Autonomy and Life

Life is a struggle for many reasons. Chief among them is unequal access to opportunity. But it is also a struggle because we have to educate the heart and mind, and we have to acquire the boldness and transcendent skills to make it matter that we lived at all.

In the absence of this bold effort, our lives are shaped, directed and constantly unsettled by anxiety, rivalry, antagonism and other natural and cultural forces. In fact, in the absence of this bold effort, we don’t really have access to intellectual integrity and to choice. If we can’t summon transcendence, we act in accord with the dictates of immediacy instead of in accord with the way we know we want to be. (more…)

We all know both kinds of people. We can see how some assimilate easily and certainly into an identity, into roles, into the prevailing conventions. And then we know those who have other ideas. They’re not necessarily discontent but they have questions about what constitutes a substantive life and with what they should identify and make important.

Those in the latter group have faced quite a challenge. You have realized that how you were defined by your condition and circumstances may now be reconsidered and its limitations breached. (more…)

Yes, there are good intentions and best laid plans. And then, of course, stuff happens. Things break. Hearts break, too. Worth is undermined. Dreams are dashed. Lies are told. Affection strays. Loyalties falter. Seemingly dependable people abscond. Energy atrophies. Someone cheats. Mercy is in short supply. You know what these times call for. They call for greater subjectivity or selfhood. (more…)

Substance refers to the mental and transcendent character distinctive to an individual. It is valued by the individual and esteemed by others. Why? Because, in part, it is a sign of your ability to control fear and anxiety and face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way. We admire those able to sustain commitment, responsibility and compassion through the most troubling times. The display of courage, generosity and honor—in the face of challenge—commands our respect. (more…)

No one said it would be easy, and it won’t. The meaningful life takes work. Careful thought. The big picture. Goals and objectives. Resolutions and resolve. Passion and restraint.

Success in the new year is also going to take a willingness to return to the drawing board as we face inertia, criticism, cheap shots, complexity, disappointment, rivals and breakdowns. Because what happens when we have hopes, goals and dreams? Life. Messy, complex, contingent, imperfect life. Each and every one of us must deal with the sometimes absurd, sometimes agonizing stuff of life that foils the best-laid plans.

(more…)

At the very heart of our lives is our struggle to reach and express humanity’s most decent and dignifying sentiments. As we create the voice with which we receive, describe and answer the world, we find our bearings, our meaning, our purpose.

Yes, there is sadness in the world. And discouragement. So much remains unconsidered, unjust and undone. Yet, with immense gratitude for the possibilities, gifts and blessings to which we are heir, we celebrate transcendence and give our word to live life with hope, love and concern. (more…)

The new year awaits but the remains of resolutions past may haunt. You want to be optimistic about what can be accomplished and make goals to match your vision for your life. On the other hand, you have a history to take into account.

Setting out in a new direction requires thoughtfulness, organization and discipline. Given, you know your objective. But have you considered all the means to it? Do you have the time, money, resources and, if necessary, the backup to enact all the steps to its achievement? Are you realistic about the obstacles? As it happens, creative endeavor is resisted—if not by the nature of what you are working with, then by the force of your own nature. (more…)

We want life to be rewarding in all the obvious ways. But there is more. We want it to matter. We want to reach beyond the quotidian and beyond what’s practically or immediately necessary—even beyond making a difference. (more…)

There is nothing passive about total peace of mind. Inner mastery requires authority—commitment, nerve, work, heart, competence. Such mastery is generally unavailable via ceremony or ritual or through the acquisition of stylish stuff. In fact, peace of mind is dynamic and its resource kept vital by a creative and disciplined mind. Let me tell you what I mean. (more…)

Meaning. Connection. Contribution. Total peace of mind. Saying “yes” to such a life and “yes” to learning its truths; leaning into love and kindness; cherishing beauty and authenticity and the magnanimity that enlightens our perceptions and judgments; we bring to bear an environment of significance, joy and acceptance that nurtures those who depend on us and presses to the fore the possibility of redemption, reconciliation and reciprocity. (more…)