"A Different Way Forward"
My Approach
Below I have outlined the foundational perspectives I have which drive the approach to my work
Narrative and Vocational Life
So much of the mess that is our modern life is our broken relationship with ourselves, each other, the world, and God. This is not a life of algorithms, categories, inputs/outputs etc. it is a storied life, made up of how we relate: accept, reject, live into, fight against etc. there is a storied nature to it, we did not choose our bodies, our birthplaces, the people or opportunities which came into our lives. For the full description of vocation read more on the vocation page.
Why "Paradox"?
I have always been fascinated by paradoxes; I am not talking about paradoxical statements which are circular with no resolution. I am talking about those things which on the surface seem untrue, or perhaps even absurd, but upon closer inspection are true. It is inspired by the late Father Thomas Hopko, who used to state “Orthodoxy is Paradoxy” as he noted the same phenomenon. Indeed, this is the original meaning of paradox, as “para” means beside, and “doxa” originally meant “glory (worship)” and later came to mean “thought” or “opinion”. In other words, a paradox is something which runs alongside with those things which are correct and true, and in its proper place serve to bolster it.
Axioms and Core Beliefs
I am not interested in getting caught up in the weeds of surface level issues, I am much more interested in the core assumptions (axioms) and foundational beliefs. Just as a rudder which steers the ship and the keel keeps it stable, both lay below the surface and hold great sway on a large vessel so too I believe it is important to focus the greatest attention on those beliefs steering our ship. To see some of the axioms I use in my approach check out more on this page.
My worldview: Orthodox Christianity
Yes, I am a Christian (Eastern Orthodox) I share that openly despite our modern aversion to religion, because to be as honest, transparent and compassionate as possible is to be open with my worldview because none of us can escape from our biases, and to hide them is to deceive others. Despite, or rather, because of my faith, my work here is meant for everyone and is not meant to be exclusionary. I don’t speak for Orthodox Christianity, I am merely one voice and one person hoping to provide perspective by sharing my own.
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I have always had a heart for people, and it is because of the conflict, division, and general decline of mental and relational wellness that I started this project. So regardless of how you feel about me or my work, know that all I do I do out of love for God and neighbor I believe that we all have a purpose and a place in this world, and I want to see people live into the fullness of who they were made to be.
