Sunday, February 28, 2010
Monday, May 18, 2009
Blogger to Wordpress
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Young Men, Car Engines and Tolerance
After listening to their complaints about each other, I redirected the conversation by asking them questions about car engines.
Each one began sharing their knowledge of how cars worked and when they got to the discussions about engine oil and coolant, I shifted gears, if you will, and began to connect their understanding of the value and purpose of engine oil in the car engine with value and importance of having and developing the skill or virtue of tolerance.
Tolerance is that single element or skill essential to finding peace when living in close quarter with other people. This analogy seemed effective in getting them to see a way beyond having to ‘Win” the power struggle and to focus on an outcome that was sustainable.
Engine oil (Tolerance) is an essential element for neutralizing and minimizing the heat build-up from personality friction when working together in any kind of a group or community. And with young men and women in particular, if it can be seen as a tool, rather than “giving in”, they are more likely to adopt it. In any case, it worked for now with these young men so I thought I would share. –
Tolerance => Charity => Love
Monday, May 11, 2009
Philosophy - Mayonnaise Jar - Golf balls – Sand and ...
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
Now, said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.'
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Victory for Hancock NY on the fight to stop NYRI
In my capacity at The Family Foundation School, through my involvement with The Hancock Partners, and finally because the 190 mile power line could have cost me my actual home, I am delighted.
Thank you to Senator John Bonacic, CARI, Stop NYRI and all of the political and community based grass roots organizations for persistently working in opposition to the NYRI project. Scores of NYRI opponents who fought the project to protect the Delaware River in Delaware & Sullivan Counties through the Village of Otisville and on to the Town of Windsor in Orange County are cheering. Through their efforts and the active role of our political representatives such as State Senator John Bonacic, who sponsored legislation prohibiting the use of eminent domain, we have a Victory! Well Done! There are links with some details of this on my Hancock New York blog