Drain Commissioner

Even though I made fun of the candidate for drain commissioner for taking a pro-life stand in the race, I still voted for him. He seemed like a good guy. To be honest, I had no idea who I should vote for the in the primary. This guy showed up in our neighborhood one night and talked with me. That was enough to get my vote.

But, my vote was not enough. He lost in the primary.

Wake up

Rick Beerhorst gave me the following quote this morning:

"It may be more important to be awake than to be successful, balanced, or healthy. What does it mean to be awake? Perhaps to be living with a lively imagination, responding honestly and courageously to opportunity and avoiding the temptation to follow mere habit or collective values. It means to be an individual in every instance manifesting the originality of who we are. This is the ultimate form of creativity - following the lead of the deep soul as we make a life.

We all fall asleep and allow life to rush by without reflection and consideration. We are shocked into awareness by a tragedy or failure, this is the time not to make resolutions for the future but to choose to live an awakened life." Thomas Moore, Original Self, page 129.

My life has been turned upside down having a small child. My perspective has changed to look out first for the needs of my family. I find I want to rush into the future of making more money to support my family by getting and MBA degree and/or a CPA certification.

This quote reminds me to wake up, and not rush into the future. Getting more education might be the leading of my deep soul but I need to be quiet long enough to hear it. I think it might be time for a silent retreat.

Curiosity

"Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect." Samuel Johnston

I've noticed that curiosity is also the characteristic of writers and artists. They are asking questions, looking at the world from different angles.

Children are curious. They ask lots of questions.

Cats are curious. You know the saying...Curiosity killed the cat. But, do cats really have a vigorous intellect?

Asking too many questions can get you into trouble. I learned to not ask questions so that no body would be upset with me.

I try to ask more questions now such as: Why don't we care when innocent Iraqis are killed in the current conflict? Why is it necessary to fill up all of the green space in our suburbs with parking lots and new box stores? Why do I continue to eat too much? Why is it so hard to live on one income in our economy?

Hopefully the questions are sign of curiosity and vigorous intellect...