Attentiveness – Paul's Blog

Vegetables on the Counter

The other day, I washed some vegetables and set them to dry on a towel on the counter. A few hours later, our sons had eaten them. Now these boys are not categorically averse to vegetables, but they do typically resist them at normal childhood levels. But this day, leaving them out made it easierContinue reading “Vegetables on the Counter”

Inventing Threats

Our car has a common safety feature. When the system perceives danger in the driver’s path, it will apply the brakes and flash tiny red lights in the field of vision. This feature is often helpful. It is, also, often wrong. A non-conscious system throws on the brakes to “protect us” from a danger thatContinue reading “Inventing Threats”

The Banality of… Goodness?

In ethics class, we learn of “the banality of evil”… the idea that systemic evil is often perpetrated not by moral monsters, but ordinary, uncritical people. But what happens, though, when we consider the “banality of goodness”… the reality that some of the most important moral habits we might develop are, at first blush, fairlyContinue reading “The Banality of… Goodness?”

Blind Spot Buddy (Or: What Am I Missing Here?)

Let’s agree that humans are not good at seeing their blind spots. After all, how am I supposed to see what I don’t see?! Enter the AI “blind spot buddy.” So. Log into Claude (or whichever platform). Choose the issue you are having trouble with. Explain the situation as if to a friend or coach.Continue reading “Blind Spot Buddy (Or: What Am I Missing Here?)”

Resistant to Care

“Resistant to care” is a general clinical term used to describe a patient who opposes or impedes the interventions made on their behalf. (In this scenario, their caretakers must be more creative in their care for this individual.) As it concerns our development as loving persons, on some basic level, we are all “resistant toContinue reading “Resistant to Care”

Luxuries

Existence as a person in this world A heart that longs for a loved one A body to care for The ability to reach out to another An imagination that can make things or be generous To see creation’s colors These are some of life’s foundational luxuries. They put “luxuries” (typically conceived) in perspective.

And Let It Begin With…

At home, growing up, we would jokingly sing the refrain to the church hymn “Let there be peace on earth” as follows: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with *you*…” While silly, this is too often how we approach all kinds of conflict. Understanding my role in the system of theContinue reading “And Let It Begin With…”

Conversation during the extra mile

Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. (Matthew 5:41) Walking the extra mile (after that initial distance is completed), what is the conversation like? Does the conversation change? And how? Perhaps one’s inner chatter (about what that person must be like) quiets down, defenses fall, better questions areContinue reading “Conversation during the extra mile”

The Professional Reader

We rightly appreciate great writing. The value of authors that can teach a distilled concept or weave a magical world is congratulated and remunerated. But what about the value of readers? How might we equally honor the student (or adult) who seeks out varied and worthy writing, courageously struggles to understand its import and beauty,Continue reading “The Professional Reader”

Presupposing Goodness

St. Ignatius describes a “presupposition” that should guide the relationship between spiritual director and directee as follows: That both the giver and the maker of the Spiritual Exercises may be of greater help and benefit to each other, it should be presupposed that every good Christian ought to be more eager to put a goodContinue reading “Presupposing Goodness”