Good to read this. I've shared many times in the recent past that optimism is about to be acknowledged, that despite the turmoil, disruption, and apparent decline, we are actually on the cusp of a better, brighter world. There are patterns in society, and in individual lives. The emerging and astonishing new world is nothing more — nor less — than the predictable result of the chaos that has surrounded us for its now receding time. I'm no Pollyanna, but Dennis is right, we're digging our way back to each other. One certainty is this: Intending that better world is much better than surrendering to its opposition.
That perspective really resonates, Byron. It's refreshing to focus on the underlying patterns rather than just the surface noise, especially when it comes to reconnecting our fractured humanity. Intention truly beats resignation every time, my friend.
Dennis, I had an interesting conversation with a podcast guest this week. We were reflecting on our long history of environmental abuse for commercial purposes. If something can be used as a resource, it should be fair game to extract it. We agreed that we both accept the practice, not as something we like or give in to, but as something that exists and can be fought against—not with the goal of eliminating it, because it is guided by deep psychological forces particular to human nature. But fought against in an effort to blunt it, slow it down, forestall it.
You and the movement to rediscover humanity have always impressed me as feeling and operating in the same way. Humanity is not universally appreciated. It's often ignored and abused. We can accept that without giving in to its worst impulses. We can accept it, but we must work against its cruelty and cold-bloodedness.
Jeff, I really appreciate you sharing that; it honestly clicks perfectly. That tension you described—acknowledging the destructive pull of human nature without letting it dictate the final outcome—is exactly where I (we) try to operate. We aren't trying to completely rewrite the human story, just curating its darker chapters with better ones. Thanks for walking this path with me, my friend. See you on the other side of our sabbatical.
This is a beautiful, expansive invitation to remember who we are at our best – connected, compassionate, and capable of so much more than the headlines would have us believe. Your vision of “humanity rising” as an endless beginning really resonates; it feels less like a slogan and more like a daily practice, choice by choice, moment by moment.
Thank you for creating a space that doesn’t deny the darkness, but insists on amplifying the light that still lives in us. It’s a much‑needed reminder that love is not naïve – it’s the most radical, constructive force we have.
Shara, your vision of "humanity rising" as a daily practice feels incredibly grounding—a gentle yet firm reminder that our best moments come from small, intentional choices. I love how you’ve positioned compassion not as an abstract ideal, but as the practical, constructive force that actually bridges our divisions. It’s a beautiful way to navigate the heavy headlines by focusing on the tangible light we can create together, my friend.
Just coming down from an incredible high at Encounter 360, this message is even sweeter. Thank you, Dennis, for building this space where so many feel seen and heard… where we can be thoughtful, curious, enlightened, and loved. Enjoy your sabbatical. Take a few moments to celebrate yourselves for all the good you share!
Melissa, your words are such a gentle landing. It’s a beautiful thing when we allow our shared humanity to just exhale and be held like that. Knowing you felt that warmth and belonging makes this time of rest feel even more sacred. Sending so much love ♥️ your way as you carry that glow forward.
Good to read this. I've shared many times in the recent past that optimism is about to be acknowledged, that despite the turmoil, disruption, and apparent decline, we are actually on the cusp of a better, brighter world. There are patterns in society, and in individual lives. The emerging and astonishing new world is nothing more — nor less — than the predictable result of the chaos that has surrounded us for its now receding time. I'm no Pollyanna, but Dennis is right, we're digging our way back to each other. One certainty is this: Intending that better world is much better than surrendering to its opposition.
That perspective really resonates, Byron. It's refreshing to focus on the underlying patterns rather than just the surface noise, especially when it comes to reconnecting our fractured humanity. Intention truly beats resignation every time, my friend.
Dennis, I had an interesting conversation with a podcast guest this week. We were reflecting on our long history of environmental abuse for commercial purposes. If something can be used as a resource, it should be fair game to extract it. We agreed that we both accept the practice, not as something we like or give in to, but as something that exists and can be fought against—not with the goal of eliminating it, because it is guided by deep psychological forces particular to human nature. But fought against in an effort to blunt it, slow it down, forestall it.
You and the movement to rediscover humanity have always impressed me as feeling and operating in the same way. Humanity is not universally appreciated. It's often ignored and abused. We can accept that without giving in to its worst impulses. We can accept it, but we must work against its cruelty and cold-bloodedness.
Thank you for walking the talk.
Jeff, I really appreciate you sharing that; it honestly clicks perfectly. That tension you described—acknowledging the destructive pull of human nature without letting it dictate the final outcome—is exactly where I (we) try to operate. We aren't trying to completely rewrite the human story, just curating its darker chapters with better ones. Thanks for walking this path with me, my friend. See you on the other side of our sabbatical.
This is a beautiful, expansive invitation to remember who we are at our best – connected, compassionate, and capable of so much more than the headlines would have us believe. Your vision of “humanity rising” as an endless beginning really resonates; it feels less like a slogan and more like a daily practice, choice by choice, moment by moment.
Thank you for creating a space that doesn’t deny the darkness, but insists on amplifying the light that still lives in us. It’s a much‑needed reminder that love is not naïve – it’s the most radical, constructive force we have.
Shara, your vision of "humanity rising" as a daily practice feels incredibly grounding—a gentle yet firm reminder that our best moments come from small, intentional choices. I love how you’ve positioned compassion not as an abstract ideal, but as the practical, constructive force that actually bridges our divisions. It’s a beautiful way to navigate the heavy headlines by focusing on the tangible light we can create together, my friend.
Just coming down from an incredible high at Encounter 360, this message is even sweeter. Thank you, Dennis, for building this space where so many feel seen and heard… where we can be thoughtful, curious, enlightened, and loved. Enjoy your sabbatical. Take a few moments to celebrate yourselves for all the good you share!
Melissa, your words are such a gentle landing. It’s a beautiful thing when we allow our shared humanity to just exhale and be held like that. Knowing you felt that warmth and belonging makes this time of rest feel even more sacred. Sending so much love ♥️ your way as you carry that glow forward.
So much emotion, so much gratitude, so much love…. ❤️