Author Archives: VV
Remembering How to Thrive
Of the many questions raised by the film “Thrive” is “why are we as humans not thriving?” Whether you agree with the film’s answers or not, the questions remains a valid one. Many of us take for granted that our … Continue reading
Posted in civilization, Joy, Philosophy
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Cultivating a Constant “State of Love.”
Usually we think of love as always having an object. “I love this, or that, or the other thing.” But does it really require an object? Why not simply, “I love,” in the same way we might say, “I think”? … Continue reading
Posted in Healing, Love, Philosophy
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Using Your Imagination
This is an imagination exercise that I found myself performing during a Quaker meeting this morning. The imagination can be a powerful tool. Forget for a second that you are human. Let go of the limitations you imagine yourself to … Continue reading
Why I No Longer Believe in Hell
So my theology has gone through a multitude of changes over the years, mostly because the experiences of my life have led me to a single conclusion which many standard notions of God don’t actually allow for: God is love. … Continue reading
Posted in Compassion, Love, Philosophy, Religion
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A Film for the Future
If everyone in the world decided, today, to be more compassionate, the entire planet would be transformed overnight. In the interest of convincing more people to make that decision, I urge that you watch this film all the way to … Continue reading
Posted in civilization, Compassion
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Why Your Mantra Should Not Be “I Am Made of Cheese”
Perception is malleable. We can choose to think of ourselves as being made of atoms, or a soul, or cheese. Going around repeating to oneself, “I am made of cheese” is likely to have very odd effects on daily life … Continue reading
The Opposite of Love is Not Hate
The opposite of love is fear. Love dissolves artificial self/other boundaries. Fear builds those boundaries up. Love leads, ultimately, to the realization that all life is one, that all life is valuable, that all life is worthy. Fear leads to … Continue reading
Posted in fear, Love
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The Human Role in A Perfect Ecosystem
In thinking about how ecosystems function, and about how every part of them seems to fulfill a role, the question came to me: in a perfect ecosystem, what is the role of humans? Or would a perfect ecosystem be devoid … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Joy
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Natural Disasters as Jump-Starts for Compassion
The title pretty much says it all here. Hurricane Irene caused massive damage in many places, including Brattleboro, VT. But my understanding is that the people’s response to the disaster there is this: helping each other. Volunteers have been cleaning … Continue reading
Posted in civilization, Compassion, Environment, Healing
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On Loving Enemies
I don’t believe in every word that the Bible has to say, but here are some pertinent (and very often-referenced) ones: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn … Continue reading
Posted in civilization, Compassion, Love, Religion, Violence
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Accelerate Compassion 