drmikedaniels

I’m in the hearts and minds business. I change people one at a time. – Bruce Springsteen

Recently I read Every Brain Needs Music, and I loved this definition of the role of an “accompanist.” In church, I view this person frequently as the one on the keys, and in my own guitar playing, it’s the role I am most comfortable with compared to that of lead guitar….one of support, alongside thoseContinue reading “I’m in the hearts and minds business. I change people one at a time. – Bruce Springsteen”

In recent weeks I have enjoyed active time outdoors, in community with my family, friends, and colleagues, and out and about in and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. I am ready for this new academic year, and feel rejuvenated in these last couple weeks to have “turned the page,” as it were. Today IContinue reading “If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. – Rabbi Harold Kushner”

This week’s reflection is taken from Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation. The Center’s weekly e-news offered some great reflection questions rooted in the Beatitudes, and I find them thought provoking. I hope they inform your own discernment…blessings on your week ahead! Practicing the Beatitudes Do I embrace poverty of spirit—or flee from itContinue reading “Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can’t imagine. -Kathleen Norris”

When I read these words from the daily scripture this morning, they resonated within my soul. I have been fortunate to spend these recent days in the woods- and in the water- with my kids, and I am rejuvenated in my vocation as a dad and an educator. God is good. I am pleased toContinue reading ““Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” -Gospel of Matthew”

I am preparing for a family vacation next week and I look forward to time out in nature. This morning, Brigid shared this below reflection with me from her Substack daily perusal. I think it’s an excellent reminder of the importance of seeking balance and rest in our lives. Blessings on your week ahead! TheContinue reading “Hope is a quality of aliveness. It does not come at the end, as the feeling that results from a happy outcome. Rather, it lies at the beginning, as a pulse of truth that sends us forth.—Cynthia Bourgeault”

I appreciate this natural transition time in the world of parenting and education. As we cross the threshold from one season into another, the resurgence of the spirit of summer brings a welcome refresh to my heart. A vacation week is on the horizon soon-ish, and I look forward to that break as well. ThisContinue reading “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. -Buddha”

I spent last weekend road tripping to Los Angeles with my family, followed by time this week in Napa with colleagues. I feel blessed by these experiences of joy and community. Time together with those close to me fuels me for the summer months ahead. This week I share a simple yet powerful prayer, alongContinue reading “We are all of the same cloth, though of a different cut. -Nar-Anon Blue Booklet”

I have spent time this week working on a retreat I am leading next week with our school leaders. I feel blessed by the space they afford me to reflect back my own experiences and understandings. Below I share a resource that informed my perspective on a core competency of leadership – humility- that IContinue reading “Happiness is when you feel good about yourself. Joy is when you transcend yourself. – David Brooks. “

I’ve been reading through Pope Leo’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and enjoy this descpription below about the role of social justice. For those who strive toward lives of service to one another, I take it as a call to action for each and every one of us. Blessings on your week ahead! The Principle of SocialContinue reading ““Our greatest joy is when we seek to do good for others.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu”

Today I share a few pearls of wisdom from my daily reflection resource, Give Us This Day. I am grateful for this practice to sit, think, and pray each day. Blessings on your week ahead! PSALM 25: Teach me your ways, O Lord. Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths,Continue reading “Hope is great. And hope suported by faith creates an unbeatable duo. -Meditations for People Who May Worry Too Much”