Acquired Spontaneity

Embarrassment

Nonviolence in the Face of Hatred

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on November 16, 2017

The practice of nonviolence begins precisely when our actions, words, or thoughts are not aligning with our commitment. Because our capacity often lags behind our commitment.

The practice of nonviolence begins precisely when our actions, words, or thoughts are not aligning with our commitment. Because our capacity often lags behind our commitment.

Embarrassment

Moving from Fault to Cause

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on September 14, 2017

I am confident that fighting back, name calling, shaming, denouncing, and other similar tactics recently are feeding rather than quelling this upsurge of white supremacy.

I am confident that fighting back, name calling, shaming, denouncing, and other similar tactics recently are feeding rather than quelling this upsurge of white supremacy.

Relationships

Why Patriarchy Is Not About Men

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on August 4, 2017

I see this as the core source of violence: the physical, emotional, and spiritual brutalization of boys and men.

I see this as the core source of violence: the physical, emotional, and spiritual brutalization of boys and men.

After posting my recent post, I received a comment that completely surprised me, in which I was challenged about what I thought was the opposite of what I said.

Attention

Privilege, Responsibility, and Nonviolence

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on July 15, 2017

When enhance my capacity to hear the contents of what people from marginalized groups share about their experiences, regardless of how it’s presented, two things happen.

When enhance my capacity to hear the contents of what people from marginalized groups share about their experiences, regardless of how it’s presented, two things happen.

Relationships

Staying Open to Life despite Losses

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on May 9, 2017

In short, the practice of vulnerability has given me peace and less helplessness; it has given me more freedom to be myself in a simple way; and it has made me more accessible.

In short, the practice of vulnerability has given me peace and less helplessness; it has given me more freedom to be myself in a simple way; and it has made me more accessible.

Sport and Competition

When Effects Are Invisible: From Comfort to Freedom

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on April 10, 2017

What is it that makes the existing global system continue to function with our ongoing participation, when so many of us know how close to the edge of catastrophe we are?

What is it that makes the existing global system continue to function with our ongoing participation, when so many of us know how close to the edge of catastrophe we are?

Environment

If I Were a Rich Man, the Inner Dimension

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on March 6, 2017

This is something all of us can do: align our actions with our values, even when it means stepping outside our comfort zone, and reaching out to others.

This is something all of us can do: align our actions with our values, even when it means stepping outside our comfort zone, and reaching out to others.

Environment

If I Were a Rich Man

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on February 27, 2017

If I truly want to be an agent of change in the direction of a world that works for all of life, I cannot do it alone.

If I truly want to be an agent of change in the direction of a world that works for all of life, I cannot do it alone.

President Donald Trump

Working for Change in a New Era, But How?

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on January 15, 2017

When we approach confrontation differently, I will then have more hope that miracles of transformation can happen.

When we approach confrontation differently, I will then have more hope that miracles of transformation can happen.

Relationships

Accountability, Love, Shame, and Working for Transformation

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on December 22, 2016

"I have more faith in actions that arise from a context of inner peace and acceptance than in actions that are fueled by fear and anger, the hallmarks of non-acceptance."

"I have more faith in actions that arise from a context of inner peace and acceptance than in actions that are fueled by fear and anger, the hallmarks of non-acceptance."

Embarrassment

You’re Not a Bad Person: Facing Privilege Can Be Liberating

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on November 25, 2016

Time and time again, I notice just how simple and strong it is to own and acknowledge my privilege where I have it, and to do so without guilt and shame.

Time and time again, I notice just how simple and strong it is to own and acknowledge my privilege where I have it, and to do so without guilt and shame.

Education

Protecting and Learning in a Time of Hatred

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on November 17, 2016

It’s clear to me that without seeing everyone’s humanity, we will not find a way of moving forward that will actually create change.

It’s clear to me that without seeing everyone’s humanity, we will not find a way of moving forward that will actually create change.

President Donald Trump

A Nation, Divided, With Liberty and Justice for the Few

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on November 10, 2016

Deriving solace from thought leaders like Michelle Alexander, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Tom Atlee and Arnold August.

Deriving solace from thought leaders like Michelle Alexander, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Tom Atlee and Arnold August.

Flow

The Challenge of Connecting Dots

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on September 16, 2016

What I realized in a moment of sharp and instantaneous insight that came from nowhere and hit me at the core was utterly simple: the Waltons and I see a different reality.

What I realized in a moment of sharp and instantaneous insight that came from nowhere and hit me at the core was utterly simple: the Waltons and I see a different reality.

Play

Social Justice and Theater at a Time of Crisis

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on July 14, 2016

At the Theatre of the Oppressed last week a group of 36 of us from across many social divides and several countries grappled together with our experiences.

At the Theatre of the Oppressed last week a group of 36 of us from across many social divides and several countries grappled together with our experiences.

Relationships

Instead of Being Silent

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on June 14, 2016

What does love look like in the wake of violence I cannot grasp?

What does love look like in the wake of violence I cannot grasp?

Wisdom

An Instruction Manual for and About Dissenters

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on April 13, 2016

All of the tips I present here are based on what I have learned on my way to being able to survive, and often even thrive, as a “professional” outlier in the world.

All of the tips I present here are based on what I have learned on my way to being able to survive, and often even thrive, as a “professional” outlier in the world.

Teamwork

Who Makes the Tough Calls in a Collaborative Organization?

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on April 8, 2016

"Do we have to involve everyone in every decision for it to be collaborative? ... Because if we do, I'm quitting my job." I hear different versions of this question all the time.

"Do we have to involve everyone in every decision for it to be collaborative? ... Because if we do, I'm quitting my job." I hear different versions of this question all the time.

President Donald Trump

What Will We Do if Trump Is the Next President?

Miki Kashtan Ph.D. on April 8, 2016

In response to the intensity of hatred and separation that I see coming from Trump and his supporters, I want to find a way to meet them in an entirely different way.

In response to the intensity of hatred and separation that I see coming from Trump and his supporters, I want to find a way to meet them in an entirely different way.