Day 1 - Personality

     One of the major reasons for interpersonal conflict is the misunderstanding of basic differences in personality types. Myers-Briggs is an instrument for determining one's preferences and attitudes that comprise essential elements of personality. The Keirsey Temperament Sorter, as a modification of this insightful perspective, outlines the fundamentals of personality so that we can better appreciate and enhance the unique qualities of ourselves and others.

Day 2 - Gossip

Gossip and religious judgementalism can be a problem. Mike Royko wrote an editorial for the Chicago Tribune on this subject: "Justice Triumphs Over Loudmouths".

Day 3 - Frontier

A fresh look at the qualities of living and dynamic faith as opposed to the rituals of the traditional Christian church is found in Frontier Theology by Wes Seeliger.


Day 4 - Koinonia

Koinonia is a common Greek word that means community. The Greek language scholar Walter Bauer defined Koinonia as: 1) Association, communion, fellowship, close relationship; 2) generosity, fellow-feeling, altruism; 3) sign of fellowship, proof of brotherly unity, gift, contribution; 4) participation, sharing.

One example of Koinonia in ancient China was The Shaolin Monastery. Built in the time of the Northern Wei dynasty in Henan, it is concidered to be the birthplace of Zen Buddhism. A unique aspect of this community was the way it combined athletics with spiritual meditation.

See Buddhism on The Big Island

Day 5 - Advent

Day 6 - Weddings

Day 7 - Satan

Fundamentalist logic:

1. Start with the given: CUTE PURPLE DINOSAUR

2. Change all U's to V's (which is proper Latin anyway)

CVTE PVRPLE DINOSAVR

3. Extract all Roman Numerals:

CVVLDIV

4. Convert into Arabic values:

100, 5 , 5, 50, 500, 1, 5

5. Add all the numbers together:

666

6. Thus, Barney is Satan.


Day 8

Thoughts from Thich Nhat Hanh:

"Many are aware of the world's suffering; their hearts are filled

with compassion. They know what needs to be done, and they

engage in political, social, and environmental work to try to

change things. But after a period of intense involvement, they

may become discouraged if they lack the strength needed to

sustain a life of action. Real strength is not in power, money,

or weapons, but in deep, inner peace."

"Practicing mindfulness in each moment of our daily lives, we can

cultivate our own peace. With clarity, determination, and

patience---the fruits of meditation---we can sustain a life of

action and be real instruments of peace. We can join those who

spend their time and energy protecting the weak, struggling for

social justice, lessening the disparity between the rich and

poor, stopping discrimination, and watering the trees of love and

understanding throughout the world."

From the book Peace Is Every Step: the Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by
Thich Nhat Hanh, Bantam Books, New York, 1991

       08/29/2004