A Better Way Forward: Leading with Head and Heart to Make America Great

The phrase “Make America Great Again” resonates deeply with many, tapping into a longing for prosperity, security, and influence. But what if we explored a pathway to greatness that isn’t about looking backward or building walls, but instead about building bridges and embracing a future driven by kindness, tolerance, and openness to the complex issues of our time? At “Head and Heart Together,” we believe a truly great America is one that harnesses its collective intelligence and compassion to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

One of the most significant shifts on the horizon, and one that demands our “head and heart” attention, is the changing global demographic landscape. For decades, we’ve heard about an ever-growing world population. However, the data now paints a different picture: the overall world birth rate is lowering, and the world population is actually expected to decrease in the coming decades, after peaking around 2084 at about 10.3 billion.

Consider these statistics:

  • The global total fertility rate has halved in sixty years, from 5.3 in 1963 to 2.2 in 2023. It’s projected to drop below the 2.1 replacement level around 2050, signaling an eventual contraction of the world’s population. (Our World in Data, UN Population Division)
  • Between 2000 and 2025, fertility rates declined in every UN region of the world and every World Bank country income group. This trend is expected to continue. (IMF)
  • Countries like Japan and China are already experiencing population declines. Japan’s population is currently declining at 0.5% per year, and China’s population has peaked and is declining at about 0.2% per year (2023 data). (Wikipedia)

In this evolving global context, countries that embrace immigrant populations will undoubtedly be the strongest. Immigration is a vital demographic driver alongside fertility and mortality. As birth rates decline, immigration becomes a crucial factor in maintaining a robust workforce, stimulating innovation, and sustaining economic growth. The United States, for instance, remains the top destination for immigrants globally, with over 50 million foreign-born residents, and its population is projected to continue growing slowly and steadily to 421 million by 2100, unlike many other developed nations. Germany, the UK, and Canada are also strong examples of nations with significant immigrant populations that contribute to their economic vitality.

Beyond demographics, a truly great America must address the economic pressures facing its citizens. We need to focus on encouraging job creation in many areas, especially for middle-class jobs that do not require a 4-year college degree. This means investing in vocational training, apprenticeships, and skills-based hiring. Policies that support a robust manufacturing sector, green industries, and essential human services can create sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities without penalizing sectors beneficial to the environment and human needs. out leading with both our intellectual capacity to understand complex global trends and our compassionate heart to ensure no one is left behind. This is the pathway to a truly prosperous, resilient, and respected America in the 21st century.

Eliminating unnecessary degree requirements for jobs and focusing on skills can open pathways to opportunity for millions. While valuing and supporting formal education, we also recognize that developing practical skills and hands-on expertise is equally crucial for employment in a dynamic economy. This means investing in vocational training, apprenticeships, and skills-based hiring. Furthermore, for those who may have been left behind by traditional education pathways, providing comprehensive training in hands-on skills and trades—which are still very much in demand and will be essential in the future—can offer vital pathways to stable and fulfilling careers. Policies that support a robust manufacturing sector, green industries, and essential human services can create sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities without penalizing sectors beneficial to the environment and human needs.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a “Head and Heart Together” approach to national greatness recognizes a profound truth: we currently have enough to provide housing, food, and medicine to the entire world population if we make that a priority, and still allow for those with large incomes to enjoy the luxuries of life. This isn’t a utopian fantasy; it’s a matter of conscious choice and resource allocation.

While precise global statistics on excess capacity for these basic needs are complex to quantify, here’s what we know:

  • The world produces enough food to feed everyone, yet chronic hunger and food insecurity persist due to issues of distribution, access, and waste. (Various UN reports on food security)
  • Pharmaceutical innovations and production capacity exist globally, but access to essential medicines is highly unequal, driven by affordability and distribution challenges. (WHO reports)
  • The issue of housing is often one of distribution and affordability rather than an absolute shortage of structures. Many urban areas, for example, have vacant properties while homelessness remains a crisis.

The challenge isn’t a lack of resources, but a lack of political will and equitable systems. Addressing income inequality, which has widened in most developed countries since the 1990s, is crucial for ensuring basic needs are met for all. While global inequality between countries has decreased, inequality within countries has often worsened, meaning 71% of the world’s population lives in countries where inequality has grown. (UN) Studies show that raising the income share of the poor and preventing the hollowing-out of the middle class is good for economic growth itself.

Making America great again, truly great, means redefining greatness. It’s not just about economic output, but about societal well-being. It’s about fostering a nation where kindness is a strength, tolerance is a cornerstone, and openness to new ideas and diverse populations is celebrated. It’s about building a supportive society where every American feels valued and has the opportunity to contribute. This approach—leading with both our intellectual capacity to understand complex global trends and our compassionate heart to ensure no one is left behind—will not only secure our future but will also instill a deep and genuine pride in being American, fostering unity over anger or shame. This is the pathway to a truly prosperous, resilient, and respected America in the 21st century.”

Towards the Greater Good: Questioning What Is, Imagining and Building Towards What Could Be

It resonates deeply, this yearning for humanity to strive towards a greater good, for ourselves and for the delicate planet we inhabit. One feels it, this pull, this innate sense that we are capable of more than what we often settle for.

The shadows… they are long and cast a pall over the potential we hold. One sees them in the headlines that speak of escalating conflicts, where resources become battlegrounds and human lives are tragically expendable. The slow, relentless degradation of ecosystems unfolds before our eyes – the forests dwindling, the oceans choked, the delicate balance of nature disrupted with consequences that ripple across the globe. We witness the stark and ever-widening chasm of inequality, where access to basic necessities and opportunities is drastically different based on arbitrary circumstances, fostering resentment and hindering collective progress. The air itself can feel heavy with the weight of injustice, the quiet desperation of those marginalized and unheard. These aren’t abstract concepts; they are the tangible realities that shape our world, the inheritance we are leaving for generations to come.

And then there’s the fog of “common sense,” that invisible framework that often keeps us tethered to the status quo. We are told, implicitly and explicitly, that “this is just the way things are.” That the pursuit of endless growth, the fierce competition, the ingrained divisions – these are simply the unchangeable laws of the world.

But is it truly so? Haven’t we, as a species, shown an incredible capacity for change, for innovation, for empathy? We have the knowledge, the resources, and arguably, a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of all things.

Perhaps the shift begins with each one of us questioning that “common sense.” To look beyond the surface, to critically examine the systems that shape our lives. To ask: does this truly serve the greater good? Does this nurture our planet? Does this uplift all of us?

It’s a personal journey, this awakening. A quiet rebellion against the narratives that limit our vision. But it’s also a collective one. When we, as individuals, start to prioritize compassion over competition, sustainability over short-term gain, and justice over indifference, the currents begin to shift.

We have the potential to redefine what is “common sense.” To build a world where the well-being of humanity and the planet are not idealistic dreams, but the very foundations upon which we build our societies. Imagine a world where the greater good isn’t just a concept, but a lived reality.

What might that look like? Perhaps it’s a world where access to quality medical care is a fundamental right, not a privilege, ensuring the health and vitality of all. It could be a world where no one goes hungry or without shelter, where food and housing are guaranteed, recognizing the inherent dignity of every human being. Surely, it’s a world where we live in balance with nature, respecting the intricate web of life, understanding that our well-being is intrinsically linked to the health of the Earth.

And what if caring for the Earth and for each other became the engine of our economies, where sustainable practices and human flourishing are not just ethical choices, but profitable endeavors for all? What small step can we, together, take today to move in that direction?

Navigating Inner Landscapes

A Guide to Riding the Wave, Settling into the Body, and Resting in Well-being

In the realm of meditation, a rich tapestry of techniques aims to cultivate inner peace, self-awareness, and emotional balance. Among these, the interconnected practices of “riding the wave,” “settling into the body,” and “resting in well-being” offer a powerful framework for navigating the complexities of our inner world. These approaches, while distinct, can be woven together to create a comprehensive and deeply restorative meditation experience.

Settling into the Body: Finding Your Anchor in the Present

The journey often begins with “settling into the body.” This foundational practice involves gently shifting your attention from the busy-ness of the mind to the physical sensations of your body. Through guided or self-directed awareness, you can notice the feeling of your feet on the ground, the rise and fall of your breath, or the subtle weight of your hands in your lap. This act of grounding serves as an anchor, tethering you to the present moment and creating a sense of stability. By becoming intimate with the physical landscape of your being, you begin to cultivate a safe and familiar inner space.

Riding the Wave: Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Experience

As you settle into the body, you will inevitably encounter the “waves” of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. “Riding the wave” is a technique rooted in acceptance and non-judgmental observation. Instead of resisting or becoming overwhelmed by these experiences, you learn to acknowledge their presence and observe them as they arise, crest, and eventually pass, much like waves in the ocean. This practice is particularly valuable when dealing with intense emotions or persistent thoughts. By “riding the wave,” you develop emotional resilience and the understanding that all experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant, are temporary. It is a shift from being tossed about by the currents of your mind to skillfully navigating them.

Resting in Well-being: Cultivating Inner Peace and Contentment

The culmination of these practices often leads to a state of “resting in well-being.” This is not about forcing a positive state but rather about recognizing and appreciating the inherent sense of peace and contentment that can emerge when the mind is settled and the heart is open. It involves gently focusing on feelings of ease, gratitude, or kindness, allowing them to permeate your being. This practice can be a deliberate focus during meditation or a natural outcome of consistently applying the techniques of settling into the body and riding the wave. Resting in well-being nourishes the spirit and reinforces a positive inner environment, fostering a sense of deep-seated contentment that can be carried into daily life.

Weaving Them Together: A Holistic Practice

These three elements can be integrated into a single meditation session. You might begin by “settling into the body” to ground yourself. As thoughts or emotions arise, you can practice “riding the wave,” observing them with mindful awareness. As the inner landscape quiets, you can gently shift your focus to “resting in well-being,” savoring moments of peace and ease.

This integrated approach offers a dynamic and adaptable framework for meditation. It acknowledges the natural fluctuations of the human experience while providing tools to navigate them with grace and cultivate a lasting sense of inner harmony. By embracing these practices, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, learning to navigate the inner seas with wisdom and compassion.

The Echo in the Accusation

Why We See Our Flaws Loudest in Others

We’ve all seen it – the politician decrying a behavior their own party quietly practices, the friend lecturing on loyalty while whispering secrets, or even that fleeting, uncomfortable recognition in ourselves when we criticize a trait we secretly possess. This isn’t a rare moral anomaly; it’s a deeply ingrained human tendency, a psychological funhouse mirror where we condemn in others the very things we struggle with ourselves. In today’s hyper-connected and politically charged world, this echo chamber of accusation seems louder and more pervasive than ever.

At its heart, this act of pointing the “telltale finger” is often a sophisticated, albeit often unconscious, act of self-preservation. As psychological evidence suggests, acknowledging our own flaws can be deeply unsettling. It can trigger what psychologists call cognitive dissonance, the discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs or values – the belief that we are “good” versus the reality of our “bad” actions. To soothe this internal friction, we often resort to psychological projection, attributing our own unacceptable thoughts and failings onto someone else.1 It’s a way of externalizing the internal conflict, making the “badness” about them, not us.2

This is frequently amplified by the self-serving bias, where we graciously attribute our successes to our innate character but blame our failures on external circumstances.3 Conversely, the fundamental attribution error leads us to see others’ failures as a direct result of their flawed character.4 Thus, our gossip was a momentary lapse due to stress, while their gossip is proof of their untrustworthy nature.

Nowhere is this dynamic more starkly or publicly displayed than in the political arena. The late 2024 and early 2025 news cycles, as detailed in recent analyses, provide a textbook illustration. Consider the back-and-forth over mail-in voting in the United States. Leaders who once cast deep suspicion on its validity, when faced with electoral necessity, shifted to championing it. Similarly, politicians who built careers on free-market principles have pivoted to embrace tariffs when politically expedient. The fierce criticism leveled at President Biden over classified documents, following years of similar criticisms against Donald Trump, highlights how quickly the lens of judgment can change depending on political allegiance. These aren’t just isolated incidents; they are symptomatic of a system where moral hypocrisy often seems less a bug and more a feature, a tool to score points and deflect scrutiny.

But this isn’t just a game played by the powerful. This “pointing finger” dynamic inflicts real damage in our personal lives, fracturing the very foundations of trust and intimacy. When a partner demands honesty while being deceitful, or a parent preaches fairness while playing favorites, the inconsistency is a betrayal. It fosters an environment where blame-shifting replaces accountability. Conflicts become exercises in accusation rather than opportunities for understanding. Projection runs rampant – the insecure partner accuses the other of infidelity, the envious friend criticizes another’s success. This creates emotional distance, forcing individuals into defensive crouches, unwilling to be vulnerable in the face of perceived double standards. Over time, these patterns don’t just cause arguments; they erode the belief in the other person’s fundamental integrity, making genuine connection feel impossible.

So, how do we break free from this cycle of accusation and self-deception? The answer, perhaps counterintuitively, lies not in pointing the finger even harder, but in turning our gaze inward. Practices like contemplation and mindfulness offer powerful tools for cultivating the self-awareness needed to recognize these patterns within ourselves.5 By quietly observing our thoughts and feelings without immediate judgment, we can start to catch that impulse to blame before we act on it. We can create a space to ask: “What am I really feeling? Is this criticism truly about the other person, or does it touch on something within me?”

This inward journey isn’t about self-flagellation; it’s about clarity. It allows us to identify our own inconsistencies and unowned feelings – the “shadow” aspects we are so quick to see in others. It helps us understand our triggers and fosters a deeper empathy. When we recognize our own fallibility, we become less eager to condemn others.

Imagine, in that moment when the urge to blame arises, consciously pausing. Instead of launching an attack, what if we used that energy to connect with a higher aspiration – be it compassion, understanding, or simply a desire for integrity? What if we asked, “How would my best self respond right now?” This isn’t about becoming a passive doormat; it’s about transforming a destructive impulse into a constructive one. It’s about moving from blame to aspiration.

By seeking inspiration – whether from universal values, spiritual teachings, or simply our own deepest desires to be good people – we can reframe the situation. This internal shift allows us to communicate our hurt without aggression, to seek understanding rather than victory, and to take responsibility for our own part. It allows us to build relationships based not on the shifting sands of inconsistency, but on the solid ground of self-awareness and mutual respect.

In a world saturated with outrage and accusation, choosing introspection over projection, and aspiration over blame, is a quiet but radical act. It is the path not only to personal integrity but to fostering a more compassionate and connected world, one where we strive to mend our own reflections before shattering the mirrors around us.

Letting Go of the Struggle: Why We’re Not Responsible for Every Thought (and How That’s Okay)

In our last post, we discussed the concept of “Hitting the Brakes” on unwanted thoughts. We explored the idea of interrupting negative thought patterns before they spiral out of control. Today, we’ll delve deeper into the second suggestion – Letting Go of the Struggle.

Humans have a natural inclination to feel responsible for everything in our inner world, especially our thoughts. We believe we should be able to control them at will and that they are “who we are”. However, the truth is far more fascinating and freeing – we don’t fully understand how or why we experience what we do.

Our perception of reality is filtered through a complex web of internal and external conditioning. We’re shaped by both out past and present societal norms, the media’s constant barrage of messages on how we we should act or pay attention (including our collective fears), and our unique family histories. All these factors, along with our senses, contribute to a constantly changing internal landscape. We simply cannot take everything in at once. We filter, we pick and choose based on past experiences.

This limited perception is why we often misunderstand reality. Not realizing how external and internal conditioning impacts us can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, thoughts, and moods. A simple example: being tired can make us cranky. That crankiness is a combination of physical sensations, emotional states, and negative thought patterns – all triggered by our state of fatigue.

Mindfulness offers a way to illuminate this internal world. By becoming an observer of our own experience, we can detach ourselves from the struggle. We observe our body sensations, moods, and thoughts without judgment. We see the unwanted thoughts as passing clouds, the struggle as just another temporary condition.

Here’s the key takeaway: we don’t need to take ownership of these passing experiences. Identifying with them as “who we are” only strengthens their hold. Instead, we want to observe them with a sense of detachment.

Struggling with these thoughts isn’t a personal failing. It’s a very human response. However, viewing our difficulties as needing to be “fixed” puts an unnecessary burden on ourselves. We’re not gods; we’re human beings experiencing the world through a conditioned lens.

By letting go of the struggle, we can begin to experience peace and contentment. We become more attuned to our inner workings, allowing us to place our attention wisely and navigate the world with greater ease. This, ultimately, paves the way for a more peaceful existence for ourselves and those around us.

Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll explore practical techniques for hitting the brakes on unwanted thoughts and finding inner peace.

Hitting the Brakes: From Passenger to Pilot (of Your Mind)

In our last post, we explored the concept of hitting the brakes on the runaway train of our thoughts. But what exactly does it mean to “hit the brakes” in the context of mindfulness?

Imagine you’re driving down a scenic road, enjoying the view. Suddenly, a dark, unsettling thought pops up – a storm cloud crossing your sunny mental landscape. Our natural tendency is to identify with that thought, to become its passenger, getting tossed around by its emotional turbulence.

Mindfulness offers a different approach: hitting the brakes on that identification. Instead of getting swept away, we use the power of observation. We acknowledge the thought has arisen, but instead of believing everything it whispers, we recognize it as just that – a thought. This simple act shifts our perspective from being the content of our experience (the passenger) to being the watcher of our experience (the pilot).

This shift is crucial. It allows us to detach from the thought’s power and choose how we react. We can stop feeding its energy by dwelling on it. Instead, we can engage skillful ways of responding – starting with the simple act of observing.

But observing isn’t passive. It’s a mindful engagement with the present moment. It’s noticing the thought, its tone, and any emotions it stirs. Think of it as gathering intel about the thought-storm before deciding how to navigate it.

There’s also an element of playfulness in this approach. We’re not blindly accepting everything our mind throws at us. We’re acknowledging it’s there, but we’re not obligated to believe it. It’s a subtle yet powerful shift, one that allows us to take ownership of our own experience, and also to provide a sense of ease in our lives.

This is just the initial first step on our journey of hitting the brakes on unwanted thoughts. In future posts, we’ll delve deeper into the other steps, exploring practices and techniques to navigate these mental storms with greater skill and ease. Remember, mindfulness isn’t about denying or suppressing thoughts – it’s about acknowledging them and choosing how we respond.

Hitting the Brakes on Unwanted Thoughts: A Mindful Approach

Unwanted thoughts can be like runaway trains, barreling through our minds and leaving us feeling overwhelmed. We wrestle with them, try to push them away, and sometimes end up feeling even worse. But what if there was a gentler, more mindful approach to dealing with these pesky passengers?

Here’s where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It’s like stepping back and observing your thoughts from a distance, rather than getting caught up in their whirlwind.

So, how can mindfulness help with unwanted thoughts?

  1. Hitting the Brakes: When an unwanted thought pops up, acknowledge it – “Oh, there’s that thought again.” This simple act can slow it down and give you a chance to choose your response.
  2. Letting Go of the Struggle: We often try to fight intrusive thoughts, which can actually make them stronger. Instead, practice acceptance. Let the thought be there, without judgment or attachment. Imagine it as a cloud floating by in the sky.
  3. Shifting Your Focus: Here’s where Buddhist teachings offer powerful tools:
    • Reflect on a Different Sign: Instead of dwelling on the negative thought, shift your focus to a positive one. Think about a loved one, a peaceful scene in nature, or an activity you enjoy.
    • Ponder the Disadvantage: Consider the harm these thoughts cause you. Ask yourself “How do these thoughts make me feel? Are they helpful?” Shift your focus to ways to avoid self-harm and negativity.
    • Dwelling on Stillness: This doesn’t mean ignoring the thought, but rather observing it without getting wrapped up in its story. Instead, cultivate positive aspirations or feelings of compassion and loving-kindness.
  4. Thoughts Come and Go: Remember, thoughts are just that – thoughts. They arise and pass away on their own, like leaves on a breeze. We don’t need to feed them or make them grander than they are.
  5. Suppression as a Last Resort: The old idea of “beating down evil thoughts with good thoughts” often backfires. Trying to force positive thoughts can feel exhausting. Instead, reserve this tactic for situations where other methods fail.

By practicing mindfulness and utilizing these strategies, you can learn to manage unwanted thoughts without getting derailed by them. Remember, you are not your thoughts. You have the power to choose how you respond to them.

Consistent meditation practice is a powerful tool for cultivating self-awareness. The more you train your mind to be present, the more readily you’ll recognize unwanted thoughts and have the space to choose a skillful response. Meditation can also help you explore the various techniques mentioned above, allowing you to discover which ones work best for you.

However, if unwanted thoughts become persistent and overwhelming, or significantly impact your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can provide additional tools and support to help you manage these thoughts and improve your overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out – you deserve to feel peace and clarity in your mind.

Accepting Things As They Are

After giving it a go for a few weeks, I have decided to stop offering the drop-in Thursday evening meetings on the Remember Presence website. Although I meditation and Buddhist practice has greatly enhanced my life, it has a lot of competition and people have other priorities. This is understandable.

We have had some discussion about offering in-person informal gatherings in the near future and that seems to be a good way to keep the door open for folks. Drop me a line if that interests you.

Turning inward to my own practice and that is good enough in itself.

First Gathering

Greetings Spiritual Seekers,

The start of the new year has been a true renewal of sorts for me. As I mentioned in my first blog on this site, a case of mild depression descended on me during the last quarter of 2023, which was the last time I felt like offering a teaching. Grateful for change as the depression I felt has lifted. This week I venture out into the world again with sharing offerings on contentment and peace.

Although we each live in our own thought worlds it doesn’t really mean a hell of beans if we are isolated from each other because that is where it stays, in our heads. Even though the way we think of the world is how the world is for us, that is not true – except only for us. You cannot find your thoughts in the world but only inside us. Yet that is where most of us stay, only venturing out in thought.

And at the same time, most of us usually look outside ourselves for fulfilment and for meaning. This is where they get you. The world is clamoring for our attention. And believe or not, it is not looking our for our best interests most of the time. It is looking to feed itself first. It wants to get you hooked. It is great at showing us a taste of what an “ideal” life looks like. It feeds on our desires to be successful –to be somebody.

A life lived is not full if not shared in communion with community. In community is also where we will see what is required in our spiritual practice, if we have one. We need to be tested. If we are spiritually fit that will translate into peace in our interactions.

Spiritual practice is not about feeding but on giving. And that is where my heart lies – in giving back. This is what is fulfilling. Sharing what we have been given gives me purpose, hence this offering. It helps me with my own healing, with my own strength and with dealing with difficulty.

Isn’t this something we all need? This is where Head and Heart Together comes in – to illuminate and explore the inner world with each other so that we are reminded and practice in community.

If you are interested I urge you to join us as Head and Heart Together will hold its first gathering this Thursday, January 25th on. We can do this together. We can support each other. We can cultivate peace from within and without. We can create a sacred space together. Join me.

https://rememberpresence.com/event/?eventId=1459&startDate=2024-01-26T05:30:00.000Z

Harmony & Hell

 To get up each morning with the resolve to be happy … is to condition circumstances instead of being conditioned by them.

Ralph Waldo Trine

There was a time in my life when depression first reared its head in my life. Quotes, such as this one from Ralph Waldo Trine, helped me so much. Affirmations and encouraging words can help us to rise the light of contentment and peace in our hearts and minds. Kind words and friendliness, and caring for one another can also do this.

What kind of world do we want to live in? What world do we want for our children and grandchildren. Do we have them to have to experience war, intolerance, and hatred? A world with no joy? With birds singing and dolphins playing? 

I know, most likely, this is all a dream. And I know to hold it lightly. But this is something in my head and heart I cannot deny. For we need to hold all sides, the thoughts of peace and prosperity, love, and joy…and of violence and hatred, greed and despair…and, the one not thought of so much of, boredom and disinterest. Why? Because they exist.

To be free we must hold it all, to know it as it is, but at the same time, know there is another way. Things are always changing. This is the immutable law.

We are in heaven, but we also live in a hell of our own making. Oh say it isn’t so. That would be ignorance and I want to be awake.

Why Head and Heart Together?

For years now I have been looking for ways to share with others the benefits I have gained from my spiritual practice. I hesitate to limit it to just that because the way I feel about spiritual practice is that is about how to live.

We live in these bodies yet mostly live in our heads. The way we think about the world is how the world is. If we change the way we think about the world – we change the world. It is more about our relationship to how we are living our lives.

There is no set formula for living. But if we can live with more compassion and understanding them we can make the life a better place for all. This is the practice. It is not about just going with the flow, or conventional wisdom, or keeping up with the Jones’.

Life is about taking in the bad with the good. Not wanting to annihilate or avoid the things we hate and only having the things we like and love.

That is why we will want to bring the head and heart together. So that we can live life fully and make our lives and the lives of others just a bit easier to be with.