Stress Balance

There are benefits to the eustress resulting from hard work. After pushing yourself to accomplish something, it feels good to be tired. We are meant to be deeply engrossed with problems, with difficulty, during our waking hours. Are we spending our time doing that? There’s a time and place for work and for relaxation, alertness and rest. It’s when we find the right balance that we can truly contribute to the larger system.

Sunrise Sensations

An early morning sunrise can spark joy and a feeling of connectedness to the universe. The canvas on display this morning evoked a sense of calm. The Earth is so incredibly beautiful. And we are a part of it, of the very fabric of space time in this universe. Let’s act with oneness. It will all be alright.

Teacher Salaries

I believe one of the most impactful ways we can improve the world is through education. I believe in a strong public education system, one that is equitable to all students of all backgrounds. It seems one of the simplest ways to inject change into the system is to raise teacher salaries. High salaries and great benefits will incentivize more people to pursue, and stick with, the profession. With an influx of supply, we can hold teachers to high standards and increase learning outcomes for students, regardless of socioeconomic status or any other factor. Those children will grow up to become better parents, better citizens, and better members of society. The cycle will strengthen each generation. It’s all pretty simple, but it’s a longterm investment. We won’t see tangible results for 20 years. Are we willing to be patient, are we willing to make an investment to better the future for our children? We can change the world; there are solutions before us that are simple. Can we implement them together as one society?

Storytelling

Humans are natural storytellers and storylisteners. We gravitate towards narratives and ascribe meaning to them. It’s how we learn and how we communicate. Content only matters with all the context. What kind of story are we going to tell about this generation of humanity that inhabits the Earth right now? What type of story will the next generation get to listen to?

In the Universe

When you spend time with friends, you start to see the absolute positives in life. Each of us, no matter the circumstances, has so much to enjoy, to be grateful for. How lucky we are, to be alive with other tribe members on this planet in this thing we call the universe.

Reflection on Tribe

Sometimes you see old friends and it makes for a good reflection point. What are we as a species, besides monkeys banging sticks? And yet we all feel genuine emotion for loved ones, and it manifests one way or another. In some way, the way of the Earth, we are all together.

Breath and Effort

I’ve written about Covid fatigue before: many institutions and processes of the world seem to be “broken” from the pandemic. But I try to resist falling into such fallible fatalism. There are certainly challenges in this strange new world we inhabit, and we are still navigating repercussions from the world shutting down. The way out? To breathe, and to strive. Breathing creates space to believe we can improve and rebuild. Striving brings the effort and execution necessary for making that belief a reality. We can do it, together.

Problems and Solutions

There’s a genuine thrill of excitement when you’re on the path of solution to a complex problem. In the midst of the pandemic, we may have lost sight of that. There are plenty of problems in the world. Any one of us doesn’t need to solve each of them. But every one of us has the ability to contribute to a solution for one of them.

You Never Know

Today I met someone at my company during a happy hour who lived in China as well. We spoke Mandarin together briefly and talked about our travels within that country. It was completely happenstance; we both arrived at the bar to get a drink at the same time. I enjoyed a delightful conversation, and think made a new friend. You never know another’s story, history, or ambition. Sometimes it can pleasantly surprise you.

With loved ones

It can be so intense. We focus on legislation and policy and the impact on everyone. It can become overwhelming.

How about the time spent with those you love? Does politics and economics and climate surface within topic of conversation?

Perhaps it does. The time with those we love doesn’t need to be dedicated to solving world problems.

But it can be a listening point. For further direction, and action.

System and Hustle

In American culture, hard work is valued. To hustle, to take what’s yours, is aspirational to millions of Americans across the country. It’s a positive force among the people. But can we also, while harnessing that energy to the maximum, modify our societal structures so they benefit the masses? Can we rig the system for the betterment of all? That’s the more impactful and sustainable way to create change, and it requires awareness and organization.

Back to the South Bay

My best friend texted me today, “you survived another trip huh.” It felt good to catch up with him, to look through photos of the summer. It felt good to be home. The South Bay Area is a place I don’t know I’ll ever truly leave.

Last Day in Mexico

Even after all the days blend together, there’s still that last day feeling. Tomorrow morning we depart for home, and today was to savor one last bit of the different weather, environment and atmosphere. Although far from the west coast, Cancun is worth it. There’s something special about the jungle, the playa, and the people. Until next time.

Starting Point

Upon the verge of death, I think most people want the best for their family, their tribe. Monetary and planetary possessions become meaningless. I’m incredibly thankful for the precious moments I enjoy with mine. Our tribe matters, and I hope in my lifetime we can expand that love and understanding to the entire world. That is the starting point.

Sailing Accordingly

I enjoyed a wonderful boat ride with my tribe tonight. There’s something special about sailing the ocean with others. I’ve said it a lot this week, but there truly is something drawing about the sea. We are insignificant in scale compared to the vastness of our planet. Let’s appreciate that fact and act accordingly.

Call of the Ocean

The call of the ocean doesn’t get old. I hold reverence for the ocean, its vastness and its mystery, and thus can become frightened of it easily when swimming. But there is something simply magnificent about it; the ocean is what defines our planet Earth. In some ways foreign, but in other ways, home.

Taking it in

The grand beauty and majesty of it all is obviously what attracts so many visitors. But it’s the little things about the Yucatán peninsula that make it special. The people are warm and care free, the weather induces a slow easy pace, and there’s always the ocean. Cancun is a unique place, one that offers many things on many levels. It really is a big beautiful amazing world, and we’re so lucky to enjoy it.

Monkeys on Earth

Gosh I was so legitimately happy to see my family today. In an all inclusive resort, in the middle of the jungle, I want to see them. Something to think about, in this grand scheme of things that we call Earth. How small we are, to seek each other’s company. It becomes interesting eh?

Lucky Humans

I was scared to do it, both because of the open ocean and my fear of sharks, but today I got to swim with a whale shark and it was glorious. Throughout the entire excursion, I was struck by how incredible the Earth is—that such magnificent creatures such as whale sharks exist on this planet, that it’s mostly ocean, just so much water…

We inhabit a paradise, and we need to do our part to take care of it. It’s the most wondrous known place in existence. How lucky we humans are.

Morning Departure

And we depart again. Traveling certainly isn’t “fun” right now, but it’s still, as always, exciting to visit a new place. Setting off on an adventure is a luxury for most people in this world, but I believe we should strive to make it possible for everyone. You learn when you travel, and even on a vacation trip, you face the unknown. Traveling builds character through meaningful life experiences. Here we go.