Looking forward to tomorrow

Last Sunday, Easter Sunday, I got together with the L’Arche community virtually. The question was posed: what are you looking forward to tomorrow? I thought this was a brilliant question. For one, because with the days all running together, it is sometimes easiest just to think about what is in the immediate future (to the extent that you know). It also calls you into gratitude in the present moment. Plus, I don’t know about you, but when I think about the things in the distant future I am looking forward to, the uncertainty of doing them causes sadness. When exactly will I be able to go to a lake, impulse buy a pair of earrings at TJ Maxx after work, grill on the rooftop, put my toes in the sand, pull my carry-on onto the plane, host a game night, hear Charles Clark (a core family member) play harmonica in person? So. Maybe looking forward to just tomorrow, and finding the blessing in it, is enough. I suppose it is a good skill to have, pandemic or no.

One thing I am looking forward to the day after tomorrow is my talk on The Art of Conversation, and I hope you will join in. No, this is not geared just toward the ladies - you taciturn dudes may enjoy it, too. I was reviewing my notes tonight, from the in-person talk I gave last fall. It will be fun and interesting to adapt this for a virtual platform, and to see hands “raised” to be called on, and so on. As always, I know I will not just be teaching and speaking, but learning myself, too.

Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 pm. Register here!

The Art of Conversation - virtual!

Folks, we are going live and virtual next Tuesday, April 21 with a conversation on - the Art of Conversation.

My friend Julie Larkin, founder of Girl Talk, invited me to speak as part of their Coffeehouse Community series. You can definitely bring coffee with you, though this will be at night (I am very sensitive to caffeine and don’t drink coffee, anyway. I know, calm down).

This is the virtual version of a talk I have given before, which essentially boils down to: why is conversation important (because it is a sign of respect for the other person); what skills do I need (be interested and also be interesting); what can I do to get someone else to talk (nothing)?

A description:

Great conversation never goes out of style. As our world becomes increasingly digital (and we face the COVID-19 epidemic), the critical skill of holding a good conversation — speaking with interest, charm and clarity — becomes even more desirable. Whether in a job interview, on the train, at a party, or on a date, the ability to confidently converse face-to-face (or through the screen) is a true advantage.

This Zoom workshop will present the benefits of strong conversational skills, the basics of being present for the conversation at hand - both as the speaker and the listener and most importantly, how to genuinely enjoy life’s daily dialogues.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 pm eastern. Register here.

Spiritual Communion in the Easter Season

It is Easter week! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

I promised you an article about spiritual communion, written with the help and expertise of Fr. Paul Scalia of the Diocese of Arlington - wait no longer:

Spiritual Communion During the Easter Season