The People We Aspire to Be - Reflection on Everyday Freedom
In the noise and confusion of modern life, it's often lost on us that while we can't necessarily change every situation, we have the freedom to choose how we respond, and, in so doing, train ourselves and our children to become the people we aspire to be.
How?
In this public talk at Heart-Mind 2019, I explore the wide-ranging array of universal qualities inside of all of us. I highlight those that bring out the best in us like wisdom, compassion, patience, kindness, and awareness, qualities that lead to focused attention, the ability to see what's happening within and around us clearly, and a strong capacity to regulate emotion. These are the qualities both children and adults call upon when they're under pressure or in a sticky situation, ones that offer a glimpse of everyday freedom.
I first posted this talk as a holiday message, when thoughts of peace on earth, goodwill toward men, and how light dispels darkness offered an opportunity to reflect on the qualities we hope to embody. Five months later, we're two months into a pandemic and sheltering in place. At home, with no vaccine in sight, I can't think of a better time to remember that while we can't change the situation, we have the freedom to choose how we respond. And that, in so doing, we embody the qualities we value and model them for our children.