See the wonder
A kangaroo looks back, considering. Australia, January 2020
I’ve noticed that my tribe experiences the worst of me, and I aim to change that. But at the same time, their support elevates my perspective.
We generally expose ourselves the most to those we care about the most. If we recognize that and acknowledge its reverse, it can allow us to provide the same support.
It comes back to the basic bottom line: we are social creatures that thrive together. And “together” means all of us.
A glimpse of Piazza della Signoria in Florence, August 2019
There are good things happening in the world all the time. Today I got to be privy to just another one of them.
Growing up is developing your tribe even further, at least in the modern world. We are the company we keep, and in today’s age, we mostly get to choose our company.
There is hope on the horizon, we just have to look toward it. We never know what’s coming, and that’s one of the many things that makes life worth living.
Two yellow-billed oxpeckers on a giraffe near Lake Manyara, Tanzania
I was viewing a library page online that used the term “60 days.” It surprised me when the date shown read November 27, 2021.
November doesn’t seem so far away, but 60 days feels like a new person will exist where I am now. It makes me ponder the nature of a “week,” how we internalize its importance as a society.
Our perception of time is merely…that. Our time is what we make of it.
King Penguins being social, South Georgia Island, March 2019
The internet has changed the world, and should be treated as a public utility. It enables new functionality in every home, much of which has been necessary during the pandemic.
While we maybe need to take a break from our phones more often, their power with the internet is undeniable. This second layer of the internet creates new ways to interact and engage in commerce.
Much like automobiles and airplanes in how they changed transportation, the internet is changing what’s possible for the average person. If we protect and encourage these possibilities, we’ll inhabit a more connected, and more equal, world.
Down the street in a village, for a village, Bali 2020
I’ve watched more football in the past 2 weeks than in the previous 3 years. It‘a an American tradition right?
There’s certainly effervescence in the stadium, amongst thousands of souls. It’s an interesting sociological phenomenon, to say the least.
It makes me wonder if we can rally for a more collective purpose. What do we choose to act on?
Witnessing the vortex of Sedona, Arizona, July 2020
There’s some kind of hallowed reverence around father-son time. Something primordial that people respect.
In today’s world, it can be as simple as watching a football game—the American gladiator games. In the past it may have been temperance with other tribes.
The passing down of knowledge is only the first layer. The true transference, for the past few hundred thousand years, is multidirectional wisdom.
A coral formation in the middle of a salt desert, Bolivia 2019
Energy comes and goes, and part of life is catching it. I often feel there’s strategy in riding out the lows.
We keep marching onwards in time, and must choose the moments we fully embrace. Those decisions determine the path we ultimately walk.
So where are we going to go, individually and as a society? There’s only so much energy, and we have to choose.
Michelangelo’s David in Florence, capturing determination over suffering
I have much to learn about Buddhist philosophy, but I was thinking today about the notion that attachment leads to suffering. It occurred to me that perhaps the orientation around avoiding suffering shouldn’t be the goal.
Maybe meaning, and in a sense value, can be our orientation to the universe. When we ascribe meaning to our existence, and everything else we choose, of course there will be inevitable suffering.
But is that worthy of despair, of pushing back on the reality we experience? Acceptance of some suffering enables us to embrace the meaning and sheer amazingness of this thing we call the universe; and I’m starting to realize—even if there’s inherent suffering, it is worthwhile.
Looking off the coast of South Africa, December 2019
Space and distance are relative: a drive up to the city can seem short or far, depending on one’s mood and perspective. Same reason why the way back always feels faster.
What I’ve come to realize is it feels better with your tribe, no matter the distance. Making the effort to spend time with them pays dividends in the future.
In the modern world we don’t always live close to our families, but we can also conquer distance. It’s our choice, how to spend the time given to us.
Admiring humpback whales off the coast of Antarctica, March 2019
There is always much to look forward to. If we remember that, we can conquer whatever the day may bring.
Another strategy is to consider the big picture. Is life really so bad, compared to what others have experienced, compared to the large problems before our species?
No, we can pull ourselves up, put up, and contribute to a better world. Digging in and pushing back against despair is the way to fight it.
Rice fields on the side of the road on a cloudy day, Bali, February 2020
We can change the world, while still maintaining balance in our own individual lives. Martyrdom isn’t necessary to make a difference on this planet.
Some do it by turning their calling into their career, dedicating hours of effort every week. Others offer their passions outside of work, adding value through hobbies.
There is no wrong answer, as long as we each do something, no matter how small or often. We enjoy luxurious lives compared to those who lives before—it’s only just to give back what we can to the world.
Opening pitch at Oracle Park today, September 19, 2021
There’s something uniquely American about the first pitch of a baseball game. It’s the start of an untimed contest, in which anything can happen; a wild pitch or a home run.
Enjoying a game with my grandparents today, I cannot think of a more representative act of our time. Relatively speaking, we live in a world of luxury.
What a fantastical universe, in which amongst the billions of galaxies, stars, and celestial bodies, a red-stripped white ball exists on a baseball diamond. What else can we do but play ball.
Enjoying the path ahead at Crystal Springs, January 2021
Weekends in modern times are for family time, am I right? Which makes me think about our societal structure—what are our priorities?
I ordinarily argue for contribution to the world, that striving for betterment for all is a motivation to embrace. But if that isn’t grounded in a strong sense of community, where does that energy go?
It’s necessary for us to examine such a dynamic in how we live. Do we do what matters, and do we spend time with the people that matter most?
Who needs news in nature? The majesty of Iguazu Falls, February 2019
Keeping abreast of the latest news and politics proves difficult with all the online noise. A genuine source, without bent or agenda, can be hard to find.
In today’s world the best strategy appears to be following trustworthy journalists, regardless of platform. When you find someone whose work you trust, you can lean on their information and expertise.
More and more, these sources are not found on major networks or newspapers, but on their own independent platforms. It’s a brave new world when it comes to staying informed, and deciphering that information to better the world.
Soaring over the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia, February 2020
When the conversation turns to education, I always have strong feelings. How is it that when you talk to the average person, they always agree education should be changed?
Our teachers are the most important people in the world, because they most influence the course of our species. We can use the word “our” because it collectively affects everyone.
In a complex world, one of those most impactful solutions is incredibly simple: we must focus more on education. The more we know, the more we can change the world.
Feeling the old town vibes of Corniglia, Italy, August 2019
I've been told 'welcome to being an adult' for much of my adult life. Bills and responsibility are indeed a part of self reliance, but does maturity necessarily mean the same thing?
Rainbows and tigers and chocolate and puddles exist in this world--we should enjoy them! Buttoned up demeanor has no place in such a vivid reality.
Our time and place in this universe is so magnificent, we can not only revel in its beauty but also work to improve it, and that's where responsibility derives. The real bill is what's due upon departure: how much value we impart on all this is.
Stories galore at the morning market in Arusha, Tanzania, October 2019
Humans tell stories; it’s how we are wired to experience reality and a key mechanism of our sociability. When we feel hope or despair, it’s not necessarily because our reality has changed—we feel these emotions when we believe a narrative.
Which affords us incredible power, as we possess the ability to rise above the occasion. Our biology offers a way to achieve the improbable, when our minds believe the possible.
We can activate this potential even in the darkest times, and that’s not where we are. We can consider, we can empathize, we can thrive, and we can change the world.
Tens of thousands of penguins near the shore on South Georgia, March 2019
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline seemed a timely read given recent tech magnate speculation about the “metaverse.” Futuristic fun and pop culture references aside, the book lays out a possible future.
In the story a dystopian world is largely ignored by the majority of the impoverished population, ditched for a persistent three dimensional virtual online reality. While foreboding in the year it was published, 2011, the scenario invokes fear in 2021.
But the novel’s main message, even if not fully developed or featured, resonates deeply in current times as well: people are good, this world is worth saving…and never give up. Still fiction, but Ready Player One is a highly relevant tale and a short fun ride.
Loh Dalum Beach in Thailand, just before the pandemic began, March 2020
I guess it’s autumn again in America, with football on Sunday’s. Watching a game on TV, you wouldn’t even think we were still in a pandemic.
Because at some point, life goes on. I believe in doing all we can for public health and safety, in each of us taking responsibility for a healthy society, but at the same time…we have to live.
This juxtaposition has proven difficult for us to move forward. But forward we must go; it’s the only path available.
Looking north from the cliffs above Montarra state beach, February 2021
Today is always a day of reflection. Whether we like it not, 9/11 is one of the most significant events in our lifetime, for anyone alive today.
It has impacted almost the entire globe and changed billions of lives. Particularly for Americans, its horrors will never completely fade.
How we choose to interpret this anniversary will determine humanity’s path forward. Each year this day serves as a stark reminder that we are all here on this planet together.