21 Comments
Sep 18Liked by Patrick Muindi

Know where to look -- indeed, Patrick. And one's time IS precious, so best spent on something or someone that matters. The idea of abundance hiding so much -- what an eye opener. As you know I write about failed civilizations, specifically, the ancient Maya. When the rains did not come, the 'classic period' which encompassed the majesty of their civilization fell apart, and slowly the cities were emptied--people deserted them, or died trying. I never thought about how important that abundance is to keep things status quo, even if it's just a fake-out. Great post!!!! Thank you.

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Welcome, Jeanine, and thanks for this illustration. It all began with the rains not coming as expected, and it kicked off an process of decline that this civilization just couldn't arrest.

Time will always be scarce, and thus knowing where to spend it is just as important as the actual process of spending it.

Thanks for these thoughts, as always.

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You know I have spent this week thinking about the oppsite idea - the cost of indifference.

I guess sharing a dormitory can sync ideas decades later 😂

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I agree, sometimes our thoughts and ideas are stuff we have discussed with someone in the past, decades even...

I find the idea of thinking about things in terms of their costs fascinating. It can bring clarity that would otherwise have remained elusive.

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Sep 18Liked by Patrick Muindi

This can be cost in time, attention and care too which are priceless and born from love. Money doesn't make people rich. No farms, no food, no future.

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Very true. It's not always about money. These other things born from love matter more; they are the costs we should worry about, especially about paying them for the wrong people and things.

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Sep 18Liked by Patrick Muindi

That was such a fire sentence dude. Very deep as that can hit on so many levels.

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"Know where to look; know where not to. Even more important, know who’s worth your time. Learn from those doing what they teach; those whose lives demonstrate their teachings."

Love this Patrick!

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Thank you Joanna!

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I agree it can be hard to be excited about things that aren't novel anymore. When it feels routine, it can lose its allure. I struggle with this sometimes. But whenever this happens I try to remember that nothing is promised to happen again, so we have to try and enjoy the present as much as possible.

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I'm sure this must be something you deal with as a seasoned traveler. You have been to make destinations and seen many things that many other people, not as traveled, haven't seen. But you explain it right: with an attitude of gratitude, every thought, outcome - and destination - can bring us joy, awing us even though it be familiar.

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A fantastic point. I think the dark side of traveling is feeling restless. Thanks for the expansive read!

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Sep 18Liked by Patrick Muindi

The best teacher is rarely ever the best practitioner yet the best practitioner is rarely ever the best teacher. Such is the complex relationship between theory and practice. These are valuable thoughts that you have shared with us.

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Very true. I guess we should just aim to be good student and also be ready to do with those who offer to teach, even when they aren't the best. Thank you, as always.

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A thought provoking essay.

I agree that thoughtfulness can dampen excitement.For instance, experienced travelers often feel less thrilled about destinations they've extensively researched. Also, abundance does mask tensions; we have seen how economic downturns can quickly resurface dormant social and political conflicts in seemingly stable societies.

Thanks for this reminder, Patrick.

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Welcome, Tinashe, and very apt illustrations here. As friction intensifies in nations, be it about economics or politics or culture, it's important to remember these things. Thank you, as always.

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Sep 18Liked by Patrick Muindi

"Caution is thus necessary, and the point should be to become a good student, the one capable of learning from those who teach without instructing; doers immersed in action, their techniques largely free, but only available to the observant and interpretive who continue to become few in a world where many are lining up to be spoon-fed."-- 🔥🔥🔥

For those who can't do teach. ❤️ I learn from you even when you aren't teaching. Astute observations and well done as always.

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Indeed, Jessica, because teaching, which is hardly anything more than "telling" nowadays, is always much easier than doing. Thank you for being here.

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Sep 18Liked by Patrick Muindi

Amen, I'm trying to learn how to master life and just teach what I can to make room for more. Do you feel like knowledge sharing rather than currency is the best way to pay it forward?

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Yes, I honestly do, because with this, you can reach more people. You share what you think and have learned, and those who listen make use of it as they see fit.

We are limited in resources; most of us don't have as much money to appreciate as many people and things as we'd want. But we can reach more people if we share knowledge, and this is even more empowering.

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Sep 18Liked by Patrick Muindi

I agree.

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