by Brian G. Daigle

​​Creativity is a fundamental impulse, a deep and residing reflex of our humanity. We were made to create. We are, as much as we are homo sapien (thinking man), also homo faber (making man). That creativity bears out in big ways and in small ways, in ways that create something over several years or just a few seconds. It bears out in how we organize both time and space, how we not just use sticks and stones to build cathedrals and homes but also gestures and gaits to build romance and soulmates. We create as much with material things as we do with immaterial things. And our daily lives are both the soil and the fruit of our creativity. But as with anything else in the human condition, creativity can be stifled. It can erode or be diminished or dwindle in both individuals and groups of individuals. It can be directed to vicious ends. There are, therefore, twelve great creativity killers we should avoid:

by Brian G. Daigle

There will be conflict. Welcome to the human theater. Those who avoid conflict affirm its presence. Those who create and seek it out also affirm its presence. Those who do something more moderate and healthy with conflict also affirm its presence. If we want to live upstanding and good lives, lives of high quality relationships, personal and social success, and even lives of professional advancement, we must learn to be better with verbal conflict. If we want healing and health and peace, we must handle verbal conflict well.

by Brian G. Daigle

The holidays are upon us and that means days off. Or does it? This is the most popular time of year for employees and school children to take breaks from their work, to step back, to “unplug” from their daily activities of work and school. However, this often doesn’t happen, especially for professionals in fast-paced, high-demand jobs. And it is increasingly more difficult as we have multiple devices throughout the day speaking to us, calling our attention back to the work from which we are trying to walk.
     Because we are incarnate beings, and because our physical bodies are crucial in both work and rest, in labor and leisure, it is important, if we truly want a break, that we pay close attention to how we enact our bodies to ensure such rest. Below are a few tips on how to think about using your body to take a break this holiday season: