drmikedaniels

Practicing silence means making a commitment to take a certain amount of time to simply be. -Derek Chopra

At a team meeting this morning, we discussed the distinction between “listening,” and “listening for”…with the idea being, when we simply “listen,” we meet people where they are. Without judgment, nor pretense. A colleague stated, “listening is at the heart of healthy community.” Amen! This week I share the below prayer along with the sincereContinue reading “Practicing silence means making a commitment to take a certain amount of time to simply be. -Derek Chopra”

“God, You stayed. Thank You. I did what I could. Now, You keep watch.” -Modern Serenity Proverb

I have been thinking quite a bit about the concepts of unconditional love and radical forgiveness. Both of these traits seem to be needed in today’s world, and I also find moments for practice within my life these days. Embracing these belief systems and placing them into action require a discipline and intentionality that atContinue reading ““God, You stayed. Thank You. I did what I could. Now, You keep watch.” -Modern Serenity Proverb”

True love always brings joy to ourselves and to the one we love. -Thich Nhat Hanh

This week marked the third anniversary of the passing of Zenmaster, Poet and Monk Thich Nhat Hanh. In recent years I’ve come to appreciate him as an example of inner strength. I hope this quote and video remind us of the peace within us. Blessings on your week ahead! “We don’t need to wish ourContinue reading “True love always brings joy to ourselves and to the one we love. -Thich Nhat Hanh”

May you be safe. May you be happy. May you be healthy. -Calm Meditation App

I recently sat in the corner of my backyard with my dog, soaking up the rays of sun. The ten minutes I spent sitting still and petting Bingo felt like a lifetime. In the busyness of life, I never cease to be amazed by how important it is to slow down. Rest. Reflect. In thisContinue reading “May you be safe. May you be happy. May you be healthy. -Calm Meditation App”

Peace is the answer, Joy is the goal, Thanks is the prayer, Love is the road. -Mary Davis

I am grateful to be home and settling into the new rhythm of a new year. My morning workout at the YMCA reminded me of the richness of everyday activity and everyday people. Following some wonderful holiday time with family near and far, my kids and I are all eager for the return to ourContinue reading “Peace is the answer, Joy is the goal, Thanks is the prayer, Love is the road. -Mary Davis”

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. -Corrie ten Boom

My recent travels have afforded me the gift of time to reflect, broadened perspective through the differing experiences and cultures of others, and an enhanced appreciation for the life I live and the gift of community that abounds within and around me. I treasure this gift of awareness and seek to integrate it into myContinue reading “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. -Corrie ten Boom”

Good theology opens the doors to stuffy rooms. -Timothy Radcliffe

This week I am sharing just a couple resources of wisdom on Sabbath days and spirituality. I found these to be welcome reminders to me this week during a time that is a flurry of activity otherwise. Blessings on your week ahead! The Gift of Life Sunday is the day to rest and enjoy the gift of life. So playContinue reading “Good theology opens the doors to stuffy rooms. -Timothy Radcliffe”

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” -Oprah Winfrey

Today I focus on gratitude as we enjoy this Thanksgiving week. I am ready for a break. I pray for peace in our communities and in our world. Blessings on your week ahead! Prayer for Our Blessings Lord, you provide for all our needs. You know us and You love us and You invite usContinue reading ““Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” -Oprah Winfrey”

Hope is not a simple fairy tale wish. -Sr. Lavina D’Souza

The other night my youngest kids were laughing with us and telling stories of their day. I had been playing my guitar until they came into our room, and in the midst of our conversation my daughter ran upstairs to bring in her ukulele. She surprised us by playing a family-favorite tune of ours fromContinue reading “Hope is not a simple fairy tale wish. -Sr. Lavina D’Souza”

Parenting is a daily exercise in letting go. -Elaine Taylor-Klaus

We’re riding the parenting rollercoaster these days and I’m enjoying learning and growing – and stretching myself- along with my kids and my amazing wife. Listening to podcasts, working with some talented educators and other professionals, and tapping into resources from organizations like http://www.impactparents.com are sustaining us along the way. Google AI generated some summaryContinue reading “Parenting is a daily exercise in letting go. -Elaine Taylor-Klaus”