At the start of the week, I finished reading There, There by Tommy Orange who wrote about the plight of urban Native Americans. It was one of the most hopeless books I read, showing what alcohol, drugs, guns, and displacement

Greed, defined as an excessive desire for wealth or goods, at its worst, trumps rationality, judgment, perspective, and it can cause damage. Many psychologists say it’s a primal impulse–a biological instinct for survival. They suggest that the urge to work,

One Seed at a Time The climate summit in Glasgow is a very big deal. The world has many problems, but nothing needs more attention more global warming. Scientists predicted the crisis we are experiencing years ago when the public

Is she healthy, safe? Who cares? Unsung Heroes Nextdoor We speak compassionately of those who are ill, lose jobs, or become homeless, but there’s another group that deserves our empathy—the caregivers.  Though I appreciate professionals who help those in need,

A Failed City? Forbes and Politico call Portland a failed city. Like many places in the country, it went from wonderful to war zone almost overnight. Job losses created an influx of people without shelter. George Floyd and political tempers

Blah, Blah, Blah. Powerful words coming from a teen who doesn’t want to wait until she’s in her sixties before greenhouse gas emissions are under control. Greta Thunberg from Sweden is understandably impatient. I am too. I have a shorter

Eastern Oregon Contemplative  Expansive, settling, calm, beautiful, meditative—walking in nature helps maintain perspective and mental health. Invisible Injustice “Be prepared. The worst is yet to come,” is the message released by scientists getting ready for the UN’s Global Conference on

Soaring Freedom by Mastery Discussions about individual rights and political freedom plaster the news, while other types of freedom are rarely discussed. Infants standing upright to take their first steps,  gain freedom by moving beyond their crib or parent’s arms

Gold Static When you care, your care circulates to make us all better. But what is the best way to show compassion that initiates change? Millions take to the streets to protest social injustice and societal wrongs, but does it

Knowing Where To Look Proof that people are good is all around if you know where to look. With so many troubles facing society, it is easy to forget there is much to celebrate.  Though trained in psychology, I didn’t