The Truth

"The truth is not to be found in either side, but in the debate between them."
-Unknown

Great Bumper Stickers

I love my country, but I think we need to start seeing other people.

The five day work week: Brought to you by the labor movement.

Think! It's not illegal yet.

Honk if you love peace and quiet.

A closed mouth gathers no foot.

Feeling safe to pour out your words

"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away."
-George Eliot

One hand open and one hand closed

A room of business associates were once asked, half in jest, by a professional presenter, "What's the purpose of life?" A man raised his hand and responded, "The purpose of life is to be mature. To be mature is to walk with one hand open and one hand closed. It is to live with openness in considering new ideas and receive the good things around you: walking with one hand open. And it is to live with determination in your principles and beliefs, remaining steady in your goals and purpose: walking with one hand closed."

If we desire to enjoy the fulness of life, it is important that we learn to balance our impulses to command with our instincts to receive. There are some who passively accept what they receive from others and from circumstance, be it against their principles, be it abusive, or be it a waste of their time. These are people with no resistance. And there are those so rigid that they feel compelled to control others and their circumstances, impose their opinions and whims, and demand compliance with their way of doing things. With them there is no negotiation or flexibility. Finding a balance between these two extremes allows us to stand firm in our convictions while receiving and embracing the contributions of others and the good in life. By doing so we can live a structured and purpose-driven life, while remaining adaptable and amenable to life's constant encounters with the unknown, the unexpected, and the unwanted.

Persian proverb

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.

Solitude and leadership

Very worthwhile reading
http://www.theamericanscholar.org/solitude-and-leadership/

Practicing music

Each of us plays a figurative instrument with a distinct sound. We have certain melodies that we like to play and certain rhythms that appeal to us. We even have a certain tempo at which we like to play our songs. In our daily interactions we blend our sound with others, sometimes harmonizing and sometimes not. Sometimes it can take time, practice, and careful listening to hear another's rhythm and adjust our own playing to create music. The more we play together with a listening ear, the more we learn to hear the subtle characteristics of others' songs and learn to make great music together. Those with whom we share our closest bonds are those who we've learned to play well with.