2011

“In the midst of our lives, we must find the magic that makes our souls soar”

~Evelyn Beilenson

NEW YEAR'S EVE 2011. Time is a construct. Our calendars can be changed at will (Samoa just nixed Friday entirely), our seasons may not. There is nothing inherently magical or transcendent about the changing of time, at the stroke of midnight, that ushers in a new day, a new year, or a new millenium. Our thinking makes it so. Our thinking makes it so, because our thoughts have power.

We must remember that what we see is mostly a perspective, a position taken based upon an idea. There are as many meaningful perspectives as there are sentient minds. Perspectives are meaningful inasmuch as they are suited for the purpose at hand.

Ideas, a perspective taken on something that matters, have the power to change the way we see what is, and how we act upon that perspective. Time is one such idea, and as we've already seen time marks change, and we can change time at will. Our ideas matter. Our ideas can change. We can change.


Remember, there is nothing inherently magical or transcendent about the changing of time, at the stroke of midnight, that ushers in a new day, a new year, or a new millenium. Our thinking makes it so. Our thinking makes it so, because our thoughts have power. We can thoughtfully use our power to reflect on the events and experience we shared in 2011, our triumphs and our struggles, the rewards and disappointments. We can dare to challenge assumptions, and see what is. We can accept consequences, and change at will. We can declare new intentions, and expect results. And we can be gentle to ourselves in doing so.

Twenty-twelve, 2012: let us be ready to be transcendent in the coming year. Let is be ready to accept all the good coming our way, and let us be ready to be gracious in dealing with the consequences of our choices. Let us be ready to change our challenges for the better, and make the best of our good.

May 2012 be all that you declare it to be, with good for all concerned. Happy New Year!

Photo credits are linked to images found on the internet.

Do you believe in Santa Claus? A gift of wisdom for all ages.

Growing up and becoming adults, life seemingly gets more complex and demanding. Among the decisions we are faced with are the big questions like: Who am I? Is this what I’m supposed to be doing? What is my unique purpose? Or, how can I make a difference? Is this my best life? How big can I dream? How do I get to do the things I want to do? Is this my best option, or could I pursue that call of adventure?

Likewise, the answers and solutions to these questions can generate a great deal of uncertainty as we factor in our beliefs and experience, as well as the people that matter in those decisions. Wouldn't it be great if we could simplify it all to one or a few succinct, salient guidelines. Something that could be applied in broad simple strokes to vanquish the myriad of decisions life presents to us. Dr. Wayne Dyer appears to have accomplished this in his books for kids of all ages. Life lessons so smart and simple...even a child can get it.

As many of us are negotiating the new realities grown out of the choices of the past decade or so, here are some great ideas and practices to boost confidence, and bolster expectations for better days ahead. This is not "dumbing it down," rather it follows the inspiration and light-hearted fun of Dr. Seuss' Oh The Places You Can Go, which has been a perennial favorite to share with graduates.

Incredible You! 10 Ways To Let Your Greatness Shine Through

Dr. Dyer begins with the recognition that (#1) there is good in all of us waiting to be shared with the world. Yes, you are amazing, unique and awesomely made, and everyone else is too (#9). What is essential (#2) is to discover what makes us feel most alive--what we love. And it doesn’t matter where we are in life #5, “what matters is what (we) do with today.” You have power in your thoughts (#10), and you can choose to change your life’s situations by changing your thoughts (#6.) Happy thoughts, Dr. Dyer says, make you strong and free, so choose to be happy.

Get all 10 ideas and practices here.


Unstoppable Me! 10 Ways to Soar Through Life


(#1) You’re great--no matter what. Learn to value yourself without needing others’ approval, and realize that everyone makes mistakes. Criticism can be just another’s fear of failure, the important thing is to get the feedback failure signals to us, and to adapt and move forward. That’s it, (#2) persistence pays off, an essential trait in being unstoppable.

Find more tips on how to fortify yourself against negativity, setbacks and uncertainty to develop an adaptable, creative life full of meaning and purpose.

No Excuses! How What You Say Can Get In Your Way

This is the smart and simple version of the adult self-help book (Excuses Begone!), a contemporary update on the earlier version (Your Erroneous Zones) that launched Dr. Dyer’s renown. The bracing title is no deterrent for the gentle guidance to help us recognize when we are making excuses (even when it comes through messengers.) Ultimately, we have a choice whether we let fear of disappointment and doubt stop us from pursuing dreams or to fuel new resolve.

What can you do with that? Check out the quick and effective mobilizing technique.


So, yes, wisdom can come in simple steps, it is the practice that evolves into complex solutions as we take on more complex choices. Just find the answers that are right for you.

Happy Holidays

More gift ideas:

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters, President Barack Obama








On My Way To A Happy Life, Dr. Deepak Chopra

People That Matter: You Do

Conversational topics came up in the news and just as any meeting with like-minded friends this blog is 3 posts in--read that 3 hours--and we’ve barely gotten to introductions. That is exactly how I hoped to engage you, the reader, as the conversation unfolds. A lot can be deduced about a person in the course of conversation, by their interests, passions, and abilities. Yet its nice to be be acknowledged,1 and given the chance to speak for yourself. This post is about you. We invite you to sign up and join in the conversation.


About this blog: DeepDish--philosophical gossip. The title and description captures exactly the kind of conversation we hope this blog will live up to be. Like Moses’ tablet, Newton’s apple, and all inspirations delivered like a bolt from the blue, the task of coming up with a saucy, succinct, contemporary name and description for these topics of interest was solved late, late one night. Make that the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Craig was hosting the creative mind behind NPR’s Wait Wait Don‘t Tell Me. The short of it, Craig’s improv-honed comedic wit was quite a match for the respected radio host. DeepDish is one of the fruits of that encounter. I politely requested by-your-leave from Craig’s site while mulling over the suitability of the title and aim. (Thank you, Mr. Ferguson. Perhaps one day you might share some of your witty, funny, musings with us. Until then, I’ll stay tuned.)


For months I obsessed over how to launch the blog, what to write, and about you, the readership. Then inevitably on the first day of the year, in the new decade, like putting a freshly sharpened pencil to a clean page in a brand new notebook, the words ‘people that matter’ came. Words, the ideas behind words, how we use words are some of the things DeepDish is about. Deep(philosophical)-Dish(gossip). As the title suggests our topics are conversational, au courant4, and goes beyond the sensational and superficial.


Remember the saying “"Great minds discuss ideas . Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people."5 Scrap the saying; it does not apply here. We’re going to discuss ideas, events, and people, but we’re going to elevate the conversation. We’re going to learn and re-learn; through learning expand our possibilities; and through expanding our possibilities transform our worlds. One idea, one moment, one person at a time. That person includes you, and me.


So let’s keep the conversation going…see where it goes. Sign up, share your thoughts, and welcome to DeepDish.






1 People That Matter: Mentors


2. Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson


3. Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me


4. Au courant, French, translation--current, in the news


5. "Great minds discuss ideas . Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people."