Life 2.0

Homecoming

Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organization to celebrate the organization's existence. It is a tradition in many high schools, colleges, and churches. But that definition is just the concept of the thing. As I was reminded yesterday when attending homecoming at my former high school, it goes far past the football games, floats, parades, and dances. It can be about reconnecting with people, places, and events of the past, to make the future even brighter if we choose to see it that way.

A Season of Peace

So, I had prepared The Wednesday Rant a day in advance, based on the headlines but since your host forgot to turn his microphone on, there's nothing to hear on that side of things. The bottom line is I had forgotten about the lifelines, that is until a piece of paper fell out of a folder stored in a box since...1997. Add to that a phone call from a longtime friend and breakfast with new friends had me grounded again and compelled to share the words on that paper from 27 years ago, a reminder from Gandhi and MLK Jr. about the power of peace, that begins and ends with you. Add in a little musical backup from Mr. Denver and you have another audio outing of common sense for uncommon times.

Remembering John.

John Denver is among the world's biggest-selling solo artists in music history. Noted for his stratospheric vocals, guitar skills, and songwriting ability, Denver also pioneered environmental ethics and responsibility and was a champion of human rights as co-founder of The Hunger Project. 27 years ago today, Denver perished in a plane crash at the age of 53 and the Earth lost its troubadour and I lost a friend. Remembering the man who put me front and center, and sparked a flame in me that still burns today.

For What It's Worth.

So, what do the hit show Pawn Stars, my first car, the cost of living in 1974, a subscription to the Life 2.0 Podcast, the cost of a medium cheese and sausage pizza at Rocky's, and time all have in common? Who gets to determine the value of something?  Well, on Pawn Stars it's Rick, for the podcast it's me, but in your life, it's you. 

Closing The Gap

An hour conversation with a highly respected friend and fellow author revealed that she was in that gap between who she used to be, and who she is becoming. That gap can be scary, as we lose our sense of self and accomplishment and the outer validation that our presence on the planet matters. Of course, this lack of unconditional love to ourselves is all a matter of perspective and perception plus having the faith to allow the great chess game of life to show us the next moves. Always easier said than done, and that's kinda of whole point.

The Mortal Coil

Pete, Rose, Kris Kristofferson, John Amos, John Ashton, Maggie Smith...the list goes on and on of those we recently said goodbye to. The lesson of course is that one of the reasons we know them is because they found their purpose in life and lived it in such a way that we couldn't ignore their talents and gifts. But, what about us? The lesser known but just as important carbon life forms that at some point will leave this "Mortal Coil." Cause in life is more important than the cause of death. It's always later than you think as the sands of time eventually runs out on all of us.

It's A Living Thing...

So, I've managed to include my concert experience last night with Jeff Lynne, the dedication later today of a marker/bench that designates the former site of the Coast Air Station Chicago hangar, a CNN report that shows how the presidential race is seen by 4th & 5th graders in one clear, cohesive and compelling episode in just about 30 minutes.

Or not.

Because, as with all things, it depends on your perspective.

Hijacking Jesus

I tried to ignore this one but to no avail.

"This extraordinary GI Jesus figurine embodies the essence of a devoted soldier. A testament to faith and bravery, this figurine encapsulates the unwavering spirit of a soldier of Christ! On sale for only $19.99 (regular retail $36.99) all major credit cards accepted!"

Add to that, an article in the NY Times about the uptick in sales for armor-plated school gear for children, and I'm having a problem with how we've become what we allow, in such a very short time.

Just the latest way we've hijacked the Prince of Peace into a mashup of Kenny Loggins, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger "suitable for all ages!" to fit our own ways and means.

WWJD?

 

 

The Fire Within

Danny Vader and Hélène van Engelen are the heart and soul of the Firekeeper Academy based in the Netherlands. With over 50 years of experience in fields ranging from banking and IT to consultancy and the health industry, they bring a wealth of professional knowledge to their roles. But their deep spiritual journey and dedication to personal growth define their work. They join me to talk about their upcoming event at the Climate Action Museum in Chicago and how important it is for each of us to find the sacred fire within ourselves.

Foundation Fixes

It's another busy day on this end of the microphone. This afternoon is the last public event with Chicago Cubs legendary catcher Randy Hundley, for the IRONMAN book, which I so looking forward to. But as always, there's more going on, like the cracks that needed to be repaired in the house foundation, which of course reminds me how important is that we address the fractures in our foundations by filling them with kindness whenever possible, as prescribed by the late, great Dr. Chuck Wall.