Tag: changing-the-narrative

Grow in Wonder

One act of genuine kindness. One intentional smile. One word of praise or well-wishing can turn a nation around. I’m not talking about saccharin sweetness; I’m talking about the possibility of rediscovering our humanity again. You can’t do that wrapped in fear. It means nothing if offered falsely. Human dignity can only be offered from those who are actively engaged in living it. This is where religion and reality part ways. This is where morality based on some hypothetical theory falls short. Dignity is not an intellectual exercise. You can’t make it up. 

From what I can tell people are starving today for a bit of truth. You can’t and won’t get it from the force feeding of sameness that streams through our smart devices. It’s a cultivated art, this discernment of what is valuable and necessary and what is not. It’s a practice, this ability to separate the wheat from the chaff and an even greater practice to do it without judgment. These things take time and attention. It pays to not be distracted.

And we can discover our similarities despite our differences. The ability to grow in wonder of the myriad colors and distinct beauty that each life holds is a gift. That ability comes from the surrender of self-importance. It’s possible, it feels good and it’s infectious.

Life is for those who never stop learning. Living is a practice and not to be taken for granted. Time is the toll keeper that reminds us of our journey’s end. And gratitude and love are the sweetnesses that keep our cup from becoming bitter. 

One act of genuine kindness. One intentional smile. One word of praise or well-wishing can turn a nation around. Try it.

Enjoy this conversation with my friend, Si Maata as we speak about our Humanity, being Indigenous and Queer at this auspicious and difficult time. You can find Si’s creations at Gathering the Stories and streaming at Free Story Radio

Empowering Hope to Action – Wisconsin Rising

Politics has not held much weight with me. The game has always seemed too rigged, but something is definitely stirring that may prove to be enough to welcome a new day. The discourse is changing. People across the nation are feeling empowered to hope again.

It is time to remember the old childhood song, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt”. The insults and lies are flying. We have met the supreme insulter in chief and his vitriol has emboldened far too many. But we are taking back our courage and dignity as human beings, and it shows.

We are standing empowered to demand what we want and need. And if you have a mind to vote, make sure you are certain of what and who you are giving your permission toward. Maybe this time we will demand the empowerment of everyone. The bots and AI commercials can’t rock you when you are committed to humanity.

Here are two podcasts from Changing the Narrative. The first is with Francesca Hong. the second with Emily Berge. I give time for people to express their humanity and invite them to express why they are engaged so passionately in whatever they do. These two people are unstoppable and regardless of the outcome in the Aug 11 primary, or the Nov 3 midterm, they will have made their mark on our culture and our politics. And it is good.

Please listen and share.

A Force For Good. Francesca Hong is running as an unapologetic Democratic Socialist on the Democratic ticket to be the next governor of Wisconsin. “We Make Better Possible, ” is proving to be a welcoming, big tent idea.

A Human Being Who Happens To Be a Politician Emily Berge is running to unseat Derrick Van Orden in the Third Congressional District challenging the notion that Washington insiders should pick the Democratic Candidate and has insisted on having a primary for the 3rd allowing local voters to decide.