Apathy is not compatible with love
Why I Love the Bass Guitar
Growing up, I was often asked what a bass player does. These days, I’m often asked why I chose the bass guitar over any other instrument. Both questions are really two sides of the same coin and my answer about the bass guitar also reflects just about all of my big life decisions.
Keep Swinging.
You never know where you'll end up in this life or who you'll meet along the way, but the most important thing is to remember: keep swinging. As Justice Thurgood Marshall once wrote, "You do what you think is right and let the law catch up."
It’s New Year’s Day Everyday
What does it mean when any day could represent the end of something old or the start of something new? What happens when any ordinary day could be used to commemorate something extraordinary?
Roads and Adversity
When you’re faced against obstacles (people or otherwise), just think about the ways that road builders can approach the problem.
Uses for Friction
For those looking to disrupt, to make good trouble, or to create social change, remember: movement creates friction.
What Makes a Successful Leader?
“As you met with world leaders, CEOs, and other people at the top of their field, what were 3 qualities you found to be in common with all of them?”
Why We Vote
One of my greatest joys this year was helping my father vote…when we began, we both decided that voting should be an act of generosity: it wasn't about ourselves or "our side," but rather, what decisions would help the most people, especially in these uncertain times of need.
The past is the past
Years ago, I came across this great quote: “Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past.”
The Waiting
If you are filled with anger or anxiety about the uncertainty of an election, just remember that there are many more who feel the exact same way as you - including those who would passionately disagree with you.
Invisible Problems
How we think about the roof is a lot like how we think about social problems: they are seldomly thought of by some but very visible to others.
National Loving Day
Remember, justice isn’t arrived at because people want to uphold the status quo or because social order is prioritized over people. Sometimes, it takes troublemakers to bring about change. But always, without a doubt, it requires a generous dose of courage, empathy, and love. Here’s to National Loving Day, a reminder that it is always worth fighting for the people we love.
Statements are a start…but they are definitely not the finish
A more cynical person would probably respond by saying that talk is cheap. But a relentless optimist (like yours truly) would say it's a start. It isn't enough but if talking moves the conversation forward, if it shines the light of accountability, and if it helps change the culture, then it is often a good start. Even if some of the statements are clumsy or late - as people, this only seems natural - if they reflect core values or some inner intention, we can work with that.
Why Isn't the Media Talking About This?
When someone asks, why isn't the media talking about this? They usually aren't doing the work first.When we pose this question, we aren't being literal with it. What we're really saying is, "Why aren't they reporting on the matter as much as I would like or presenting the story in a way that I approve of?"
Unexpected Nuance
About this time last year, I had an impactful (and surprising) discussion around race. Here's how it went...