Let us start with a pondery: has impatience ever benefited you? For example, what if you checked this website daily for the last two weeks, expecting to see something new or different? I said thirteen days would be taken off, and thirteen days were taken off. It honestly feels like I lived an entire lifetime […]
Author: a sugjester
Soulday – 120824
Good things come to those who wait. Approximately how many times have you heard that phrase throughout your life? If you are like me, then patience is difficult to practice at times (or almost always). As a way to help us all hone more patience, I am going to take the next thirteen days off […]
Freeday – 120624
In my experience and opinion, resilience can be easily underrated and overlooked. Similar to many prior cycles, I have gained even more appreciation and respect for this belief and virtue. I feel more steadfast and unperturbed at this point. While I know that feeling will ebb and flow with time, I also know what baseline […]
Wondersday – 120424
Have you ever wondered… about wu wei? I have. The term is rooted in Confucianism as well as Taoism, the natural way of the universe. It is almost like doing nothing and letting the world come to you. It is not quite that simple, though. Ideally, we should still be doing the best next thing […]
Mournday – 120224
I mourn for suicide victims, those people who ran out of perceived resilience and saw no other way. I wish they could have gotten help before that final moment in order to not be lost, confused, and alone, thinking the only way forward was ending their precious life. This story epitomizes a resilient football player. […]
Smarturday – 113024
elasticity (noun) – the state or quality of being capable of returning to original length, shape, etc., after being stretched, deformed, compressed, or expanded; flexibility; resilience; adaptability; ability to resist or overcome depression; buoyancy Does your mind quickly snap to rubber bands, too? I believe that we can be extremely elastic individuals but only if […]
Thanksday – 112824
I am thankful for the respectable resilience of indigenous communities and cultures across the world. Imperialistic colonization caused more problems than solutions in my opinion. As a global society, I think those warmongering ways set us further back instead of aiding in advancements and ascensions. Therefore, I am extremely grateful for the fact that many […]
Soulday – 112424
It feels like a very humble act to step away from a frivolous fight, yet it does not seem sensible to ever take the fight out of our own self. We have to be able to keep bouncing back from struggles and adversities; we fight for and with our lives. Human perseverance is often due […]
Freeday – 112224
I am truly humbled by the opportunity to keep writing. I would be lying if I do not admit that it is hard at times to keep my nose to the grindstone. I grapple with an expectation of recognition from time to time, but then I remind myself of why I do this in the […]
Wondersday – 112024
Have you ever wondered… about unselfconsciousness? I have but only recently when the term was first introduced to me. I did not realize that such a cool concept existed until encountering it in a brief meditation practice; I am amazed and fascinated by this state of being. It can easily epitomize humility because your self […]
Mournday – 111824
Can I BE any sadder? That is how I feel whenever I process the fact that Matthew Perry is no longer with us. It takes a lot of courage and humility to fully and truly admit your struggles and shortcomings to those around you. Now magnify that pressure with the whole world watching. The life […]
Smarturday – 111624
self-effacing (adjective) – tending to make oneself, one’s actions, etc, inconspicuous, especially because of humility or timidity; modest “Humility is an emotion that arises when we recognize our limitations, imperfections, and interdependence with others. It can manifest as a sense of openness, curiosity, or gratitude. Humility can be a powerful emotion, helping us to learn […]
Thanksday – 111424
This Thanksday, I want to recognize my thankfulness for all of the truly authentic and real people out there in the world. It is easy for us to get swept away in the latest look or trend that we feel compelled to adhere to. It is frequently comfortable to blend in, but does that make […]
Soulday – 111024
Once restorative and rejuvenating rest has been established, it becomes far easier to begin to strengthen humility. Pride can sweep in quickly if you are not careful and cautious. Humility often felt like a soft or weak skill to me, but I now realize that it is the opposite, at least for me. Humility is […]
Freeday – 110824
Rest. I ain’t giving up on you :) We need society, and we need solitude also, as we need summer and winter, day and night, exercise and rest. -Philip Gilbert Hamerton We cannot always be there for everyone else. Else, when are we here for ourselves? When do we have a chance to check in […]
Wondersday – 110624
Have you ever wondered… about rectangular breathing? I have. It is one of my favorite breathing techniques. While square breathing has been widely popularized in recent years, I do not enjoy that method as much. The key to rectangular breathing is to make your exhales longer than your inhales. I like to visualize a tall […]
Mournday – 110424
I mourn for all the workaholics out there. Burnout is a very real deal, and many people suffer from it due to their inability to reliably regulate their rest. What is left when you are nothing but a husk? How productive can you perpetually prove to be without rest? When we’re burned out, sometimes we […]
Smarturday – 110224
rejuvenate vs. enervate rejuvenate (verb) – to restore to youthful vigor, appearance, etc.; to make fresh or new again enervate (verb) – to deprive of force or strength; to destroy the vigor of; to weaken We naturally enervate throughout each day. Random issues and stressors pop up as we go about our lives. If we […]
Thanksday – 103124
I am very thankful for all of the mindfulness and meditation practitioners and teachers out there in the world. Like I mentioned recently, I listen to the Calm app a lot. Jay Shetty is one of my favorites, but I still enjoy listening along to the others on occasion as well. They have all taught […]
Soulday – 102724
Sometimes, to reharmonize internally, we simply need to take a break and enjoy some well-deserved rest. After all, if you do not take care of yourself, then how can you truly expect others to pick up the slack or carry your weight? Can you really help others to the best of your full potential and […]
Freeday – 102524
How well are you harmonizing with your surroundings? Today yielded insightful reflections for me. I felt my harmonies ebbing and flowing throughout the day. I enjoyed the good parts and reflected on the difficult aspects. Those reflections helped me in recognizing what I can adjust within my perspective to smooth out those difficulties in the […]
Wondersday – 102324
Have you ever wondered… about phi? I have. Phi has many names, like the golden ratio or the divine proportion. Mathematically, if you break something up into two parts, then the ratio between the whole and the bigger part should be the same as the ratio between the bigger part and the smaller one. That […]
Mournday – 102124
My heart broke last week as I read about the tragic incident involving Liam Payne. My sympathies only strengthened as I learned more about some of the underlying details. Growing up with fame at an early age rarely sets you up for success. It was disheartening to learn that the easiest strategy to secure a […]
Smarturday – 101924
rapprochement vs. encroachment rapprochement (noun) – an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relations encroachment (noun) – an act or instance of advancing beyond proper, established, or usual limits; trespassing Being in tune vs. out of touch Are you establishing harmony? It may not always be much Build your symphony. Being a solo artist can get […]
Thanksday – 101724
With harmony in mind, I want to express a general thankfulness for all music. I have yet to discover a style of it that I cannot appreciate on at least some level. While all music may not resonate on the same plane or in a similar fashion, it is a pure form of creation. We […]
Soulday – 101324
As you grow your view of the world and accept it compassionately, the rhythm and resonance of your surroundings strengthen to your senses. Or, rather, an increase in your senses improves your perception of identifying and immersing yourself in flow. Vibing. Harmonizing. I like considering that there is not only one way to harmonize. Instead, […]
Freeday – 101124
One of the biggest or best ways that you can grow is by apologizing for any missteps in your past, whenever you overreached beyond your lane and negatively impacted the lane of another. You can (and probably should) apologize for your past action. There is no need to go into detail if you do not […]
Wondersday – 100924
Have you ever wondered… about oubaitori? I have. This Japanese word represents the idea that we all grow and blossom at our own rate and time. Flowers are not all in sync. There is no one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter style to living life. We each learn and develop individually. All of it is beautiful. Fast. Slow. […]
Mournday – 100724
When I see and hear about Dikembe Mutombo and his career in the NBA, I often think about an immovable wall. A strong defender who is ready to wag a finger your way in dismissal. The second best ever for all-time blocks in the league. There are not many people out there who have done […]
Smarturday – 100524
accretion vs. depletion accretion (noun) – an increase by natural growth or by gradual external addition; growth in size or extent; the growing together of separate parts into a single whole depletion (noun) – a serious decrease; the exhaustion of abundance or supply Are you growing or shrinking? Expanding or compressing?? Accreting or depleting??? Prejudices,it […]
Thanksday – 100324
I am extremely thankful for all of the teachers out there. At the end of the day, this thankfulness can probably encompass all of us. Does anyone go through life without teaching, either yourself or others, and either directly or indirectly? Learning from your own mistakes; listening to others; all moments of teaching. The beauty […]
Soulday – 092924
As you accept yourself and others better, you can begin to work on growth. You have a lot of new information that becomes available as you listen and learn more, and you can use it all to fuel inner and outer growth. Which soft skill can you sharpen some? What physical feature can you work […]
Freeday – 092724
Accept humbly:let go easily. -Marcus Aurelius How often do you beat yourself up for what you have said, done, or even thought? I know I was guilty of this bad habit for far too long. I still slip and falter on occasion these days, but I am improving well in this area each day. It […]
Wondersday – 092524
Have you ever wondered… about wabi-sabi? I have. It is a Japanese term that reminds us to accept the temporary and imperfect aspects of life. Wabi-sabi teaches us to appreciate simplicity and authenticity. If we slow down and think about it clearly, how often are situations truly perfect? Why do we strive for such an […]
Mournday – 092324
I mourn for all of the “control freaks” out there. Therefore, in part, I mourn for myself, too. Accepting more is not always easy. Letting go of the controls for each and every action can be very challenging and difficult. We grow accustomed to calling all our own plays. In doing so, though, how much […]
Smarturday – 092124
acknowledge vs. disparage acknowledge (verb) – to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of; to show or express appreciation or gratitude for disparage (verb) – to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle; to bring reproach or discredit upon; lower the estimation of Which do you do more of: […]
Thanksday – 091924
It can be difficult to accept life sometimes. On occasion, the challenges we face can feel insurmountable. I am thankful for Michael J. Fox. He has lived with Parkinson’s disease for over three decades; at this point, he has lived with it longer than his years prior without it. He did not accept the diagnosis […]
Soulday – 091524
My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance,and in inverse proportions to my expectations. -Michael J. Fox Be here. Now. In this moment. There can be such quiet and peace. Acceptance is the key; being okay with what currently is. Learning to ease off on the need to control every. minute. detail. Like one […]
Freeday – 091324
Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. -Dalai Lama I appreciate this cycle immensely; it reminds me to focus on the good in life. With modern media and all the news that we get inundated with, it can be easy to distract oneself amidst so much negativity and […]
Wondersday – 091124
Have you ever wondered… about Tonglen? I have. Tonglen is a style of Buddhist meditation that cultivates compassion in one’s life. It stands for giving and taking or sending and receiving. Tonglen gives you a chance to do your part to help those around you, and it only takes a bit of your time. It […]
Mournday – 090924
I mourn for two students and two teachers today: Christian Angulo Mason Schermerhorn Cristina Irimie Richard Aspinwall Last week, a fourteen-year-old in Georgia decided to discompassionately step well outside of his lane. As someone who yearns to understand the world and its workings, I would like to determine why that student exercised such an extreme. […]
Smarturday – 090724
self-compassion vs. self-contempt self-compassion (noun)- the practice of being kind and understanding with oneself, rather than being harshly self-critical when faced with failure, mistakes, or feelings of inadequacy self-contempt (noun)- contempt or loathing for oneself or one’s actions; a strong feeling of disliking and having no respect for oneself If your compassion does not include […]
Thanksday – 090524
This Thanksday, I choose to recognize Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. As a shorter nickname, she is often referred to simply as Amma, or “mother.” Amma is known as the hugging saint; she has spent decades of her life hugging millions of humans. She chooses to freely and willingly share her gift with the world. Her […]
Soulday – 090124
Compassion is choosing to care. You want to express concern and sympathy for someone, even yourself, and their struggle. You want to help. If you are happy, then others can be happy. Similarly, if others are happy, then you can be happy. We can all work more on extending more compassion, both inwardly for ourselves […]
Freeday – 083024
I was not sure how to culminate this cycle. Then, it dawned on me. Why not show some examples of what all I express gratitude for? Before I proceed, though, please understand that I only offer the following as a guide. If it stirs up any jealousy or resentment within you, then I am sorry. […]
Wondersday – 082824
Have you ever wondered… about nostalgia? I have. I find nostalgia to be one of those magical practices where balance of its use is key; else, it becomes too easy to abuse. Think of it like candy – a little bit here and there as a reward or a treat can be good, but if […]
Mournday – 082624
I mourn for the loss of loved ones. Will any of us fully and truly avoid these experiences? I doubt it; grief is one of the toughest battles we each face. How we rise to those challenges says so much about our values. Do we honor their memories well, or do we selfishly fight against […]
Smarturday – 082424
avid vs. vapid avid (adjective) – showing great enthusiasm for or interest in; eager vapid (adjective) – without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious; flat Gratitude energizes appreciation for life. It helps you feel avid instead of vapid. The change can be quite rapid if you shift your mindset and count your blessings. Gratitude enlivens […]
Thanksday – 082224
I choose to diffuse the topic for Thanksday this cycle. After all, gratitude is all about being thankful for everything that you do have, so I will steep that idea for a greater degree of flexibilitea this time. I am thankful for tea. It is an easy pleasure that I can look forward to enjoying […]
Soulday – 081824
Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. -Maya Angelou How often do you slow down or stop to appreciate everything around you? “Moment to pause” is another DBT skill that can be valuable here. When you go to sleep, do you think about all of the things that […]
Freeday – 081624
We often talk about resting in peace once we pass on from this world or earthly life. What about LIP? Live in peace, right here and right now. You can do it if you so choose – prioritize, possess, and spread peaceful power. When we have peace in our hearts and minds, we draw peace […]
Wondersday – 081424
Have you ever wondered… about hakuna matata? I have. This phrase, while widely well known now, has its origins rooted within Swahili. It means no worries, for the rest of your days. Literally, hakuna matata translates into English as “there are no worries.” How nice, pleasant, and wonderful, right? Do you know what it sounds […]
Mournday – 081224
I mourn for Thích Nhât Hanh; he is nicknamed the father of mindfulness, and he had many other labels and names attributed to him over the years, some good, some bad. No matter what others tried to say or do to him, though, he kept pushing for world peace. Shunned from his home country of […]
Smarturday – 081024
irenic vs. ironic irenic (adjective) – tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory ironic (adjective) – using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning; of, relating to, or tending to use irony or mockery; coincidental; unexpected These two words do not contrast inherently; irenic and ironic can […]
Thanksday – 080824
I am thankful for they/them pronouns. To be fully truthful with y’all, I initially balked at the idea of the singular they when I first encountered this new concept. It was different and foreign from what I grew up with and was used to or familiar and comfortable with. However, once I accepted that initial […]
Truceday – 080624
We must seek, above all, a world of peace; a world in which peoples dwell together in mutual respect and work together in mutual regard. -John F. Kennedy We are two months and one day away from the first annual anniversary of the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas. That day was horrible. What Israel […]
Soulday – 080424
You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life,but by realizing who you are at the deepest level. -Eckhart Tolle Truth paves the way to peace. If you are not truthful with yourself, then how can you be at peace? You may think you can still be happy, but delusions deceive you. Your […]
Freeday – 080224
How much truth do you speak? Lately, I often circle back to how much I hate the greeting or opening phrase of “what’s up?” What is up? Probably the same for you as for me (the sky or ceiling above each of us), so what point does it truly serve? Instead of inane starts, let […]
Wondersday – 073124
Have you ever wondered… about sacca-kiriya (or saccha kiriya)? I have. It is an act of truth within the Hindu and Buddhist worlds. In fact, this concept exists across established and folk religions alike. I think of it as the equivalent of biblical miracles. After all, a parting of water shows up as an example […]
Mournday – 072924
When did fake news and alternative facts become a thing? When did we decide it was better to battle disbeliefs rather than rally our reality for real? There are many reasons why I choose to mourn for truth. You can find any answer or support online these days. Does that mean it is all right […]
Smarturday – 072724
logic vs. logorrhea logic (noun) – the science that investigates the principles governing correct or reliable inference; the system or principles of reasoning applicable to any branch of knowledge or study; reason or sound judgment, as in utterances or actions; convincing forcefulness; inexorable truth or persuasiveness logorrhea (noun) – pathologically incoherent, repetitious speech; incessant or […]
Thanksday – 072524
I am thankful for Queen Lear. Truthfully, it is Lear deBessonet who I am thankful for, but I did not want to pass up on that playful possibility. First, I believe, early on in her life, Lear predicted and persistently pursued her passion as a theater director. That is a wonderful truth in and of […]
Soulday – 072124
Truthfully, I did not know what this next cycle’s theme would entail as of the last post on Friday, so I could not allude to or foreshadow it like I prefer. I was honestly exhausted, mentally drained by a magnitude or two. Delving into forgiveness was challenging and heavy for me. I still have plenty […]