Some of us worry about the world and yet feel stuck. We imagine that the only way to contribute is to completely change the core of our lives. We think, to follow our calling, we need a new career. And maybe we do. But sometimes a change is too hard or wrenching–for now. In the meantime, […]
How To
How to Change a Mind
Those of us pursuing meaning and purpose often find we need the good will of others and to do that we often have to change people’s minds: The best way to cause lasting change is to inspire it. Resist the temptation to argue. People rebel against force. Self-determination is a fundamental human need. So, to facilitate lasting change, […]
How to Become Yourself to Help The World
The good news about how disastrously troubled our world is is that it needs so many sorts of talents and passions in order to help it that there is a place for every one of us. In other words, if you care about world problems, you don’t have to fit yourself into someone else’s idea of how to […]
Using Selfishness to Power Your Purpose
People sometimes imagine that you can choose to take care of yourself or you can choose to take care of the world. You can be selfish or you can selfless. That is not true. Each of us have been blessed with personalities that come with particular wants and desires. Wanting and desiring is human. It […]
Slimy pets to eat your garbage and entertain your kids
Some of you will have seen this before, but it's Spring and a lot of people have been asking me about worm composting. So here, for your delectation, via the Lower East Side Ecology Center (LESEC), are directions for keeping your own worm bin. If you live in New York, you can get worms from […]
Advice from an Accidental Activist
The following article was originally published in Yes! Magazine at this location. Other articles I've published in Yes! include: "Ten Ways to Change Your Life," "Fight Climate Change: Live the Good Life," and "Christmas with No Presents." So many of us have good ideas for helping the world. But we tuck our ideas away. I […]
Becoming your real self to help the world
Recently, I gave a talk in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the Girls Preparatory School. The talk was more or less about how the world is in so much trouble that it needs every sort of talent and passion in order to help it. In other words, if you care about world problems, you don't have to […]
The world’s easiest first step into growing your own local food
Sprouting. It’s cheap, easy, nutritional and you can do it even if you have no access to other forms of local food. Isabella, my little girl, loves sprouting because she gets to grow sprouts herself and then eats them by the handful. Start with lentils. Take a cup or so. Put them in a bowl. […]