past eight years. It seems that no matter who is in office, the problems we face are amplified rather than resolved.

I am writing these things because I need to bring back the best version of myself. The person who believes we can work together for a brighter future. Make no mistake, I remain and will remain a staunch opponent of Donald Trump, and any follower of his who uses fear mongering to divide us. But I remain open to any conservative idea that reflects love, peace, rationality and prosperity.

I believe it is incumbent upon you and me, the average citizens of America, to discard the divisiveness currently defining American politics. We need to throw out the labels of Republican and Democrat. We need to tune out Fox News and MSNBC. We need to turn off our phones and head to the library. We need to talk to our neighbors with the intent to understand their struggle, not to convince them of our own righteousness.

I will admit, it has been difficult to maintain a positive outlook recently, for personal, professional and political reasons. At times, I have not showed up as the person I aspire to be. And yet, alert and healthy natures realize that the sun rose clear. It is never too late to give up our prejudices.

In the coming weeks, months and years, I hope to continue sharing with you, both to gain understanding of our world and to inspire myself and others in becoming the people we aspire to be, to build the communities we want to live in and to continue writing a uniquely human story, where good people stand together in the face of adversity to create a better world for us all.

November 27, 2024 0

The World is Less Volatile Than Ever Before

Last week, I attended the Securities Industry Institute hosted by the University of Pennsylvania. The faculty and speakers were outstanding. The week was filled with thought provoking content about the current and future state of business and financial services. A recurring theme was the need for strategic agility and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment. The term VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) was consistently called out as a challenge to modern leaders. In fact, today’s business executives believe decision making is harder now than it was thirty years ago.

While I am in full agreement that adaptability is critical for success, I am a wholehearted skeptic that today’s world is more volatile than it has been before. Recency bias and a lack of historical perspective may be clouding our view of what life was like thirty, one hundred, or one thousand years ago. In an era often characterized by rapid change and uncertainty, it is essential to recognize the significant strides humanity has made towards stability and peace. Despite ongoing challenges, the world today is less volatile than at any other point in history. We need to recognize how far we have come so that we can continue the journey through our ambiguous and complex times.

An Accurate Perspective Requires Broad Historical Context

Let’s take a look at some current events which lead us to believe we live in exceptionally volatile times.

COVID vs Pre-Modern Pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives in ways none of us previously experienced. It was a time of great ambiguity, as no one knew the appropriate course of action. Many of us lost loved ones to the virus, which is an absolute tragedy. There have been around 7 million global COVID related deaths at the time of this writing.

At the same time, this represents only 0.1% of the global population. Compare this to the Spanish flu 100 years ago, where nearly 50 million people died, or about one out of every three people. The Black Death was even more devastating, killing half of Europe in 14th and 15th centuries. And likely the most egregious case of them all, when disease caused a near complete genocide of indigenous Americans, killing nearly 95% of all inhabitants of the Americas after 1492.

COVID was a tragedy, but collective action, information sharing and modern medicine mitigated the devastating losses humanity has experienced in the past.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded the Ukraine on an unprovoked basis. It was shocking to most of us to see a modern invasion of this magnitude. There has been incredible suffering by the Ukrainian people that cannot be overlooked. The free world should stand behind Ukraine and against the oppressive rule of authoritarianism.

And yet, the current suffering of the Ukrainian people pales in comparison to the past. In the 1930’s, Joseph Stalin created a famine in the Ukraine to suppress its people, creating a genocide, known as the Holodomor, of nearly 4 million Ukrainians. Compare this against just over 10,000 civilian deaths since the most recent instance of Ukraine’s invasion. Lest we forget, the Soviet Union was an initial collaborator of the Nazi’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Compare this against the near unanimous European solidarity against Russia today, which includes the conversion of a historically neutral Sweden into a NATO ally.

The lessons learned after WWII have been applied to the war in Ukraine. While it was a surprise when war actually came, diplomatic channels had already made NATO allies aware of Putin’s intentions, and the Biden administration publicly predicted the invasion weeks before it occurred. Ukrainian resistance and international cooperation thwarted Russia’s march toward Kiev. A united front against a totalitarian can bend the arc of history toward freedom.

War in the Holy Land

The attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023 was a shocking and horrific attack. The ensuing Israeli invasion has been equally and even more disturbing. And while each war has its own unique causes and atrocities, this is the ninth war Israel has fought since it became an independent nation in 1948.

The unfortunate truth is that war in the Holy land is as normal as peace. This is a land occupied by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Hebrews, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans, British and Palestinians prior to the formation of modern Israel. War should always outrage us when it occurs, but this war is not a sign of the times becoming more volatile. It’s a sign volatility is part of human existence.

Gender and Racial Inequality

Recent events have highlighted the persistent and intersecting inequality women and people of color face. From George Floyd, to the Supreme Court Dobbs decision, to the ongoing border crisis, America still falls short of living up to the creeds written in the Declaration of Independence and inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.

And yet…black unemployment is at an all time low. The gender pay gap is as narrow as it ever has been. The incarceration rate has been falling over the last decade. The 118th Congress is the most diverse in history, both by gender and race. We are not yet where we need to be, but on the long march to equality, there is more road behind us than there is left to travel.

Our Progress Depends on Connection, Understanding, Democracy and Rule of Law

The ideas of the Enlightenment have created global prosperity unknown to previous generations. As leaders and individuals, we must continue to advocate for the ideas that support progress:

Global Connectivity: The interconnectedness facilitated by technology and globalization has created a web of economic, social, and political ties that incentivize cooperation over conflict. Nations are more reliant on each other’s stability, fostering diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes peacefully.
Diplomatic Channels: The proliferation of diplomatic channels and institutions, such as the United Nations and regional organizations, provides platforms for dialogue and conflict resolution. Diplomatic efforts have prevented many potential conflicts from escalating into full-scale wars.
Democratization: The spread of democracy around the world has led to more accountable and responsive governance structures. Democratically elected leaders are often constrained by institutions and public opinion, reducing the likelihood of authoritarian abuses and internal strife.
International Law and Norms: The establishment and enforcement of international laws and norms have created a framework for resolving disputes and holding aggressors accountable. Treaties and conventions on issues like human rights and armed conflict provide a common standard for behavior.
Economic Interdependence: The deepening economic ties between nations have created mutual interests in maintaining stability and avoiding conflict. War disrupts trade and investment, making it an unattractive option for most countries.
Advancements in Conflict Resolution: Innovations in conflict resolution techniques, such as mediation, arbitration, and peacekeeping operations, have been instrumental in preventing and resolving conflicts. These mechanisms provide non-violent alternatives for addressing grievances.
Technological Advancements: Technological advancements have improved communication, surveillance, and military capabilities, making it easier to detect and deter potential threats. Additionally, technological innovations in agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure have lifted millions out of poverty, reducing social instability.
Global Governance Initiatives: Collaborative initiatives to address global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and terrorism, demonstrate the willingness of nations to work together for the common good. Multilateral agreements and partnerships strengthen collective security and resilience.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Increased cultural exchange and understanding have fostered empathy and tolerance among diverse communities. People are more inclined to resolve differences peacefully when they recognize shared humanity and common aspirations.
Youth Empowerment and Education: Greater access to education and opportunities for young people empower them to participate in shaping their societies positively. Educated and engaged youth are less susceptible to extremist ideologies and more likely to advocate for peace and progress.

These concepts have created and will continue to develop a prosperous world, as long as we stay committed to listening to each other and standing up for progress.

Perhaps the greatest threat to our current state are demagogues who manipulate facts to obscure reality for their own benefit.

We are Supremely Capable of Facing the Obstacles in Front of Us

I do not mean to minimize the challenges we face today as individuals, leaders, organizations or as a society. The threat of disruption is real. We have a long bridge to build to reduce national and international political divisiveness. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza are appalling. Global warming threatens to change the face of the planet. America is still not the land of opportunity and equality it aspires to be. We cannot ignore the challenges we face and we must recognize our ability to overcome them.

We must acknowledge how far we have come so we can take courage, hope and inspiration from the people who have faced and defeated even greater obstacles than these in the past. We have more tools at our disposal, more people we can call on for assistance, more resources we can deploy and more love we can share.

There are forces that actively seek to make you afraid for the purpose of preserving old power dynamics that no longer serve us. We need to proactively counter this narrative with the voices of all the prophets, sages, stoics and activists who came before, and who through their words and actions delivered this message:

Do not be afraid. Boldly take action toward improving yourself, your situation, your organization and your community. Do not be overcome by fear, but overcome evil with good. The world is changed through the small actions individuals take. Plant trees under which whose shade you will never sit under. Build a community whose results you may never reap the rewards of. Lift up the people around you, because the highest calling we have is to care for the people we live with.

These are the actions of a life well lived. I hope you live it to the fullest.

March 16, 2024 0

Merry Christmas

A young couple walks ninety miles over four days to deliver an infant of questionable origins in a barn among farm animals. That boy grows up to be a champion of love, hope, joy and peace. His name echos in eternity. For some, he is the Messiah. For others, he is a nuisance. Still others scoff at his miraculous birth and discount his teachings. But putting the mythology aside, Christ’s birth, life and death are miracles in themselves.

The difficult journey of Mary & Joseph would drive most modern couples apart. The “hardships” most of us face in twenty first century America pale in comparison. Making the journey itself is a testament to their love for each other.

The birth of a baby in the middle of a barn, without assistance, without doctors or even a proper midwife, is a miracle. Can you imagine bringing your child into the world with only a donkey to help you in the process? It is unspeakable joy that a boy be brought healthy into the world this way.

After the journey and the delivery, how peaceful it must have been in that stable! Not the type of manufactured peace we get in a modern day spa, but the overwhelming peace of the end of a long journey, a long pregnancy and the safe delivery of a child. In the midst of a barn, Mary & Joseph we’re granted a peace that most of us will never know.

The hope of a new child rested in their arms. Each birth contains endless possibilities. We look forward to watching children grow into more than we could have imagined.

The story of Jesus Christ does not need magic to be miraculous. It is a miracle in its plainness. It is the Gospel with or without a resurrection. It is the story of joy, peace, hope and love for all people.

The world needs the Christmas Story, but not because of the miracles. We need the Christmas Story for its extraordinary plainness. The faith of a couple giving birth to their son in a barn. A boy who grew up to teach kindness to all.

You do not need to believe in mythology to believe in Jesus. His story is one of joy, peace, hope and love. We need this Gospel to be preached into the world today. We need to find peace that the challenges we face are small in comparison to those faced in the past. We need to know hope is proven by the continuous progress of humanity toward a more just world. We need to find joy in our day to day lives. And most importantly, we need to love each other deeply.

The Christmas Story may contain passages of Angels and a Virgin birth. But those aren’t central to it. At its core, it’s a story of a coupe who loved each other enough to whether the journey together. It’s a story of a boy born in a stable. It’s the miracle of birth and life itself. It’s a reminder that joy, peace, hope and love are the meanings of a life well lived.

I hope you have a day full of peace, joy and love. Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2022 0

Be Water

I often find myself resisting, grinding and struggling. I’m a hard charger, set lofty goals and aim to achieve them. But often, I find the harder I try, the more I dig myself into a hole. Like trying to squeeze a liquid, the goal slips through my hand.

Water is literally the source of life on earth. Philosophically, a lot can be learned from it. Water nourishes, supports, hydrates and sustains, yet it is unyielding, relentless and unwavering. It will not stop you from entering, but it will not be stopped by you either.

The tide shapes the coastline. Rivers carve out canyons. The best man made structures waste away due to weather, rot and rust. Water continues on its path. It always finds the quickest way back to the ocean. It doesn’t resist the things in its way. It simply moves around them.

Bruce Lee had a revelation in his own martial arts when he considers the properties of water. He aimed to mold his practice into a fluid art that took what he was given and used it toward his purposes. His philosophy of jeet kune do was simple: Be water.

I needed this reminder as I go through my daily life. I do not need to act forcefully, like a ram butting heads with an opponent. I need be water. Constantly moving toward my goals. Unyielding, but never resisting. Freely flowing through time to carve the path I’m seeking. Not using force, but finding the path of least resistance.

Embrace the journey. Enjoy the cycle of life.

Be water.

August 3, 2022 0

The Traveler

A traveler walks through wilderness, where few would dare to go,

Unraveling his bewildered thoughts relearning what he knows.

A thousand miles yet to come, a thousand miles past

Though he took little with him, much more now he does have.

On foot or train or riverboat, the means of his long quest

Only explains the what, not why he put himself to test.

The traveler is the only one who knows what’s on his mind.

If Peace is what he searches for, then Peace I pray he finds.

Each city filled with children without shelter while they slept,

Trapped inside the shadow of the valley of their death.

They respirate in toxins to achieve deceiving highs.

Their desperation drowns the Light until it cannot shine.

What will happen to these people, when did they come, where will they go?

Why do we ask the questions that no man can ever know?

Sitting with the homeless was a traveler in disguise.

If Peace is what he searches for, then Peace I pray he finds.

The traveler carried onward to the highest mountains base.

Perspective granted to him by the Himalayas grace.

The air was thin and, as he rose, so hard to catch his breath.

But what was all around him was the one we resurrect.

Unspoken Truth that cannot fade and will not ever die

Bestowed upon a simple man who was just walking by.

As he climbed down the mountain, he reflected on his time,

And Peace will never leave him if he keeps it on his mind.

The traveler still moved forward till he reached the ocean’s shore

And dove into the water where he saw the ocean floor.

He flew amongst the fish and floated by the massive shark

The sound of bubbles rising, looking down into the dark.

What a world he’d never seen and he would never want to leave,

And so he stayed and lived in life a dream that he had dreamed.

But he remembered all of those that he had left behind.

He knew that Peace and Light are lost if we don’t let them shine.

The traveler traveled thousands miles unto the crystal sand.

And as all travelers do, returned to that which he began.

I did not see him come, but he was sitting in a chair.

I do remember feeling Peace to know that he was there.

This was not the first occurrence here, nor will it be the last.

Some moments cannot be defined by future, present, past.

And as we spoke I knew that we had meetings of the Mind.

If Peace is what we’re working for, then Peace we’re sure to find.

————————

Written about the journey of an old friend. May he be well and happy.

July 8, 2017 0

Are you at peace with yourself?

The kids are screaming, your phone is buzzing, the dog is barking and you’re trying to catch up on the work you should have finished yesterday. You put aside the work, yell at the dog, pick up your phone and intervene just before your three-year-old throws a plastic toy through the television. You check your notifications to find your boss has emailed another request, six people like your status update and that idiot cousin of yours posted another rant on Facebook. You stay up late to get ahead and wake up the next morning behind.

Is this the life you were called to live?

Of course, it isn’t. Technology has increased the speed of information, but for all the luxuries we live with, we find ourselves no closer to finding true meaning than those who lived long ago. We find ourselves with more “friends”, but with fewer relationships. We find ourselves immersed in a sea of knowledge, but are drowning in it because we lack wisdom.

What do you want out of life?

In ancient India, a prince wandered out of the palace for the first time and found suffering. He then went off on his own as he searched for meaning. In imperial Rome, a man wandered into the desert for forty days to struggle with his own inner temptation. Both emerged after a time of self-contemplation and reflection as the two most peaceful figures in history. Jesus and Siddhartha, the Christ and the Buddha, first dealt with their inner struggles before beginning their ministries. They knew that true meaning in life only comes after internal peace is achieved.

The past few months have been a period of highs and lows, personally, professionally, and spiritually. During this season, I find myself in periods of deep peace, as well as utter turmoil. From upheaval at work, to the death of a friend, to the uncertainty of the global political climate, I find myself struggling to remain centered. Modern life does not lend itself well to finding inner peace. Technology has made it easier than ever to communicate with each other, but often the speed of communication turns to distraction. Although we have access to a wealth of information, I question if the way we use this new ability proves fruitful for us as a people. In all honesty, I find myself more connected when I consciously choose to disengage from technology and look for wisdom written by those who spent much of their lives in peaceful self-contemplation.

After leaving his palace and discovering suffering, Siddhartha Gautama went into a period of self-reflection and discovery. After much contemplation, he emerged with what he believed to be the path to enlightenment. Similarly, Jesus went into the desert for forty days into a period of deep prayer before beginning his ministry. Wherever your faith lies, I believe we can all learn a great deal from the actions taken by these two beacons of light. Namely, if we want to change the world, we first must change ourselves. It is my belief that this change is driven by finding the peace that is within you, and actively working to hold onto it in each moment.

That being said, I am terrible at doing this. I find peace in prayer, meditation, on a run, with my wife and children, but then with fickleness, become distracted by the next email, Facebook post or upsetting event. I do not hold onto the peace I have found. As the Apostle Paul said, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do.” (Romans 7:15). It’s ludicrous how much time we spend doing things we know will not bring peace to our lives.

Interestingly enough, modern psychology is uncovering some reasons why this vicious cycle is a reality. Our brain in a complex organism with as many neurons as there are galaxies in the universe. Various regions contain specialized functions. Some for processing language, some for emotion, others for basic instincts, such as dodging an object coming your way. What science has yet to uncover is the “observer”, or rather, the part of the brain that makes up what you and I experience as a seamless stream of reality. Observations of your brain lead more to a conclusion of a compartmentalized system where the most active brain cell take control of our actions. Your brain is an organ where a mosaic of rival interests competes for control of your consciousness.

Setting aside any arguments of whether the observer exists (i.e. the soul), neurology explains a lot about why finding peace is such a fickle event in my life. The positive peace I find is overridden by a distraction coming in from other more insidious neurons. Serious meditators identify this as the “wild horse” of your mind. Try meditating by focusing only on your breath for ten minutes. If you’re a beginner, it’s likely that other thoughts come into your mind while you are trying to intentionally focus on one item: breathing.

The practice of intentional meditation strengthens your brains ability to control overactive negative thoughts and emotions. The most peaceful people I have met were very serious about prayer and meditation. By intentionally cultivating a centered state of being, they exercise their minds in the same way athletes exercise their muscles. By doing this, they can call upon a strengthened state of inner peace in times of pain, trial, and tribulation.

What is encouraging for me is that the Apostle Paul, who did the things he hated, was able to take up the spirit of prayer and become a person who was joyful even from the depths of a prison cell. If Paul can find peace in a cell, then we can find peace amid our world of distractions.

We all have issues that keep us distracted from the peace that lies deep within each one of us. Some have deeper pains than others. For all my lack of keeping peace within my heart, I live an easy life, free from the struggles many face. But no matter the depth of your struggle, you too can find peace if you intentionally seek it. It’s scary to look within yourself to find the demons that plague you, but it’s even more frightening to let them keep ahold of your thoughts and actions. When you let go of the lies you tell yourself, which have been reinforced by culture, you can find the peace that always has been in your heart.

So, I would ask you (as well as myself), where do you find peace? Are you intentionally seeking to cultivate peace within yourself, so like an athlete, you have exercised the peace within you? If not, what would you be willing to give up to find your inner peace? If you have found it, how will you hold onto it?

The great leaders of religion have shown us that internal peace is there for those who seek it and are willing to put forth the conscious effort. For all the distractions, the rude customers, the unreasonable bosses, the screaming children, the incompetent facebookers, there is a way to master your instinctive reaction and rise above.

We are all searching for peace in this world. For a long time, I have wanted to be the change that brings peace. But for now, I realize the only way I can bring peace anywhere is to make sure I am at peace with myself.

Photo courtesy of Wolfgang Staudt

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June 12, 2017 1

Reconciliation – The reason I started a blog

My first professional job was for a small business that had a unique product for a niche market. Quality was exceptional, it’s function and design exceeded expectations and it was distributed via a number of outlets. The owners were motivated innovators and customers loved the product.

But there was a problem. They had been without a bookkeeper for several months and, with all the other tasks needed to run a business, accounting slipped by the wayside. Accounts were in dire need of reconciliation, which is what landed me the job. To this day, it is still the most challenging financial reconciliation I’ve completed and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity, as getting through the reconciliation forced me to learn a number of problem solving skills I did not posses when I began.

Much like my first accounting job, our world is in dire need of reconciliation and we are all in need of developing the skills needed to bring peace to our world and our relationships. It seems each day is a new barrage of divisiveness and vitriol published in print, broadcast across our airwaves and beamed directly from satellites into the palm of our hands. Polarization is creating echo-chambers, where we only listen to opinions that we agree with. Most of the time, we ignore opposing points of view, not only because we don’t agree with them, but also because arguments are often presented in a manner that is disrespectful, or worse yet, downright hateful.

We most often think of this divisiveness in terms of politics, but I would argue it also expresses itself in our religion, our family life, even in our personal thoughts and feelings. The word reconciliation is defined as “the restoration of friendly relations” and “the action of making one view or belief compatible with another”. Indeed, we are in need of reconciliation. Our world is in need of reconciliation, both personnaly and societally.

And so, I’ve decided to start a blog that discusses ways we can be reconciled. My aim is to take seemingly in compatible ideas and, through a synthesis of various subjects, demonstrate that some mutually exclusive ideas aren’t so exclusive if we are willing to clean the lenses through which we view the world. I will attempt to resolve paradoxes through changing paradigms, or at least offering a unique perspective. This blog will cover a variety of topics, which reflects the broad interests I have. From politics and economics, to philosophy and religion, to science and psychology, I hope to give you a fresh look at some ancient debates and principles.

As part of the process of reconciliation, not only must both sides of the ledger must be brought into balance, but errors must also be corrected, omissions must be brought to light and items that don’t belong must be removed. To reconcile ourselves to each other, we must share our opinions, the reasons we hold them, and be willing to engage in civil discourse related to our beliefs and assumptions. To this end, some content may reflect issues that I feel have errors that need corrected or omissions that need brought to light.

At a minimum, I hope you will walk away from reading these posts with a broader perspective on why others who disagree with you may not be completely in error, but rather, may perceive some things that you have yet to witness. Perhaps you will gain some new tools to engage with people of differing points of view. At best, maybe you’ll walk away inspired to be reconciled with your brother, your neighbor, or perhaps even your enemy.

May 24, 2017 2

Tag: Peace