This morning my daughter asked if we would do different activities once all our kids were vaccinated. I replied back, “sure,” and then asked her the first new thing she wanted to do. She quickly replied back, “Go to the movies!” One of my sons immediately chimed in, “Yes, let’s go to the movies!” IContinue reading “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. – Maya Angelou”
Author Archives: drmikedaniels
“Growth-minded leaders… start with a belief in human potential and development – both their own and other people’s. ” Carol S. Dweck
In recent weeks I have participated in several year-end meetings and rituals via Zoom. The experience, resiliency, and empathy demonstrated by the leaders of our Lasallian schools continue to impress me. One colleague noted that “transparency builds trust,” most especially during this recent pandemic year of leading, teaching, and learning. Modeling vulnerability is one primaryContinue reading ““Growth-minded leaders… start with a belief in human potential and development – both their own and other people’s. ” Carol S. Dweck”
“Education is about elevation.” – George Courus
On Sunday I came across this beautiful image on Twitter, and thought it a perfect picture to honor Mother’s Day. Sunday also marked the feast of Saint Louise de Marillac, herself a single mother who overcame great adversity to co-found the Daughters of Charity. I was privileged to previously lead a school named after her,Continue reading ““Education is about elevation.” – George Courus”
“The whole reason why we pray is to be united into the vision and contemplation of God to whom we pray.” – Julian of Norwich
Here in San Francisco, yesterday we moved into the “yellow tier,” the least restricted level of California’s re-opening system. The state plans to fully re-open within about six weeks. In some ways I find it surreal, in other ways I continue to marvel at the miracle of modern medicine, the heroism of so many individuals,Continue reading ““The whole reason why we pray is to be united into the vision and contemplation of God to whom we pray.” – Julian of Norwich”
“Tell the truth. Communicate for understanding. Practice compassion.” -Dr. Anthony Fauci
This morning on the walk to school we noticed so many birds – a dove, a robin, a crow and a finch, among others. We previously walked with our kids for years without noticing these pleasant additions to our daily morning experience. Perhaps there are simply more birds during this spring time, yet I alsoContinue reading ““Tell the truth. Communicate for understanding. Practice compassion.” -Dr. Anthony Fauci”
“Here’s the truth about racial injustice. It’s not just a Black America problem or a people of color problem. It is a problem for every American. It is keeping us from fulfilling the promise of liberty and justice for all.” – Kamala Harris
On the one hand, yesterday’s court ruling regarding the murder of George Floyd brought some peace to those most impacted by the disturbing state of systemic violence against our black sisters and brothers. On the other hand, as I heard reflected on the news that I watched last night, true justice only would have beenContinue reading ““Here’s the truth about racial injustice. It’s not just a Black America problem or a people of color problem. It is a problem for every American. It is keeping us from fulfilling the promise of liberty and justice for all.” – Kamala Harris”
“Sharing silence is, in fact, a political act. When we can stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental, change begins to happen. Our lives align with deeper values and the lives of others are touched and influenced.” -Gunilla Norris
This week marks the 279th anniversary of the premiere of Handel’s “Messiah.” I love this classical tune, which was composed in just 23 days! On April 13, 142, Handel debuted it at a charitable event in Dublin, Ireland, to free 142 men from debtor’s prison there. (Source: The Little White Book) Throughout the duration ofContinue reading ““Sharing silence is, in fact, a political act. When we can stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental, change begins to happen. Our lives align with deeper values and the lives of others are touched and influenced.” -Gunilla Norris”
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” Dolores Huerta
President Biden declared today national César Chávez Day. When I first moved to California over twenty years ago, on the first March 31st that I lived in the Golden State, my future wife organized an event to honor and celebrate César’s legacy. I learned then of a man I have come to ever more deeplyContinue reading ““Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” Dolores Huerta”
“There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.” — Oscar Romero
Today marks the feast of Saint Oscar Romero, the former Archbishop of San Salvador. Saint Romero was martyred on this day in 1980 for his advocacy on behalf of the poor of El Salvador. A decades-long civil war of that time period has left a permanent imprint upon that country. In 2004 I visited Romero’sContinue reading ““There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.” — Oscar Romero”
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!” -Apostles Peter, James and John
The Gospel reading from the weekend before last, regarding the Transfiguration of Jesus, has compelled me to think deeply about the power of presence. In recent weeks, from my time with my kids, to my time on Zooms, to my many discussions with my wife about education, family, learning and growth….these conversations and experiences haveContinue reading ““Rabbi, it is good that we are here!” -Apostles Peter, James and John”
Keeping the Faith 