The Wondering Pathfinder

Like it or not, we are, all of us, always in the company of the dying because we’re all headed there sooner or later. If we’re fortunate, our lives fill up the space and time between us and death with delightful meaning and reassuring connections. But that moment will come, for each of us, when the living is thrown into stark counterpoint to the dying.

For me that moment came when my father died. I’d been to funerals, even lost a friend or two, but somehow those didn’t drag life into the presence of death, didn’t undeniably illuminate that intimate tango in a way that held my gaze, would not let me look away. I had the privilege of sitting with my dad for the last two weeks of his life, but that feeling of privilege came later, after the late nights by his bedside, after he finally asked for an exit, after driving around Jackson Mississippi just before sunrise hoping I wouldn’t get stopped when I realized I had several empty ampules of morphine in my shirt pocket… “Honest, Officer…”
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A common thread that joins the supporters of Mr. Trump, Ms. Stein, and Mr. Johnson is a burning desire to up end the status quo. That is also a key motivator of a common disparagement of Ms. Clinton.

So riddle me this… Taking a 10 year view, which candidate is most likely to bring real change? Continue reading →

Consider this fair warning my digital  peeps.  I’m going political.

I know that the interwebs may not be the most effective forum to attempt political persuasion.  Without a doubt it is more prone to rabid shouting than thoughtful debate. All true.

But we are at an unusual moment in United States history and because the United States is part of the broader human family, at a unique moment in time for humanity in general. The consequences of our choices in the next 100 days will be amplified and echo down through coming generations, and any action that might help in those decisions must be taken. Continue reading →

I’ve voted in every local, state, and national election since I was first eligible.  I take my voting responsibilities seriously, a joyful obligation in return for the benefits and pleasures of being an American citizen.  I believe in America’s greatness, both historically and presently. I love my country, and with a little work, love most of my fellow citizens. The patchwork quilt that is American civil society is a delight and inspiration, at least most of the time.

But this year, I’m an undecided voter.

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A number of years ago as part of my professional development I went off to a Covey seminar on Core Values.  I found the class interesting, but in the end, felt that it left something important unsaid about how I navigated through my life.  Being explicit about one’s values is helpful, even necessary, but values are not sufficient except for the most fundamentalist approach to living.

My Life, as I’ve experienced it, only infrequently runs aground for a lack of values awareness and implementation.  Generally when my values are under duress, the choices are very clear even if implementation comes at a significant cost. My deepest, thorniest challenges come in situations that involve tradeoffs where there isn’t a clear either/or value to fall back on for direction.

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