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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.















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