In my advocacy work I’ve witnessed great work take place on behalf of the environment by several organizations. One small gift I’ve brought to this work has been my faith – my desire to buoy the helpers, the experts, the legislators doing the heavy lifting in solving the problem at hand. I have seen first hand how a little kindness during a challenging time has helped a person or a process break thru a barrier or brought a refreshed, hopeful perspective. (Read about my experience with the MA legislature.) It is my belief we are going to need more kindness, more resilience, more unselfish care in the days ahead as we address the many, growing issues of concern in our social agenda. I’m passionate about building this type of spiritual muscle!

“It is my deep conviction that the only option is A CHANGE IN THE SPHERE OF THE SPIRIT, in the sphere of the human consciousness. It is not enough to invent new machines, new regulations, new institutions. We must develop a new understanding of the true purpose of our existence on this Earth. Only by making such a fundamental shift will we be able to create new models of behavior and a set of values for the planet.”—Vaclav Havel

There have been many times in my life where I have sputtered, “That’s not fair!” when faced with wage inequity for same job, gender limitation in career advancement, even blatant bank lending discrimination. At one point my businessman dad responded, “Who are you, Crusader Rabbit?!” Why yes, yes I am, I replied. The standard that has guided me in fighting inequality in my own experience and overcoming its impact is my flag of faith – an unwavering conviction that the Divine bestowal of unconditional good and equal principle and justice is mandated for all – as in, everyone. That is what is fair. There are countless people relying on spiritual guidance to overcome social inequities in all their forms to help others. To make that effective power better known is why I am volunteering on this website.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
—William James

Are you an idealist or pragmatist – can I be both? I have an ideal way that I think the world should and could work, and so, I struggle when I see that most of humanity (self-included) doesn’t live up to my high expectations. I can get up on a soapbox and preach (just ask my family) or I can, day by day, moment by moment, work to model my ideals. I know that a single candle can light a whole room. And I choose to light my candle with faith and trust that there is a Divine Love guiding each of us. For me, activism is one form of spiritual pragmatism.

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do.”—Gandhi

Everyone has a story when you take the time to listen. Listening. As an improvisational actor listening is paramount to being a good scene partner. Listening shows respect. It builds trust. Listening nurtures empathy. I can’t think of a better skillset needed right now than the ability to listen and see the world from someone else’s perspective. As the Founder of Live Yes, And I get to help companies, teams, and individuals build thriving cultures using the principles of improvisation. These principles are spiritual to me, and I get the opportunity to share them with organizations all over the world. I am excited to be an Inspired to Give contributor as the host of the Inspired to Give Podcast. I’ll be listening to people from around the world as they share their stories of how they have been inspired to give!

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” —Neale Donald Walsh