Whatever talents we have, whatever we are good at, whatever best other people see in us - none of that is a gift unless and until we give it to others.
My that sounds trite; something from 4th grade religion class, no? But let's look at it with no judgement involved. My talents are no less a talent if I do not give it to others. And there is nothing bad about not giving it; keep that guilt away!
A transformation takes place when I choose to share a talent with someone else. The act is what transforms not the talent. Giving makes the talent a gift. Gifts are where surprise and hope find life (thank you Brother David.) In other words, gifts make life rich.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Greed
Buddha taught that there are Three Poisons: Greed, Hatred and Delusion.
The current housing crisis is certainly caused by Greed. The banks, the investment houses, the investors all wanted to "increase their margin" as usual. Don't they make it sound innocuous? Our governments allowed them to do it. So mostly innocent folks are now losing their homes, losing the value of the primary investment and suffering increased crime.
Meanwhile, what's up with these greedy banks? This from the New York Times this morning on one of them, Deutshce Bank:
''Conditions have become significantly more challenging during the last few weeks,'' the bank said. ''Reflecting this environment, Deutsche Bank anticipates in the first quarter 2008 markdowns in the region of 2.5 billion euros, related to leveraged loans and loan commitments, commercial real estate and residential mortgage-backed securities.''
Despite the write-downs, the bank said it expected to stay on its course and its shares rose 2.8 percent to 73.70 euros ($116.53)."
In other words, "we're writing off $4 billion and it's going to stay bad but our shares are rising because other greedy investors think that we are still relatively a good opportunity for a little more margin."
The world will end this way, for the benefit of a little more margin.
The current housing crisis is certainly caused by Greed. The banks, the investment houses, the investors all wanted to "increase their margin" as usual. Don't they make it sound innocuous? Our governments allowed them to do it. So mostly innocent folks are now losing their homes, losing the value of the primary investment and suffering increased crime.
Meanwhile, what's up with these greedy banks? This from the New York Times this morning on one of them, Deutshce Bank:
''Conditions have become significantly more challenging during the last few weeks,'' the bank said. ''Reflecting this environment, Deutsche Bank anticipates in the first quarter 2008 markdowns in the region of 2.5 billion euros, related to leveraged loans and loan commitments, commercial real estate and residential mortgage-backed securities.''
Despite the write-downs, the bank said it expected to stay on its course and its shares rose 2.8 percent to 73.70 euros ($116.53)."
In other words, "we're writing off $4 billion and it's going to stay bad but our shares are rising because other greedy investors think that we are still relatively a good opportunity for a little more margin."
The world will end this way, for the benefit of a little more margin.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
My Hopes
I am down here in Dallas participating in developing a five year strategic plan for our Dallas market team. Yesterday we were asked what some of our hopes were. My answers:
One hope I have for the world: Understanding among all people.
One hope I have for my family: Abounding happiness.
One hope I have for myself: Be fearless.
Yeah Baby!
One hope I have for the world: Understanding among all people.
One hope I have for my family: Abounding happiness.
One hope I have for myself: Be fearless.
Yeah Baby!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Resurrection Faith
I believe that we die and can be reborn hundreds of times each day.
I believe that we die and can remain dead for years.
Courage to find joy is the difference.
Teachers are the difference.
Seeing Wonder is the difference.
Standing for Peace is the difference.
Being present, fearless and with love in our hearts is the difference.
I believe that we die and can remain dead for years.
Courage to find joy is the difference.
Teachers are the difference.
Seeing Wonder is the difference.
Standing for Peace is the difference.
Being present, fearless and with love in our hearts is the difference.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Anniversaries
Today would have been my parents' 63rd wedding anniversary. They made it to their 59th in this life. I honor their life together by saying thank you for the world that they made better, for giving me life, giving my children life and for breaking a sad Irish tradition of drinking too much and fucking up lives - they had great lives!
Today is also the anniversary of the destruction of the One Ring that led to the downfall of so many in LOTR through greed and misuse of power. In memory I ask, What is the One Ring in our world today? Greed and power are certainly fucking up the world now, sadly screwing working folk and poor folks in this country and throughout the world; and fucking up the earth as we speak. What will it take to get those in power to see the brutality of their way? If only we had a ring to throw into the fire. Meanwhile, speaking truth must be our anniversary flag.
Today is also the anniversary of the destruction of the One Ring that led to the downfall of so many in LOTR through greed and misuse of power. In memory I ask, What is the One Ring in our world today? Greed and power are certainly fucking up the world now, sadly screwing working folk and poor folks in this country and throughout the world; and fucking up the earth as we speak. What will it take to get those in power to see the brutality of their way? If only we had a ring to throw into the fire. Meanwhile, speaking truth must be our anniversary flag.
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