We are the 99% is one of the most prominent messages of the Occupy Wall Street movement. It is true that the top 1% of the population have inordinate power and wealth when compared to the rest. It is beyond evident that this inequality exists and one has to be delusional to not see it. However, the notion that this is a new phenomenon or that there is a sudden increase in wealth inequality because of Bush's policies or Cheney's evil grin is not based on historic facts. In People's History, Howard Zinn writes that in 1687 the top 1% owned 25% of all wealth and the number went up to 44% in 1770. History shows that the wealthy have always been wealthy. The system has been rigged from the beginning.
Time whizzes by and I, I write of glimpses I steal
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Power of Vulnerability - Brene Brown
Vulnerability is not weakness, nor is it optional. We can't opt out of the uncertainty, exposure, and emotional risks that are woven through our daily experiences. Like it or not, vulnerability is coming, and we have to decide if we’re going to open up to it or push it away. The only choice we really have is how we're going to respond to feeling vulnerable. And contrary to popular belief, our shields don't protect us. They simply keep us from being seen, heard, and known.
If there's anything I've learned over the past decade and experienced firsthand over the last year, it's this: Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose. Even if letting ourselves be seen and opening ourselves up to judgment or disappointment feels terrifying, the alternatives are worse: Choosing to feel nothing -- numbing. Choosing to perfect, perform, and please our way out of vulnerability. Choosing rage, cruelty, or criticism. Choosing shame and blame. Like most of you reading this, I have some experience with all of these alternatives, and they all lead to same thing: disengagement and disconnection.
One of my favorite quotes is from theologian Howard Thurman. He writes, "Don’t ask what the world needs; ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive."
Vulnerability is not easy, but it’s the surest sign that we’ve come alive.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html
If there's anything I've learned over the past decade and experienced firsthand over the last year, it's this: Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose. Even if letting ourselves be seen and opening ourselves up to judgment or disappointment feels terrifying, the alternatives are worse: Choosing to feel nothing -- numbing. Choosing to perfect, perform, and please our way out of vulnerability. Choosing rage, cruelty, or criticism. Choosing shame and blame. Like most of you reading this, I have some experience with all of these alternatives, and they all lead to same thing: disengagement and disconnection.
One of my favorite quotes is from theologian Howard Thurman. He writes, "Don’t ask what the world needs; ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive."
Vulnerability is not easy, but it’s the surest sign that we’ve come alive.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html
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