Ways of Seeing: Community caring builds peace

It was the summer of ‘68. Cities across America were erupting in riots, political differences were tearing families apart, the war in Vietnam was raging, protesters at the Democratic National Convention were being bludgeoned.

Ways of Seeing: Amid world chaos, a small victory

Sitting at Quaker Meeting one recent Sunday morning, I heard messages about the horror in Israel and Gaza and how we as peacemakers might help. I could not focus on this big topic, though. I was thinking about wood.

Ways of Seeing: ‘Freedom’ is in the eye of the beholder

The little saucer landed gently in my side yard and the little green creature hopped out onto the lawn. 

Ways of Seeing: An ode to keeping old windows

While sustainability in building and construction has been around for a while now, one aspect that people are starting to take into account is the idea of embodied carbon.

Ways of Seeing: Dividing the good and bad isn’t easy

Most of us have heard the story of Noah’s ark. It’s often told to young children, perhaps because of the compelling images of all those animals, coming two by two.

Ways of Seeing: Conflict calls for ‘wakefullness’

In these unbearably long weeks since Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel, acts of really listening to one another have been in very short supply.

Ways of Seeing: Seeing the trees in the forest

An old saying about not seeing the forest through the trees implies someone isn’t seeing the big picture. Recently, I had a first-hand opportunity to experience this expression.

Ways of Seeing: Coming together with music, song

I’m an introvert, a term I embrace with pride, though I didn’t always see this trait as positive. Throughout my life, I’ve heard people refer to me as “quiet,” in a tone suggesting I have a terminal illness or that I’m hiding something.

Ways of Seeing: Understanding others’ narratives

I have bungled many situations in my life. Some stand out above others.

Ways of Seeing: Time to improve your apology skills

Every day seems to bring a new revelation of a public person behaving badly and then botching their apology. Why is saying “I’m sorry” so very difficult?

Ways of Seeing: Many pitched in to help burn survivor

In July, I traveled to Mongolia again, hoping to interview the various protagonists in my documentaries.

Ways of Seeing: Caregivers and ‘fellow travelers’

Recently I was offered the opportunity to help revive the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the Snelling Center for Government. It was a sweet and bittersweet offer. 

Ways of Seeing: Learning to cope with bad news

A wise friend recently asked a question which I’ve been pondering ever since. “How do you cope,” he asked, “with the times we are living in?” 

Ways of Seeing: Climate change affects decisions

This summer we’ve had the chance to see all too much rain, and while we’ve not seen a lot of fires directly, their smoke has blurred our skies, their destructive potential displayed on our televisions. What next? Where do we go from here?

Ways of Seeing: Old-style doctoring has vanished

Last December I turned 40. The milestone birthday was a reminder it was time to make an appointment at my doctor’s office for a physical.

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