Primer on Questions – Part 2 of 6: When?

Once we have asked “What,” another question inevitably follows: When. If “What” questions clarify reality, “When” questions bring awareness to timing. They ask us to consider sequence, readiness, and the unfolding nature of events. In many ways, they are questions about the rhythm of life itself. We live in a culture that prizes urgency. Action […]

Building Your Power of Expression Studied, adj. Pronunciation: ˈstədēd Meaning: This word points to some sort of quality or result achieved or maintained by careful and deliberate effort. Usage: “He treated them with studied politeness.” “She gave a studied response, ensuring every word was chosen carefully.” “He maintained a studied indifference, though it was clear […]

Here we go again: Uncommon Sense is before you, ready to provide some fascinating commentary on a variety of matters. Here is what you will be sinking your teeth into with Issue 351: As I am a teacher, as well as a life-long learner, I think it high time we explore the topic of Learning […]

“Before I begin telling you what I think, I want to establish that I’m a [dummy] who doesn’t know much relative to what I need to know. Whatever success I’ve had in life has had more to do with my knowing how to deal with my not knowing than anything I know.” — Ray Dalio, […]

War is the use of arms to settle differences—tribal, political, religious, cultural, and material—between organized groups. It is unchanging. The general laws of armed conflict stays immutable, given the constancy of human nature. However, the manner in which war is conducted remains fluid. New weapons, tactics, and strategies elicit counterresponses in an endless cycle of […]

I am excited to report that I’ve been asked to deliver an hour-long program on March 15th at 6:30 PM in Scottsdale, Arizona. My topic is titled “Navigating the Storms of Life” and will be an inspirational shot-in-the-arm to the attendees. Drawing upon actual stories from my own past, I will be sharing compelling, edge-of-your-seat […]

Before any meaningful understanding begins, a question must be asked. Not merely any question, but the right one. Human life unfolds in response to inquiry. What we notice, what we pursue, what we ultimately become is profoundly shaped by the questions that occupy our minds. A careless question can lead us into years of confusion. […]

Building Your Power of Expression Imprimatur, n. Pronunciation: ˌimprəˈmädər, imˈpriməˌto͝or Meaning: This word originally referred to an official license by the Roman Catholic Church to print an ecclesiastical or religious book of some kind, one that was deemed to hold no doctrinal errors; thus, the word, coming from the Latin, meant “Let it be printed.” […]

Uncommon Sense has reached a milestone of sorts. After launching this eZine on April 8, 2011, I have an almost perfect record of churning out not one but two issues each and every month. And with this issue, we reach Issue 350 – 350 distinct Self-Development columns, 350 Elephant in the Room columns, 350 personal […]

There’s something quietly radical about sitting down with a blank page and deciding to tell the truth. Not the polished truth you post online. Not the diplomatic truth you offer at meetings. I’m talking about the unfiltered, slightly messy, occasionally contradictory truth that lives in your own head. The kind that only comes out when […]