LATEST BLOG POSTS

Lately, I’ve thought of people who say they can’t avoid plastic bags, bottles, flying. I suggest just declining, but they say they can’t. Saying no reminds me of Rosa Parks. She said no. She didn’t just act on her own as the campaign was planned and strategized, but she did it. She was arrested, which no one will be for declining a water bottle. Why do we honor someone if[…] Keep reading →

My series answering the New York Times’ Ethicist column with an active, leadership approach instead of an analytical, philosophical perspective continues with “Can I Cut Off a Relative With Hateful Views?”. My sister divorced her husband years ago. Until recently, we remained on friendly terms with my former brother-in-law, socializing at family events he hosted and exchanging holiday gifts. Lately he has become so radical in his political and world[…] Keep reading →

People see my apartment and often describe me or my lifestyle as minimalist. I don’t like labeling people or being labeled, but if anything, a more apt label would be maximalist. You might see the lack of stuff, but my focus is on values, relationships, self-awareness, free time, fun, joy, mental freedom, physical freedom, simplicity, space, delicious food, beauty, fitness, social and emotional skills, happiness, emotional reward, and so on.[…] Keep reading →

Join me at brunchwork in Manhattan to connect with industry leaders and meet brilliant peers over a farm-to-table meal (I’ll talk to them about minimizing packaging). My friend told me about brunchwork. I attended an event (with podcast guest Joanne Wilson, her episode is being edited). The community is friendly, welcoming, open, and enthusiastic. You’ll be glad you came. Logistics On Sunday, January 27, I’ll be chatting about leadership and[…] Keep reading →

If you haven’t started plogging, I recommend it. What’s plogging? It’s a term the Swedish created for picking up garbage when you run. I’ve picked up at least one piece of trash per day for a few years. In fact, this podcast began from a former student who, when he heard of my practice, committed to picking up 10 pieces of trash per day for a month. Most people do[…] Keep reading →

A friend who treats opioid addicts told me about the squalor they live in. They don’t see it because they’re thinking about their next hit, which will bring them euphoria. They’ll steal and prostitute themselves to maintain their habit, not thinking about the filth they live in or whom they hurt to bring their next hit. People don’t seem to see the filth we’ve turned our world into. People seem[…] Keep reading →

That addictive tug showed itself to me clearly for the first time the last time I ate ice cream. It was Thanksgiving, two or three Novembers ago. I rarely eat dairy and for years have avoided fiber-removed foods so I don’t remember why I tried a taste then. Everyone was eating pie and ice cream, passing them around the table. I was probably sipping scotch for dessert, or maybe eating[…] Keep reading →