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The 33 Practices

The 33 Practices

Mike Barzacchini
Photo by Sean Stratton on Unsplash

Photo by Sean Stratton on Unsplash

A few years ago, on a trip to the Smoky Mountains, I wrote down 29 practices to help guide my life. Later, I added four more. Here’s the list as it is today, in no particular order:

  1. Generosity

  2. Listening

  3. Gratitude

  4. Presence

  5. Mindfulness

  6. Calm

  7. Laughter

  8. Sharing

  9. Usefulness

  10. Solving

  11. Patience

  12. Creativity

  13. Purposefulness

  14. Bravery

  15. Intentionality

  16. Persistence

  17. Curiosity

  18. Questioning

  19. Reflection

  20. Kindness

  21. Acceptance

  22. Respect

  23. Relaxation

  24. Partnership

  25. Consistency

  26. Distance

  27. Planning

  28. Peace

  29. Organization

  30. Celebration

  31. Clarity

  32. Inventiveness

  33. Humility

Admittedly some of these practices are similar, almost to the point of being repetitive. But to me, there’s something slightly distinct about each one. As I consider the practices, individually and collectively, I expect I’ll continue to revise and maybe even add to the list. Revisiting the list and studying on it keeps each practice top of mind as I consider how I may apply it in real ways to my life.

In this way, the list will always be a work in progress. The actions and behaviors associated with the list, always a work in practice.

Celebrate National Poetry Month

Celebrate National Poetry Month
Worm Moon Over East Dundee, Illinois

Worm Moon Over East Dundee, Illinois