Cynicism, Pessimism, Optimism, Realism, and Pragmatism Genocide, injustice, brutality toward women, crime, poverty, epidemics; these are just a few of the many problems plaguing the world. How would you evaluate the trends? Would you say the world is going to hell in a handbasket (deteriorating rapidly)? Or do you see hopeful signs and are optimistic about the future? The answers…

Harnessing the Power of Questions Sometimes we ignore the vast power that lies at our disposal. Questions are an example of an often neglected power. When was the last time you consciously asked questions to increase your power? How often have you thought about the power locked into questions? Questions are loaded with power that is released when we ask…

She lost her job four months ago; he lost his yesterday. It could happen to you; it happened to me. Who is safe? I had a chance to speak to a number of people who lost their jobs recently, asking them to rate how devastating this loss is. I must say I'm surprised at the results of my "survey".…

Causes and Cures for Lack of Willpower and Self-Discipline The bedrock for success in all areas of life is the combined force of willpower and self-discipline. Yet, when was the last time you monitored your willpower and self-discipline? Are they wavering, waning, or growing? Do you ever find you lack willpower and discipline just when you need it? If so,…

What to do when your kid's shoes cost more than yoursWhat do you tell your children when they say they need expensive shoes so they can be "popular" at school? If their shoes cost more than yours, isn't something wrong? Children are afraid they won't be "loved" by their peers if they wear cheap clothes. And parents are afraid they won't be "loved" by their children if they don't give in to their demands. I don't mean to imply expensive shoes are inherently bad. Not at all. If your children have a part-time job and buy their own shoes, they…

When night turns into day and darkness into light
Sugimori Nobumori was hunched over the corner table, slurping a bowl of noodles. Behind him he could hear the crowd in the noodle shop excitedly discussing the sighting of a wise holy man. The sage had come to town for supplies and then returned to his home in the wilderness.

Finishing his noodles, Sugimori turned to face his fellow villagers and asked, "Does anyone know where he lives?" "I do, said the fishmonger, "the holy man lives in the northeastern part of the forest." Thanking his friend, he left…

Earth laughs in flowers (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
I was lying alone under a tree in a lush forest. A moss-covered stone served as my pillow. Above me, dark green leaves were slowly painted crimson by the setting sun. The warbling of birds and fragrance of blossoms mingled. My outstretched hands stroked the cool, soft grass. I felt at peace. My mind was no longer filled with endless chatter. It was as still as a nearby pond. After all, how many thoughts does it take to smell a rose, hear a frog, see a spider web, taste a berry, or…

A good start isn’t good enough
We all have flashes of insight and bright ideas. But of the countless number of inspirational moments we’ve had and already acted upon, how many of them have we pursued to the end? How many of them have we realized? Ideas are seeds. Locked within them is great potential. Yet, what good are seeds unless we plough, harrow, and fertilize the soil, and follow that by planting, watering, and looking after the seeds until they bloom? Great ideas often lead to good starts and bright beginnings. But good starts are not good enough,…