November 29, 2024

Culture

'Gratitude, because it’s so easy.'

Michael Perry calls himself "an accidental New York Times bestselling author, corporate speaker, humorist, singer/songwriter, amateur snow plow driver, and playwright from New Auburn, Wisconsin." Image via PBS Wisconsin

Michael Perry calls himself "an accidental New York Times bestselling author, corporate speaker, humorist, singer/songwriter, amateur snow plow driver, and playwright from New Auburn, Wisconsin." Image via PBS Wisconsin

"...Gratitude. Such a lovely word. Humble and warm. Humble, because it’s not a word you use if you think you did everything yourself. Humble, because no matter how hard you did work at whatever it is you’re grateful for, you know—and more importantly, acknowledge—there was some luck involved. Warm, because gratitude is not compatible with a cold soul. Warm, because gratitude radiates, like the gentle rays of a heart-sized sun. Gratitude goes softly out and does good works—which generate more gratitude. Gratitude is renewable energy.

"Gratitude, because to offer anything less would be to ignore all privilege. The privilege of existence. The privilege of health. The privilege of privilege. And now we are back at humility—or ought to be.

"Gratitude, because the world is awash with the sour surf of opposing sentiments...." - Michael Perry

ESSAY: The Gratitude Essay

Culture

Why “heterarchy” might be a better way to describe the shifting roles and relationships that actually hold communities and institutions together.

ARTICLE: The Central Role of Collaboration and Trust in Human Societies

Culture

A “different voice” that speaks from a premise of connection and responsibility rather than separateness and hierarchy

‍‍BOOK: In A Different Voice

Culture

Regenerating nature, communities, and local economies through systems change

‍BOOK EXCERPT: Putting Systems Change in Place‍

Culture

“We cannot change the way the world is, but by opening to the world as it is we may discover that gentleness, decency, and bravery are available."

INTERVIEW: Margaret Wheatley: Warriors For The Human Spirit