A Conspiracy to Love: Living a Life of Joy, Generosity, and Power (Revised Edition). River Jr. Smith

      Each of the folks I mentioned here were inhibited in moving from one or another of the so called lower levels of Maslow’s hierarchy, and though each, with varying success, found ways to survive, cope, and sometimes thrive, all of them had trouble asserting themselves with others. All had trouble allowing themselves to ask for what they wanted from others. All struggled to become self-actualized or happy.

      SO, WHAT is self-actualization? It has been described as the stage when one seeks edifying information for growth, when one feels basically content with oneself, when one feels free to reach for further connection. As one feels the former, s/he develops self-transcendence, a profound sense of connection with all things and all beings. According to Maslow, it is in this stage that we experience wisdom.

      I believe what all of us are really searching for is this divine essence within ourselves. Susan Jeffers

      Many theorists have enlarged and expanded on the work of Rogers and Maslow as they have explored the issues of happiness, joy, and love. Let’s continue on this path.

      Like so much of life, it begins with Active Listening: compassionate, open hearted, open minded listening. Just sit in their (children’s) presence. We must be on their side. Nancy Carlson Paige

      More gratitude: I am grateful for the voice of Fannie Lou Hamer, and all those who came before her. I’m grateful to Wangari Maathai and The Green Belt Movement, Tawakkul Karman, Leymah Gbowee, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, for their work for women, children, and peace. I’m grateful for garden fresh tomatoes and Muhammad Yunus and the micro-lending of the Grameen Bank. I’m grateful for the extraordinary work of Marian Wright Edelman, and the extraordinary example of Dick Gregory. I’m grateful for skeeball machines, batting cages, and cruelty-free shoes…