Soren, I appreciate how you have distilled this down to two essential problems. When I worked for Motorola, the culture discouraged us from using the word problem. We were taught to replace it with opportunity, a small shift in language that created hope and reminded us that something could be done.
The Dalai Lama similarly reduces the purpose of life to a beautiful idea: happiness and joy. That, too, gives me hope.
Still, perhaps there are moments when we need to call something a problem—especially when hope feels critically low. Naming the problem can help us recognize its seriousness, while seeing the opportunity helps us move toward a solution.
Your message about accepting responsibility for our impact while surrendering control over the outcome deeply resonates with me. I may not know the answer, but I know I want to be part of the solution—without becoming discouraged, overwhelmed, or spending precious time trying to control what I cannot.
And time is precious. We cannot make more of it, but we can choose to take our time, slow down, be present, and laugh more often. That is one of my favorite ways to create a little more happiness and joy along the way.
Social change requires 3.5 % of any given population, according to theorists Ellen Chenowithand Mark Lichbach. So I agree, simple acts of kindness, resistance, and refusal makes us all agents of 'good trouble'.
Soren, this speaks deeply to me. The paradox you describe—complete responsibility and complete surrender—is central to our human journey. As I read your words, I found myself reflecting that the book I recently published, The Heart of Sacred Listening, explores one pathway into that paradox. The more deeply I listen—to another person, to life itself, and to what is arising within me—the more I discover both responsibility and surrender. This is my work, and perhaps it is all of our work. Thank you for another beautiful reflection.
I completely relate. I have difficulty with #2 and often feel strong aversion toward people, places, and things that don’t fit with “me.” Sometimes it’s very problematic and I suffer significantly. After 10 years of practice, I still don’t understand why it’s an issue. Why can’t we easily recondition our minds to not create suffering? I suppose this is proof of the 3 Marks of Existence (inconstancy, unsatisfactoriness, no solid self) Thanks for the reminder, Soren.
Aloha, my friend across the ocean, from Maui.
Soren, I appreciate how you have distilled this down to two essential problems. When I worked for Motorola, the culture discouraged us from using the word problem. We were taught to replace it with opportunity, a small shift in language that created hope and reminded us that something could be done.
The Dalai Lama similarly reduces the purpose of life to a beautiful idea: happiness and joy. That, too, gives me hope.
Still, perhaps there are moments when we need to call something a problem—especially when hope feels critically low. Naming the problem can help us recognize its seriousness, while seeing the opportunity helps us move toward a solution.
Your message about accepting responsibility for our impact while surrendering control over the outcome deeply resonates with me. I may not know the answer, but I know I want to be part of the solution—without becoming discouraged, overwhelmed, or spending precious time trying to control what I cannot.
And time is precious. We cannot make more of it, but we can choose to take our time, slow down, be present, and laugh more often. That is one of my favorite ways to create a little more happiness and joy along the way.
Mahalo for this thoughtful reminder.
Social change requires 3.5 % of any given population, according to theorists Ellen Chenowithand Mark Lichbach. So I agree, simple acts of kindness, resistance, and refusal makes us all agents of 'good trouble'.
Soren, this speaks deeply to me. The paradox you describe—complete responsibility and complete surrender—is central to our human journey. As I read your words, I found myself reflecting that the book I recently published, The Heart of Sacred Listening, explores one pathway into that paradox. The more deeply I listen—to another person, to life itself, and to what is arising within me—the more I discover both responsibility and surrender. This is my work, and perhaps it is all of our work. Thank you for another beautiful reflection.
Precious words, thank you Soren. A very good reminder. 🙏🏽💕
Thank you, Soren 🌱
I completely relate. I have difficulty with #2 and often feel strong aversion toward people, places, and things that don’t fit with “me.” Sometimes it’s very problematic and I suffer significantly. After 10 years of practice, I still don’t understand why it’s an issue. Why can’t we easily recondition our minds to not create suffering? I suppose this is proof of the 3 Marks of Existence (inconstancy, unsatisfactoriness, no solid self) Thanks for the reminder, Soren.
Thanx a lot Søren for your stimuli and thoughts , they are always precious and they give me balance 💛
Nice read. I post some Buddhist doctrine & stories. We produce music & videos. You will like it.