Category Archives: Awareness

Pollution, depletion, and overcoming addiction

on December 4, 2024 in Addiction, Awareness

My book Sustainability Simplified treats addiction in depth because it’s so connected to our environmental problems. All of those problems result from our behavior. We aren’t stopping behavior putting civilization at risk, harming people globally. Read the book for more detail, but I think you can see our dependence on polluting and depleting qualifies as addiction. If you want to overcome an addiction, whom do you ask for help: people[…] Keep reading →

Two updates to my sidchas and standard operation procedures

on October 16, 2024 in Awareness, Fitness, Habits, SIDCHAs

I’m updating My sidchas, standard operating procedures, and preferences in two ways. Cardio days First, in my 6-Day Exercise/Mindfulness Cycle, I’m changing day 6, which was “Cardio, at least 300 calories rowing or meaningful effort plogging, biking, walking, or climbing stairs.” I did cardiovascular exercises for two reasons: Since around May, I’ve been experimenting fasting on day 6. That is, instead of burning more calories, taking in fewer. Doing cardio[…] Keep reading →

Why do liberals consider political views they disagree with “wrong” but different skin colors and sexual preferences “diverse”?

on October 4, 2024 in Awareness, Models, Nonjudgment

People are going to read their preconceptions into what I’m asking, so if my question of this post seems provocative or you think it implies I’m promoting or espousing views, you’re misreading. There’s a pattern I see often. One example was last weekend at an alumni event at Columbia University. Former US Attorney General Eric Holder spoke. He’s a Democrat and liberal. As best I can tell, so were most[…] Keep reading →

When you know someone will (mis)interpret everything you say their way, do you talk to them?

on August 4, 2024 in Awareness, Nonjudgment, Perception

The title says half of it: When you know someone will interpret everything you say their way, do you talk to them? The other half: What if they’re your parents? No, I didn’t just have a fight with a parent, but I do talk to a lot of people who interpret what I say as best I can tell based on preconceptions of what they expect someone talking about what[…] Keep reading →

A rare 360 degree rainbow in the middle of a sunny day yesterday

on July 27, 2024 in Awareness, Nature

The title and the pictures speak for themselves, though can’t capture the beauty of seeing it in person. Also, when you see a rainbow, pointing it out to people creates fun and connection. I was in Washington Square Park and I saw not one person see this rainbow except people I showed it too and the people who saw the joy and amazement in the people I showed it to.[…] Keep reading →

Misunderstanding Hate and Humanity

on July 18, 2024 in Awareness, Leadership

I wrote last year about how We can’t turn off our emotional systems and we all share the same emotions, regarding NYU’s likely well-intentioned but misguided posters decrying saying “hate has no place at NYU.” I wrote then: To say “Hate has no place at NYU” seems like saying “Thumbs have no place at NYU” or “Spleens have no place at NYU.” We all have the wiring to hate. To[…] Keep reading →

Today’s greatest privilege: denying one’s personal contribution to pollution, depletion, plunder, and imperialism

on June 26, 2024 in Awareness, Nonjudgment

Liberals talk a lot about privilege. Conservatives, libertarians, and other political groups have their problems facing their contribution to our environmental problems, but liberals contribute as much. Their denial is through the roof. In particular, they throw around the term ‘privilege’ like it was candy. I think they think they’re silencing the people they accuse of it, but in a way the other person deserves, doesn’t realize, and benefits from[…] Keep reading →

Simple Pleasures

on June 19, 2024 in Awareness, Tips

I keep thinking of little things that bring me joy and want to collect them in a post. I never start the post because I can only think of a few every time I post. I’m going to start the post with only a few and add to it. Sorry if you’re reading this when I just posted and have only three items, but I hope you enjoy cleaning your[…] Keep reading →

People living contrary to their values say bizarre things

on March 16, 2024 in Awareness, Nature

I was talking to someone who pollutes more than most people while being aware of environmental problems. She bought a luxury SUV and flies around for fun. She compares herself to people who pollute and deplete more and says, “I’m not as bad as them” and concludes that she’s one of the good ones—which doesn’t follow, logically. In the course of conversation, she said about her unsustainable practices, “. .[…] Keep reading →

Sign up for my weekly newsletter