Skip to main content

2018. Ten Lessons. Ten Highlights.



"A life without a quiet centre easily becomes delusional. When we cling to the results of our actions as our only way of self-identification we become possessive, defensive, and dependant on false identities." - Henri Nouwen

Ten Lessons


 1. We are psychologically hard-wired for tribalism. While this was a necessary part of human development, we need to evolve further. By continuing to bolster our groups through common enemy identity politics we lose sight of our shared humanity and the importance of diversity of thought. I talk more about this in a podcast available here. 

 2. In the pursuit of truth (and art) we should seek to ride the line between order and chaos. The known and the unknown. If we adopt ideologies too far on either side we end up with limited and harmful vision by falling into some form of relativism or fundamentalism.

 3. The only way to push into new artistic territory is through a willingness to do bad work. Perfectionism throttles growth.

 4. The first (and essential) part of human development is the development of the ego. The "I am". But it's easy to get stuck there, continually building and defending an identity. The next part seems to involve a journey inwards where the divine and the unconscious will acquaint you with a deeper self that has greater concerns. This is a lesson in progress...

 5. If you love someone you will allow them to change you.

 6. The path out of resentment is through gratitude.

 7. Evangelicalism needs a serious reformation. Any tribal interpretation of the Bible that results in an us/them, in/out narrative is elementary, typically human, and antithetical to what Christ modelled and taught. It also apparently allows for serious cognitive dissonance, e.g., loyalty to Christ and Empire (or a Xenophobic leader) at the same time. I could go on...

 8.  To develop intellectually is to gain the ability to fully explore different modes of thought without straw-manning or easily adopting them. Ideological possession is far easier. 

 9. If you don't transform your pain you will transmit it.

 10.  The nature of oppression is cyclical. The subversive teaching of "enemy love" is more mature and transformational than politics of fear or overthrow. As Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn said, "The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either, but right through every human heart."

Ten Highlights


 1. Cayleen Martens spent another year dating me. I am not sure how I came to be so fortunate. She treats me like gold and inspires me to be a better person. 

 2. I turned 30 this year and had a great time celebrating with friends and family.  I tend to find value in certain ages and this year has felt significant. 

 3. The focus of the first part of my year was on directing. I received some wonderful mentorship at Pacific Theatre and then directed one of my favourite plays, True West by Sam Shepard. This was a real thrill and a huge learning experience. The script was fascinating, the team inspiring, and the response encouraging.

 4. Continuing to develop contemplative spiritual practices has been transformational and centering in this age of confusion. 

 5. My living situation has once again been a highlight. The boys and I have spent many more hilarious nights hosting friends, watching fail videos, throwing parties, and getting up to all sorts of ruckus. We went to Seattle and Colorado together and had an absolute riot. 

 6. I began a job teaching Speech Arts, Communication, and Drama at an after school Academy and this has been a rather promising addition to the side gig hustle. 

 7. Our production company had a great year of celebrating and planning. We received three Jessie Richardson Nominations for our production of The Lonesome West which was an encouragement to keep plugging away. We have also been busy working on our next project: a gripping play called Cherry Docs about a Jewish lawyer and a Neo-Nazi. More details soon!  www.cavecanemproductions.com

 8. I signed with an awesome new agent and am stoked to have her in my corner as I focus more on film/television going forward. 

 9. My curiosity has been at an all time high. I spent countless hours consuming books, articles, lectures, and podcasts mostly regarding the relationship that psychology has with politics and religion. Although at times this has been overwhelming and all-consuming, it has mostly been enlightening. 

 10. To finish the year, I went back to my old stomping grounds of Prince George to spend some quality time with my grandparents and perform in the show Million Dollar Quartet. While the process was quite challenging it ended up being a lot of fun, a huge hit, and just what Prince George needed. I had an excellent time with family, studying the life and music of Johnny Cash, and playing rockabilly with some phenomenal musicians.















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2020 - Eight Teachings That Have Kept Me Sane

   Portrait by Tim Mikula "Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy."  - Thomas Merton   A recurring theme for me this year has been amplification.   When you pile a significant amount  of stress onto any individual or system the weaknesses are amplified. Whatever is festering at the core surfaces.  Sometimes this amplification leads to revelation and healthy clarification while at other times it leads to a doubling down on misguided and unhealthy ways being in the world.  We have witnessed this happening to us as individuals, families, organizations, social movements, political parties, nations, and really as an entire species. I have most definitely witnessed this in my own life. Many people have called 2020 an "apocalyptic year" and considering the  original greek word " apokalypsis"  means an “unveiling” or “revelation” I find this to be precisely suitable.  As I have navigated this ye...
Post a Comment
Read more

the artwork of esao andrews

I discovered the work of Esao Andrews on the album covers of the band Circa Survive. I don't really follow visual art but his paintings have always grasped me. Below are some of my favourites.  Here's a link to his website:  http://esao.net/index.php The Stray  Nowhere Ship Battle  Separate Lives Letting Go  Untitled (Thinker) 
Post a Comment
Read more

Whey WE are Right and THEY are Evil

  One of the most troubling aspects of this new hyper-digital era is our crumbling ability to communicate with people who disagree with us. There is the sense that we are shouting across a void at one another — in completely different languages. Our rebuttals are locked and loaded as we scan tweets, posts, and articles asking, “Is this person with us or against us?” Anyone who has questions about our party line is revealed as one of “them”, swiftly labelled as such, and excommunicated from our friends lists. What is happening here? It seems that we are splintering into groups rallied around completely different frameworks for what is in fact true, and who is at fault. It has become crystal clear that there are tremendous injustices and complex societal challenges ahead of us. While we must absolutely stand up for what we believe in, without serious course correction in our ability to communicate across divided lines, we are in serious trouble. In this article we will explore three ...
Post a Comment
Read more