Think: As a life-long resident of Minneapolis, I have been doing a fair amount of soul-searching this past week. One of the things I have been thinking a great deal about is the issue of “white privilege.” To be candid, I did not give this issue much thought before George Floyd. This extraordinary article, The Assumptions of White Privilege and What We Can Do About It, not only gave me a lot to think about, it changed my mind. (Note: The article is from the National Catholic Reporter, but you need not be Catholic, Christian, or even spiritual to benefit from its powerful insights.)
Think Optimistically: I am an optimist by nature, but it is clear we are living in unsettling–and unsettled–times. Still, I’m confident that a radical renewal is possible. But, first, we must reengage our imaginations. This article, Befriending Uncertainty in a Post-Covid World, is a good place to start.
Think Historically: Did you know the first maps of the world (those made in medieval times before the “Age of Discovery”) were more stories and metaphors than accurate measurements of the world? I didn’t, but that’s just one of the many benefits of reading about history–as I discovered in this little gem of an article, The Book That Invented the World. (The corollary is that the “maps” of the future are also likely to be more about stories and metaphors than they are accurate portrayals of new lands.)
Think Bigger: Have you ever thought about the transformative power of awe? Neither had I until I read this article. (Hint: By exposing yourself to awe you might be better able to tap into your inherent powers of creativity.)
Heart-Centered Thinking: Are you familiar with “Eulogy Virtues”? If not, you should be because the concept can help you think deeper about how you want to live your life today. This article, Resume Virtues, Eulogy Virtues, and the Impact of Small Moments, can help you get started.
Until next week: Don’t stop thinking about the future! But also never forget “It is easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than think your way into a new way of acting“!
