Tom Adams
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Most weeks I try to focus my post on one idea. Readers tell me that is more interesting and easier to digest. This week I am going to diverge from that path and comment on the ups and downs of my life recently. I suspect even those who enjoy chaos and are advocates of chaos theory have had enough? I sure have.
This is a lighten up post. I appreciate your willingness to read my ramblings about racial justice, addiction, recovery and spiritual growth. As the title of this blog indicates, Critical Conversations, I consider them important topics. I am grateful for your interest in those posts. It’s a big world and we are all but grains of sand: precious, important, and in the big scope of things small. What makes us big is our capacity for love and joy. And that comes from a lifetime willingness to grow, change and learn.
Easter Monday morning brought me and many the sad news that Pope Francis had died overnight. While expected and unavoidable, the fear of the leadership of another world institution becoming more conservative is real. And a nightmare in a time when the United States is led by a commitment to chaos, cruelty, and building wealth for the wealthy.
Editor’s Note: Last week I wrote about the need for spiritual practices to anchor us in these unsettling and oppressive times. This week’s post is by guest contributor Shirin McAuthor and focuses on lessons from Holy Week for Christians and others relevant to today. Shirin is a writer, editor and spiritual guide.
I’m increasingly aware of the challenge of accepting losses as I age. This week’s post is about “necessary losses” and my experience in making peace with them.
In March, we pay attention to the contributions of women to history and our communities. I wrote last week about three courageous women who influenced history. They each teach us how to step up and follow our hearts and values.
Our holiday season is coming to an end. We’ve heard messages of hope, light, joy and wishes for happiness in the new year. Today’s post presents some reflections on different ways I experienced these messages this holiday and possible implications for daily life.
Tomorrow Christians celebrate Christmas. Hanukkah, the festival of light, begins for people of Jewish faith on Dec. 25 and ends Thursday, January 2, 2025. Kwanzaa, a holiday honoring the culture and tradition of people of African origin, begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. For many people, for many reasons, it is indeed a season of hope. Today’s post continues to explore our individual and collective battle between darkness and light and despair and hope; it concludes with a simple song that I offer as a gift of hope.
Recent conversations have reminded me that holidays are not times of joy for all. Despite all the songs of good cheer and joy, holidays are a mixed bag for many, and a time of deep pain for some. This post explores this continuum of holiday experiences, and invites your reflection on how you view the arriving holidays.
Chaos and uncertainty abound these days. Nature is doing its part to remind us life is messy and we aren’t in charge. I woke up last week to howling winds, temperatures too cold for my liking and some light snow. Friends in PA and MI were digging out from huge snow storms while friends in FL complained about this unusual cold and needing to turn on their heating systems.
Tom Adams writes and speaks on topics vital to the intersection of our personal lives with our community and global lives. He has for decades been engaged in and written about nonprofit leadership and transitions, spirituality and spiritual growth, how we each contribute to a more just and equitable world and recovery from addictions and the Twelve Step recovery movement.