The Everyday Human

February: On Life

February 10

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from the anime/manga Demon Slayer.

There is growing evidence that some of the trauma we carry with us may have been passed down to us from our ancestors, and that we may pass our trauma down to the generations to come. 

We are all connected--here in the present, and to those in the past and future.

So we can also inherit and pass down ideas and causes.

Let's make sure what we're passing on to the generations to come will help build toward a brighter future for all.

• Reflection title: Echoes Through Time
• Creative inspiration: Demon Slayer
• Reflection Question: What cause or idea do I carry that is worthy of passing on to future generations?
  
  

February: On Life

February 9

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from the anime/manga Kino's Journey.

We have grand and wonderful dreams and aspirations when we're young.

But then the realities of life storm in and our responsibilities grow and change.

Our dreams then shift and those of childhood are replaced. The destination changes, and we don't recognize where we are anymore.

But it's never too late to slow down, reflect, and ask yourself if this is really where you want to be. It's never too late to uncover your dreams and pursue them.

Will you?

• Reflection title: The Land of Dreams
• Creative inspiration: Keiichi Sigsawa, Kino's Journey
• Reflection Question: Thinking back to my youth, what was a dream I had that I gave up on? What steps can I take to get back on that path?

February: On Life

February 8

Today's reflection was inspired by another quote from Kurt Vonnegut's A Man Without a Country.

The act of creation is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, for our souls, for others, and for the world. 

It allows us to stretch, grow, and reflect.

And while creating, you needn't worry if what you are making is any good, you just need to do it. 

Sing, dance, write a poem--even if you're horrible at these things, because you'll get the wonderful reward of having created something. 

• Reflection title: Play God and Create Something Today
• Creative inspiration: Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country
• Reflection Question: What was the last thing I created? What will I create today?
  
  

February: On Life

February 7

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Maya Angelou’s poem/children’s book “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.”

When you hear the words courage, bravery, and mettle, you might think of a superhero, a soldier, or a firefighter. 

You probably don’t imagine a child putting themself back to sleep in the middle of the night without getting Mom, or a child taking a deep breath at the top of a slide before going down, or a child stepping past the tree line into the woods after imagining all the ghouls and goblins that might be lurking in the dark.

But children are some of the bravest humans around, tackling a world of firsts each and every day. And it’s the seeds of bravery we have as children that grow into trees of courage, allowing us to do great things as adults.

What are you facing in life today that requires the bravery of a child?

• Reflection title: Who’s Afraid of Little Ole Life?
• Creative inspiration: Maya Angelou, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”
• Reflection Question: What am I facing in my life that requires the bravery of a child?

February: On Life

February 6

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from the graphic novel Samurai Grandpa, by Eastin DeVerna (me!) and Shawn Daley.

Memento mori. 

That's the Stoic practice of reminding yourself each and every day that you will die. 

It is a great practice to fall into as it can help humble you and remind you not to waste your time while you are here. 

But you must be careful of falling into the trap of becoming obsessed with death or fearing it. 

And while this is important, equally important is the practice of reminding yourself each and every day that you are alive.

So remember you must die, but don't forget to live.

Memento vivere.

• Reflection title: The Dangers of Being a Necromancer
• Creative inspiration: Eastin DeVerna, Samurai Grandpa
• Reflection Question: Have I forgotten to live lately? What will I do today to remind myself that I’m alive?

February: On Life

February 5

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Dorothy West's short story "The Richer, The Poorer."

In your brief lifetime, and with your limited perspective, there is just so much that you do not know and will never know. That’s a good thing. We weren’t meant to process and retain infinite knowledge. 

But to live is to learn, and to learn is to live. You need to learn. It’s good for you. It’s what humans do. We get curious about something, and we learn about it.

We also need to be selective about what we learn.

What is worthwhile learning to you? What good will you do in the world with that knowledge?

• Reflection title: All I Know Is That I Don’t Know
• Creative inspiration: Dorothy West, "The Richer, The Poorer"
• Reflection Question: What will I learn today that will bring joy to my life and/or do good in the world?
  
  

February: On Life

February 4

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Joe Abercrombie's fantasy novel The Blade Itself.

The dance with Death begins the moment you’re born.

And despite the never-ending and creative ways the world could do you in, you're still alive. You're still here. 

So the next time you feel a little beat up by others, or worn down by the grind of modern life, please just take a moment—stop what you’re doing and mutter the words, “I am still alive.” 

Because while you’re still alive, you can do anything.

• Reflection title: Still Alive?
• Creative inspiration: Joe Abercrombie, The Blade Itself
• Reflection Question: I am still alive, so what will I do with this gift today?

February: On Life

February 3

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Paul Auster's biography of Stephen Crane, Burning Boy.

Open your phone or turn on the news and you'll see no end to the many ways humanity is currently failing. 

Sure, you could focus on this and complain or despair.

Or, you could do what's in your power to make a difference. 

And while you're at it, you could smile with amusement and kindness in the face of the conceits, hypocrisies, weaknesses, and selfishness of mankind--a beautiful act of defiance.

• Reflection title: May You Continue To Smile
• Creative inspiration: Paul Auster, Burning Boy
• Reflection Question: What is something worth smiling about today? If I’ve been bitter, how can I correct for it?
  
  

February: On Life

February 2

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Pascal Mercier's novel Night Train to Lisbon.

You might look at the world around you and the places you live and visit and travel through as inanimate, soulless locations. But they are very much alive alongside you.

It is inevitable that you leave pieces of yourself with them and take ideas and experiences with you when you leave. 

The places we live and go and spend time are as much a part of who we are as our physical bodies.

And if you slow down and take the time to listen, you might be surprised at what these places have to tell you about yourself.

• Reflection title: The World Lives With You
• Creative inspiration: Pascal Mercier, Night Train to Lisbon.
• Reflection Question: What places have I left parts of myself? What did I learn about myself while there?

February: On Life

February 1

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Seneca's essay "On the Shortness of Life."

"Life is short." How many times have you heard others say that? How many times have you said it?

But is it really? Or is it just the right amount of time for a human to grow and learn and laugh and love?

Today we explore the idea that life is long enough, but the fact that we waste so much of it is what makes it feel short. 

Consider it--where are you wasting time in your life?

• Reflection title: Put Your Passivity Aside
• Creative inspiration: Seneca, "On the Shortness of Life: Life Is Long if You Know How to Use It"
• Reflection Question: What habits or impulses are wasting my time? What can I replace them with that will add value?