Creating a different mindset — “For things to reveal themselves to us, we need to be ready to abandon our views about them.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace Discussions around climate change generally involve lots of data and predictions about just how little time we have left until the floods, droughts, and pollutants leave…

What will be, will be — I was jolted awake by the civil defense sirens blaring. Hurricane Iniki (a Category 4 storm) was headed for Oahu. I called a friend who was living in a low-lying area, and suggested that she gather her important documents and photos, and bring her three young children to ride out…

And feed them on your dreams — “You, who are on the road, must have a code that you can live by.” * Greed is good. Money equals success. Capitalism is the best economic system. “And so, become yourself, because the past is just a goodbye.” I make no excuses. I did what I had to to…

I’m just not as profitable as a corporation I recently wrote an article in response to the prompt: Is it still a man’s world? Yes, It is Still a Man’s World My experiences with the patriarchymedium.com But that only tells part of the story of why an educated, in-demand, conscientious worker had her pay decreased, and thus stress-quit a job that she…

My experiences with the patriarchy — So, I quit the job I had been at for 10 years. I was one of three “contract” employees working at the senior center. We all taught exercise classes. Two female instructors, one male. I am one of only 3 people in my entire State that has the necessary certifications…

And why it matters outside of marketing — “Oh, Jean, why do you think you can change the world?” I don’t. My heartfelt article on injustice is not going to make the MAGA crowd shout, “Jean, you are freakin’ amazing! Reading that piece made me cast aside all my prejudices! Oh, Lord, my mind has been opened!” Of…

Studies support markets, not you — I’m often asked how I stay thin and fit. Those who ask me this question seem to be seeking a magical answer — a secret supplement or a “one-size-fits-all” type of fitness regimen. I’ve learned that my truthful answers only disappoint. I try to sideline these folks by taking a…

Where do I fit in? — I sat with a small group of women in the yoga teacher training class. We were taking turns giving our answers to the prompt, “Describe yourself.” The answers came as “mother”, “daughter”, “sister”, “student”, “Asian”, “wife”, “nurse.” These answers from the others flowed easily, without any pause to think first…

When the brain screams with fear — The opposite of love is fear. Anger, jealousy, hatred and greed are all fear-driven reactions to life. We make many of our decisions from a place of fear. Fear of being alone, fear of scarcity, fear of the unknown. We are saturated with media coverage of violence, inflation, wars, and…