Compassion and Communion
This turn toward our neighbor is why I am working for Paths to Understanding. Wisdom traditions across the globe encourage this turn toward our neighbor, this response of compassion for those around us. PTU works to encourage and support our turning to each other in compassion and mutual cooperation for the common good.
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Crossing the Divide Together
I was trying to make a decision the other day about some small matter. I noticed that I had to weigh various values and possibilities even in this small decision. And it was a fairly simple matter. We live in a complex world, where each of us has various values to balance and where we…
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Yes You Can Be an Ally in Your Community with Paths to Understanding
Be an ally in your community. When communities of wisdom stand with and stand up for each other it is a much-needed sign that we share common values, that our diverse perspectives are a strength, and that we can build a positive future together.
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Turn Back From the Precipice
In recent weeks anti-Semitic attacks have risen sharply. This is after many years in which our Jewish neighbors have experienced increased hate crimes. Over the last year we have seen a rise in violence toward those perceived to be Asian Americans. A society experiences anxiety and change. Some important event happens. Public leaders apply collective…
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Next Up for the Paths Network
I can’t think of any other work I would rather be doing right now. We all know the deep challenges that face our nation and our world. We believe we can face them when we share our deep wisdom and work for our common good together.
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When You’re Weary, Feeling Small
I noticed that I was feeling a great deal of resistance to sitting down at my desk. Things that once came easy were getting more difficult. I still felt motivated by the work. But I could not access my energy for it.
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Spring Newsletter 2021
Our newsletter has a new look! Check out the special guest editorials, in-depth information about our new online learning platform The Paths Network, and how to make a contribution to our Spring Fund Drive. Donors receive the printed version of our biannual newsletter. Click on the image to download the newsletter
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Why We Say What We Don’t Mean to Say
We have been formed by a status-keeping system in our nation. It has shaped much of how we see the world. It has formed our “common sense” in ways that make no sense at all.
But not only can we be formed, we can be re-formed to see our common humanity. This is painful work. Real growth always includes pain. This work will never end, as long as I live.
However, the work of living more fully into our stated ideals, into our common humanity and the future we can build together is also blessed and enjoyable work. As we break the mold we have been formed in, we find ourselves freer to move, to stretch, to relax.
Small Things Matter in the Practice of Allyship
My perception was that people were trying to be subtly disrespectful of the chairperson, and therefore the tribe. This did not surprise me. But I felt angry and sad about it. I thought to myself, “What can I do?”
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