Identifying the Line

We all have different risk thresholds, and we need to be open in receiving them. But we also need to ask ourselves when we will take the step back to normal. 

This virus is here to stay with us; we will be living with it for the rest of our lives. At what point do we start living again?

I say this as a privileged American citizen, fully vaccinated and surrounded by others who are also well protected. If we consider the bigger picture, it will help inform a greater perspective. 

Moving Past

There is both much to celebrate and despair over in the world. We get to choose which we do, and when. 

While heartbreak and sadness are part of our human emotional spectrum, experiencing them too often can lead to negativity seeping. At some point, we have to internally rally and determine we are going to apply our learned lessons next time. 

It appears we’re at a point right now as a species in which we can do more of that. There is inequity and there is pain, but we can rally past that, and choose to change the world. 

What is Search?

It’s an honest person’s guess in terms of search…that could result in anything. Do we understand the creepiness of it all?

One “bad” search and it manipulates what we see. Are we merely followers of commandants of what we’re exposed to?

It’s a tricky question as we explore what seems reasonable and reliable in our accepted worlds. How do we proceed?

Universe Building

It’s strange that even as we repeat our routines and traditions, they can still seem new. Every Monday is different, every holiday unique. 

How else to wade through with a singular and wild experience such as life, if not fully present? It seems we reach our epiphanies when we are the most hyper aware of how wondrous it all can be. 

When we dive into this world of possibility together, the future becomes malleable. Our next step forward as a species is to seize this collective effervescence and utilize it to build a better universe. 

Pandemic Learning

I’m not sure how much we’re learning to be safe together; the news of the new omicron variant is pretty distressing. While we give booster shots to people in rich countries, there are millions around the world who don’t have their first vaccine dose. 

I can’t help but believe this pandemic is testing us, our ability to organize and live in harmony. Sometimes it feels as though we’re failing. 

Good; we can learn from our mistakes and apply those lessons in the future. We can change the world, we just must live with empathy and awareness. 

Time of Year

Here we are, soaking in the holidays… is this why we get time off? Are there follow-up expeditions with the family for most people?

I hope so in a way, because it’s a special time. It was similar around Spring Festival when I lived in China. 

When we commune together, we gather perspective and insight. What have we gained this year?

Family of One

As I get older and older, I recognize family time to be the most important. It brings me joy to see the next generation learn and grow.

Is it not the same for everyone else? When will we recognize that we are groups of families, collectively one civilization!

We share this planet with everyone…isn’t it better to enjoy in harmony? If we start from this perspective, we can effect real positive change for all. 

Thanksgiving Today

It’s just an ordinary day like all the others. So why do we make a point for Thanksgiving?

Why do we insist on getting together with family? This concept of a “feast” is not that old in our species’ history, it’s something we’ve inherited from work. 

We gather because it’s still meaningful. This is what we are, and we can use it to pursue better. 

We are the Solution

There are many things we don’t understand. It’s essential we all understand and appreciate that. 

It will serve us well in our politics and organization. It will enable us to move past our biology and embrace the ideas and institutions we’ve developed. 

As we approach the season of gratefulness, we must also remember what we can contribute. We are the solution.

Beyond Perceived Limitations

I sometimes wonder how we can change our setup in this world. How can we alter the system so that we’re rewarded for improving life for us all?

We have developed various incentive systems throughout history, and stacked them to today’s results. While much better than most of the past, are we not an inflection point, in which we can leverage our position to effect real change?

Perhaps considering this perspective, we can. We are capable of more than we know, and the only limitation is ourselves. 

Reading World

It’s been too long since I’ve been immersed in a series of novels. Fiction, and reading in general, can become so engrossing that you live between two worlds. 

I believe reading is much more active, much more engaging, than simply watching tv. Our brains must create the picture, must propel us through the story, instead of passively taking it in. 

Reading is the foundation of education and one of our most primary skills. When we read more, we can expand our knowledge and awareness, and thus our capacity for improving the world. 

The Source

Hiking a local trail today reminded me how beautiful the valley is. California, and the Bay Area, is a geologically diverse place. 

Climbing hills gives us a view of what we’ve risen from, and it was apparent today: ocean and bay and hills and city all were visible. When we return to nature we get back to who we are. 

I think it’s as simple as that. As we build a better world together, let’s remember our source. 

Discussing Things

I often engage in discussions with members of my tribe about the complicated problems we face today. These conversations can be long, but I believe it’s important to regularly hold them and determine how we can best be part, no matter how small, of the solution. 

When you observe such discussions on major media outlets, there is very little nuance, and sessions are timed to minutes. Debating with those you don’t know so well can also be tricky, as many worry about being judged or spiraling the conversation into heated argument. 

It’s essential we learn to foster such talks with each other, to listen to which we don’t agree with, and practice being open while seeking truth. We have the technology to do great things, we must only learn to hold constructive discourse while pursuing a better future. 

Path to Organization

Our inability to organize, to navigate the mechanisms of modern communication, comes forth more than ever amidst the pandemic. We argue against other factions without truly knowing fact from fiction.

How many of us actually look at the scientific data around vaccines? The term “misinformation” has become ubiquitous.

To escape this spiraling path, we must adopt a larger perspective. If we accept with humility the truth that we know little, we can come together as a species and forge a better path. 

Big Nature Picture

My favorite positive about the time change, which we’re all probably finally used to now, is how easy it is to watch the sunrise. The sun and clouds were incredibly beautiful over the east foothills this morning.

How often do we take such a miracle for granted? We’re living on the most amazing celestial body we have ever discovered. 

When we begin from this larger picture and the uniqueness of the Earth, the good seems better and the bad not as important. By appreciating the nature still here, we can embrace our humanity and truly enjoy all that this is. 

Leaning into the Holidays

The holiday season is rapidly approaching in American culture, and I still get giddy as an adult. There’s something different about this time of year. 

Perhaps with less danger this year, we can embrace the holiday spirit and be good to each other. There is still so much negativity in the world, but maybe we can change that when we spend time with our loved ones and appreciate it wasn’t possible last year. 

The holidays have always reminded me what’s most important, and our traditions enable opportunities to lean into it. Let’s use this upcoming holiday season to embrace the best of all of us. 

Awareness of Change

We subside into our new normal as the pandemic lingers on, accepting our symptoms and side effects. Or so it seems; will we look back in 20 years and recoil at what we allowed ourselves to turn into?

Do we not currently do the same with post 9/11? It can be difficult to maintain an awareness of our collective behavioral changes, but our present advantage is how starkly the differences are between pre-pandemic life and now. 

We can always strive for better, and right now it’s particularly important. How we will feel in the future directly corresponds to the action we take now. 

Adaptable Monkeys

I watched a woman use a special tool to seal the plastic bag for two bread loaves during a Costco run today, and it kind of amazed me. We have developed equipment and methods and mechanisms for every single part of our daily lives. 

And by “we,” I don’t mean us—most of these inventions or protocols were developed by those long before us. The everyday convenience we enjoy, whether in Silicon Valley or Africa, is the result of generations of progress.

We adapt to these circumstances, and learn to complain about red lights or UPS inefficiencies. But from a larger perspective, it’s all kind of amazing, how we organize, adapt, and live out our lives on this planet. 

Journey Home

Driving home today felt like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen: there were fields and mountains and fog and valleys to cross. While travel is worthwhile, it’s also a nice feeling to be heading home. 

Even micro differences are noticeable in climate and culture. I can feel the water in the air here in the Bay Area tonight, and I pick up on subtle cultural differences when walking around. 

Such perspective is not earned through intelligence or effort, but can only be obtained through experience of “other.” If everyone travels a bit every once in a while, we will become more comfortable with what’s different, and more tolerant of other ways of life on this planet. 

Desert Visions

Lots of hiking and stargazing complete, our visit to Joshua Tree comes to a close. What a potent reminder of our planet’s beauty. 

In the desert you appreciate life during the day time, how plants and animals adapt to survive in such hostile conditions. While the nighttime brings quiet and the stars, a pause to contemplate the very nature of existence. 

When things are a little less easy, out in the desert, you can respect how far our species has come. It also brings forth hope for the future, that we may find harmony with the Earth, and strive for better.