Back in 1965 Gordon Moore, the co-founder of Intel and the then head of research and development, made an observation that is now known as “Moore’s Law.” He stated that advances in hardware technology and engineering are such that the number of components that can be crammed onto a silicon chip would double every eighteen months, and therefore the processing…
Many of us find it difficult to manage our technology habits given the omnipresent temptation for distraction in the digital age. Sure, each of us can try our best to be mindful in the moment and try to control the impulse to scroll, swipe, or click our way to satisfaction, but what about the technology companies that deliberately design their…
On a Monday a few weeks ago, a friend of mine texted me to cancel our dinner plans scheduled for later in the week. I was instantly relieved—not because I had been actively dreading our plan, but because I, like so many of us, consistently feel too busy, overtaxed, and chronically stressed. Who doesn’t want an unexpected free night at…
You are likely familiar with the idea that you can feel too much of the suffering of others. This is sometimes called “burnout,” a word that was coined in the 1970s. But it’s not a new insight; the idea has many origins, including, to my surprise, in Buddhist theology. I first learned this from a discussion I had with Matthieu…
We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. –Martin Luther King Policies concerning climate change and ecology at the federal level are likely to be highly contentious over the next few years. During the controversies ahead, it will be easy, tempting even, to objectify those who don’t “get” the facts of climate change, to see them as “enemies,”…
As part of our “Garrison Talks at the JCC” event series, Dr. Perri Klass, Dr. Mark Bertin, and Dr. Chris Willard discussed strategies for fostering happy, successful children. In the podcast below, they explore their professional experience with children as well as with both established and cutting-edge research, emphasizing practical approaches to real life. Key questions: What is executive function, and how does…
From urban planning to animal rights to end-of-life care, Garrison Institute teachers and friends published books on a wide variety of topics in 2016. Below are some of our favorites. Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett In her popular podcast, On Being, journalist Krista Tippett shares conversations with scientists, theologians, poets, activists,…
The below is an edited excerpt from Brach’s Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha. A traditional folk tale tells the story of a man who becomes so frightened by his own shadow that he tries to run away from it. He believes that if only he could leave it behind, he would then be happy.…