The Everyday Human

January: On Existence 

January 11   

Today we reflect on a quote from Jacqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming.

Are memories all that we are? What happens to us if our memories fade and disappear?

Memories can be beautiful, ugly, or simply shades of the past we carry with us, but how can we be sure to live in the moment, appreciating it for all of its beauty and complexity before it too becomes a memory?

• Reflection title: This Moment Is Already a Memory
• Creative inspiration: Jacqueline Woodson, Brown Girl Dreaming
• Reflection Question: How will I appreciate the moments I have before they become memories?
  
  

January: On Existence 

January 10   

Today we reflect on a quote from Jazmina Barrera--in particular, from her book On Lighthouses.

There is no end to the types of fog the world and life will throw at you, attempting to smother your unique light--your blinking characteristic, like that of a lighthouse.

When the fog inevitably rolls in, the lighthouse turns to its second voice: the fog horn. 

What will be your second voice when you need to stand strong and be there for others?

• Reflection title: Find Your Second Voice
• Creative inspiration: Jazmina Barrera, On Lighthouses
• Reflection Question: When the fog inevitably rolls in, what will be my second voice?

January: On Existence 

January 9  

Today we reflect on a quote from the cartoonist, graphic novelist, and satirist Jules Feiffer.

Existence is chaotic (and beautiful). 

But you are able to work within your limits to implement at least some level of design. 

The question is . . . are you?

• Reflection title: Order Is Hard, Chaos Is Harder
• Creative inspiration: Jules Feiffer
• Reflection Question: Where is there chaos in my life? What kind of design can I implement to change it?
  
  

January: On Existence 

January 8 

In today's episode, we reflect on a quote from blink-182. This quote comes from the beginning of their song "All in My Head" from their album One More Time. 

Is it possible for humans to be both nothing and everything? We pull in the grand scale of the universe and our unique experiences and perspectives to help us explore this idea further.

• Reflection title: You Can Be Both
• Creative inspiration: blink-182, "All in My Head"
• Reflection Question: I am nothing. I am everything. I know this, so now what will I do?

January: On Existence 

January 7 

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from Gwendolyn Brooks--from a book called Conversations with Gwendolyn Brooks.

We explore the value of accepting things and people for what and who they are rather than always seeking reason or purpose.

• Reflection title: A Flower Is a Flower, and You Are You
• Creative inspiration: Gwendolyn Brooks, Conversations with Gwendolyn Brooks
• Reflection Question: How will I replace the desire for reason and purpose with acceptance today?
  
  

January: On Existence 

January 6 

Today's reflection was inspired by an interview with Dr. Edith Eger from the Feel Better, Live More podcast with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. 

We look at what it means to acknowledge our limits with the understanding that humans are limited in our capacity in every regard, which isn't a bad thing.

• Reflection title: Limitless? No Such Thing
• Creative inspiration: Dr. Edith Eger interview
• Reflection Question: Where do I feel most limited? How will I work within those limits to be at my best?

January: On Existence 

January 5 

Today's reflection was inspired by the Super Nintendo JRPG, Chrono Trigger.

We look at what a video game from the 90s can teach us about living in the present moment, while at the same time, building toward a brighter future.

• Reflection title: Live As if Tomorrow Will Not Come, but Trust That It Will
• Creative inspiration: Chrono Trigger
• Reflection Question: What will I do to live for today, while building toward a better future for tomorrow?

January: On Existence

Quick note: I wrote this (all of these reflections) last year. It is not in direct response to current events, though it could easily be read that way. It goes to show how timeless Shelley's poem and the lessons we can learn from it are.

January 4

Today's reflection was inspired by Percy Byssche Shelley's poem "Ozymandias."

We explore the fleeting nature of existence and the futility and absurdity of man's lust for power.

• Reflection title: The Sands of Time Cover All
• Creative inspiration: Percy Byssche Shelley's poem "Ozymandias"
• Reflection Question: What person or event is bothering me despite their temporary nature? Will I make the conscious choice to just . . . let it go?

January: On Existence

January 3

Today's reflection was inspired by Clarice Lispector and a line from her novel, The Passion According to G.H. 

We explore:

1. The idea of existence being both a blessing and a curse
2.  The concept of freedom existing within fate
3. Choosing to fulfill or not fulfill our fate

• Reflection title: To Fulfill or Not Fulfill, That Is the Question
• Creative inspiration: Clarice Lispector's The Passion According to G.H.
• Reflection Question: What is it I want and don’t want? What choices will I make today toward fulfilling my fate?

January: On Existence

January 2

What can a frog and an old pond teach you about what it means to be human?

Today's reflection was inspired by Matsuo Bashō and his poem "The Ancient Pond." We look at what it means to make a splash in your own pond--those positive effects and consequences of your actions in your life and the lives you touch.

• Reflection title: Make a Splash 
• Creative inspiration: Matsuo Bashō's "The Ancient Pond"
• Reflection Question: What kind of splash will I make today? No matter how big or small, if I can positively affect one life or do some good in the world, the leap will have been worth it.