My Heartsongs

Walking the beach in Florida each morning, one understands why the state is such a popular destination. To be able to have the wild seas so accessible for such long stretches, with gulf or ocean and shorebird antics to entertain, and December temps in the 70s, what is not to like?

Eventually novel concepts and ideas get incorporated into our day to day, so that they become commonplace, and often not fully appreciated for the wonders they are. Today I want to share and explore four on-the-horizon developments that when they come to fruition will no doubt significantly alter our quotidian realities.

From a Buddhist perspective, embracing impermanence is a tool for navigating the changing elements and treacherous shoals of old age, sickness and death. Lately I have been thinking about impermanence in relation to other aspects of being beyond my declining body and diminishing abilities. 

Ben Franklin famously remarked, "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today," counseling against the pitfalls of procrastination, and meant to encourage immediate action. My philosophy of late seems more aligned with, “Why put off today what you can put off until tomorrow?”

Our species seems to have favored cooperation, curiosity and cognitive enhancement as key developments that benefit survival. I explore the importance of neurodivergence: ADHD, Multiple intelligences, Autism, Savants.

Sometimes, even often, things just don't go as expected. In Part Four of this limited series on Choicepoints, we'll explore together the pathway to being responsive – rather than reactive – to life's challenges.

Hopefully one enters the magical realm of parenting by conscious choice, rather than through unintended consequence. Becoming a parent is less about biology than about showing up with the awareness that this is a life changing process. I offer some research and thoughts on parenting styles.

Apparently, Ben Franklin was fond of often asking a very simple philosophical question, What good shall I do this day? Choicepoints arise multiple times a day, especially in terms of how I treat others, and how kind I am to myself.

Awareness creates choice. This simple principle is evident throughout my daily life. Only once I become mindful of something – in the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual realms – can I then shift and transform what is happening. Check out my favorite gun violence prevention ad:

https://www.youtube.com/watchZ8DP3ssCfLY

For many years, as Medical Director of Family Health for NM, I relied upon an annual report issued by the Children’s Defense Fund, which highlights and summarizes the status of America’s children in 11 areas. I offer some thoughts about what needs doing.