
Reinvention, Realigned: The Work I’m Doing Now
March 25, 2025Wake Up! Critical Thinking Is the Only Way Out
March 29, 2025I woke up today feeling deeply alienated from the world around me. The erosion of education, healthcare, and basic compassion can feel overwhelming—not just as political concerns but as deeply personal and existential threats. So here’s the question I’ve been contemplating:
How do we stay human when the world feels increasingly indifferent or even hostile?
Recognize the Challenge (Without Becoming Overwhelmed)
It’s important to clearly acknowledge what’s happening around us. Education faces unprecedented strain—critical thinking, empathy, and intellectual depth feel undervalued. Healthcare and disability services, vital to many of our loved ones, face ongoing uncertainty. Even our cultural environment often seems driven by division, anger, and superficiality rather than genuine connection.
Understanding these realities doesn’t mean we must surrender to despair. Instead, it invites clarity and thoughtful action.
Staying Intact Internally (Alignment & Consciousness)
Protecting your inner life is a powerful act of resilience. Rituals become essential. For me, it’s writing, meditation, driving my Porsche 911 on an empty road at dawn, or riding my motorcycle—activities that ground me profoundly in the moment.
I call this practice “intentional resilience”—maintaining consciousness and compassion when everything around us seems determined to diminish both. Your inner world remains uniquely yours, a personal space no external force can fully control.
Staying Connected Externally (Community & Communication)
To stay human, genuine connection is essential. Social media often feels superficial, but authentic communities—even small ones—offer genuine resilience. I’ve started cultivating more personal connections through direct emails and intimate Zoom gatherings.
These spaces allow honest conversation, mutual support, and remind us we’re not alone. This isn’t about technology—it’s about human connection. You’re invited to join this conversation; simply reach out, and let’s talk.
Staying Awake Intellectually (Thoughtful Engagement)
Today’s environment thrives on distraction and superficiality. The strongest response is deep thinking. I’ve returned to meaningful books, thoughtful films, and poetry—anything encouraging depth and complexity.
Pick up a challenging book. Watch a film that asks for your undivided attention. Thoughtful, intentional intellectual engagement quietly nourishes our humanity.
Staying Embodied (The Meaning of Speed and Sensation)
Physical experiences anchor us powerfully in the present. For me, it’s driving a manual transmission car, feeling the precision of shifting gears, or the exhilaration of riding my BMW S1000RR motorcycle—embodied practices bringing clarity and grounding. For others, it might be gardening, cooking, or hiking.
Find your own tactile practice. It’s a potent antidote to disconnection.
Conclusion
The broader narrative may be challenging, but it doesn’t dictate our personal response. Staying human means quiet resilience—in thought, community, and embodiment. This is our greatest strength.
I’d genuinely love to hear from you: How do you stay human?
Reply directly or comment below—let’s begin the conversation.
1 Comment
Going for a run on a mountain trail just before sunset, watching a beautifully made film, and sitting quietly at a winery with a well balanced red wine and a great view are how I anchor myself and foster resilience. Reminds me how good life is and how we should all be kinder to one another. Great article!