From the Desk of Kiler Davenport

Listening is an art that often goes underappreciated in our fast-paced, talk-centric world. Yet, over two millennia ago, the philosopher Plutarch recognized its profound importance, offering wisdom that remains as relevant today as it was in ancient times. He famously stated, “Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.” But how do we integrate Plutarch’s lessons on listening into our modern lives, and why is it so valuable? ### The Power of Listening in Building Trust True listening goes beyond hearing words—it’s about creating space for connection and understanding. When we genuinely listen, we demonstrate respect and empathy, fostering trust. Think about a time when you felt truly heard by someone. It likely left you feeling valued and more inclined to open up. This is the essence of what Plutarch’s teachings emphasize: the act of listening as an active, engaging process that strengthens relationships. **Example Story**: I recall a moment when...

 In a world where comfort often takes precedence over confrontation, truth tellers stand as rare and courageous figures. They are the ones who dare to point out the discrepancies, challenge the status quo, and speak out even when their voices tremble. Yet, the path of a truth teller is not without cost. Society’s preference for comfortable lies over inconvenient truths can isolate, stigmatize, and challenge those who choose authenticity. So, why does speaking the truth matter, and how can we embrace it in our own lives? The Reality of Truth Tellers Being a truth teller is often portrayed in stories as noble and heroic, but in real life, it is frequently met with resistance. History provides ample examples—think of figures like Galileo, who faced persecution for asserting that the Earth revolved around the sun, or modern-day whistleblowers who risk their careers and safety to expose corruption or injustice. Their actions come with a price, but they remind us of an essent...

Life as a Game: An Invitation to Strategy Life, in its complexity and beauty, can be likened to a strategic game—a series of moves that test our patience, wit, and resolve. And looming over every game is death, an ever-present reminder of impermanence. But rather than seeing death as a harbinger of fear, what if we viewed it as a call to urgency, a push to make each move count? The Shadow That Drives Action Imagine a game where the stakes are high and the clock never stops ticking. That’s life. The awareness of death’s shadow isn’t morbid; it’s a nudge, urging us to value our time, cherish connections, and approach decisions with intention. The philosopher Seneca once wrote, “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.” In embracing this awareness, we can choose to live deliberately—prioritizing moments that bring joy, purpose, and growth. Personal Reflections: Moments That Redefined My Moves I recall a pivotal time when I found myself at a c...

 In life, there are moments when we come to realize that certain relationships, environments, or habits no longer serve us. They may have once brought joy or a sense of belonging, but over time, they turn toxic, poisoning our sense of peace and well-being. Walking away from these influences is not easy, but it is essential for true soul health and emotional freedom. Recognizing the Signs of Toxicity Toxic influences come in many forms: friends who belittle, jobs that drain your spirit, or habits that leave you feeling empty. The challenge is that these situations can often become so familiar that recognizing their impact is difficult. Signs include chronic stress, feelings of being undervalued, and a persistent sense of negativity. If an environment or relationship consistently saps your energy and clouds your mind with doubt, it might be time to reassess. A Personal Reflection I remember a period in my life where I stayed in a friendship that had long since turned harm...

The Metaphor of the Tree: Finding Strength in the Roots Imagine a tree standing tall and vibrant. Its branches reach skyward, full of life, but what holds it steady during fierce storms? It’s the roots—those unseen anchors beneath the surface that nourish and stabilize the entire tree. In the same way, true healing and personal growth stem from addressing our own roots, the core issues that often lie hidden. Personal Reflections: When My Roots Were Unsteady There was a time when I faced challenges that left me feeling uprooted—as though life’s winds could knock me over with the slightest gust. I tried to focus on surface-level solutions: new routines, quick fixes, anything to restore a semblance of balance. But no matter what I did, the sense of instability persisted. It wasn’t until I took the time to look deeper, to acknowledge and address the underlying emotional and mental roots of my struggles, that I began to see meaningful change. Healing, I realized, wasn’t about pa...

The Dilemma of Negativity: Facing the Persistent Pessimists We all know them—those individuals who seem to have a problem for every solution. No matter how well-thought-out your plans or how hopeful your vision, their first response is often one of skepticism, doubt, or outright dismissal. Interacting with such negativity can be disheartening, especially when you’re on a path of growth and progress. Personal Reflections: Learning from My Encounters with Negativity There was a time when I was brimming with excitement over a new project. I shared my ideas with a friend who I believed would be supportive, but their immediate response was a litany of reasons why it wouldn’t work—the risks, the uncertainties, the potential for failure. The conversation left me deflated, questioning my capabilities and my vision. It took me some time to realize that their reaction wasn’t necessarily about my idea. Often, the negativity we encounter from others reflects their own fears and limitat...