Michael J. Marx's Blog, page 3
June 3, 2017
Living the Dream – margin
Margin is the sense that you can slow down enough to consider all the moving parts. It is that peaceful place you can go to for solace and refuge. Creating margin is different than improving one’s time management. It is not finding more time or cramming yet another task into an already jam-packed day. I doubt one could have the feeling that you are living the dream if you have is no capacity for reflection and relaxation.
This is the first time I’m recommending a book before I’ve finished rea...
May 29, 2017
Ode to Vasser
Nose to the wind with snow in his face, lead dog, leery of humans; Vasser was a sled dog of character and enigma.
As the beta lead dog, next to his alpha brother Grisman, the two led their team across the tundra of Canada and Alaska. He pulled stoically at the front of the pack for many Iditarod and Yukon Quest races; a working dog and proud of it. He was the one who decided if you’d be invited into his circle; not the other way around. Arthritis in his fore ankles forced him into retirement...
May 27, 2017
Living the Dream with misfortune
Head-on collision, death of my favorite dog, brother having open heart surgery; these are just a few of the “misfortunes” I’ve experienced in the last ten days. Living the dream means also living with those things that affect the dream. One can never know what will happen in a given day. Life and death happen. They are part of the master plan. Why such things happen is not as important as how we react to them.
On May 18th we got a freakish dump of slushy snow. The locals refer to this as mas...
Living the Dream with mishaps
Head-on collision, death of my favorite dog, brother having open heart surgery; these are just a few of the “mishaps” I’ve experienced in the last ten days. Living the dream means also living with those things that affect the dream. One can never know what will happen in a given day. Life and death happen. They are part of the master plan. Why such things happen is not as important as how we react to them.
On May 18th we got a freakish dump of slushy snow. The locals refer to this as mashed...
May 13, 2017
Living the Dream – the inner voice
What is that inner voice? More importantly, what does it sound like? Sometimes a small phrase or even a word is the key to unlocking a mystery.
How long can you wait in silence without interjecting a thought? For most of us, the idea of sitting still is counter intuitive. We must be doing something to accomplish anything. Living the Dream means being able to hear that voice: Slowing down long enough to hear what the Spirit is saying to you – enjoying silence.
For myself, I often receive the m...
April 29, 2017
Living the Dream with Integrity
Most of us have a strong belief that we are good and honest people. This self-perception dictates how we view ourselves and the world around us. Unless proven otherwise, we see ourselves as usually being fair, truthful, and correct in how we behave and treat others. Our integrity is intact.
We are naturally resistant to any accusation that we might be anything but totally integral in our dealings with other people. Anything that puts this concept into question is seen as an affront to our int...
April 22, 2017
Living the Dream – Awake
Sleeping-in means being able to lie in bed until it is easier to hold my eyes open than closed. This happens very rarely. Most of the time the sound of my alarm clock or a stray thought pops me into the conscious reality. Awake, alive, and ready to go!
Well, not always. You spend about 90% of your muscle energy opposing gravity. Without any resistance, you would fall at 22 mph per second². Getting out of bed is your first gravity defying feat of the day.
Sometimes a poor night’s sleep result...
April 15, 2017
Living the Dream – Sleeping
Ah, a good night’s sleep. Living the Dream means being able to enjoy the life you have chosen with vigor and vitality. Quality sleep is essential for enjoying life. When we sleep well, we listen well, process well, decide well, and understand well. Waking up refreshed is the ticket to a good day.
Many things can hinder blissful sleep. Pain, worry, or even fatigue contribute to fitful and restless sleep. Taking prescribed medication might help. Other remedies such a...
April 5, 2017
Living the Dream – Alive
It’s hard for me to imagine someone not wanting to be alive. Yet such feelings happen ALL the time. It is highly likely that people you know and love are thinking of ending their lives.
Living in a beautiful area provides no immunity from depression and anxiety. In fact, it can exacerbate the frustration of feeling helpless. People will move to a place which has all the beauty one can imagine hoping to find peace and serenity. Yet they still feel down and out. They t...
March 24, 2017
Living the Dream in the Spring
The snow recedes at a rapid pace revealing hidden treasures forgotten. The white blanket dissipates and disappears. Things left under cover become accessible to light and warmth. Nothing hidden shall remain a secret (Mark 4:22). Spring reveals all and brings with it new possibilities.
Many of our summer toys had been packed under trees and covered up with tarps or canvases. Every day the melting snow shows the top of one or more items waiting for emancipation. T...
