The Lifelong Learning Community

A couple of weeks ago our Go There Group call focused on seasons in our marriages, and we backed into the theme of “individuation”.  The guys asked if I would post some thoughts on the topic, as fodder for our second round of conversation.  “Sure,” I said, envisioning the kind of quick, simple process that has been my norm for oh so long.

However, in this season of Trans Minimum Labore, the request turned out to be an unexpected but timely catalyst for a fresh new round of research, discovery, and reflection on my part.  I decided that, before I shared what I already think (yet once again, lol), I should finally do that round of research and further reflection that I have thought about doing for many, many years ….  Perhaps there is material “out there” that might push and expand (or challenge!) my thinking on this topic, and be useful for all of us on our journey toward ongoing personal growth and also, of course,...

For the past two or three years I’ve been working into a new posture - embracing the Trans Minimum Labore principle in practical terms.  A couple of years ago when asked to bring some input to the annual Growth Resourcing Group annual gathering, I put some extra time and effort into developing some things I’d been working on into a useful chart - handy for future reference.  I even researched and then learned to use Prezi, a new presentation tool to share content in a more visually engaging fashion (easier to absorb and take notes on; I confess I have for years resisted the “faddish” pressure to use PowerPoint presentations).

Last year I attempted to build on this when incorporating some of the same material into sessions at the Asia Connect conference, with mixed results.  The chart developed earlier was very timely, and well received.  But it turns out my presentation platform requires a good internet connection in the preparation...

First in a three-part series introducing a principle I've been musing on, and sharing recent and current experiences that illustrate it.  Such fun!

How we spend our time ultimately has more to do with what we value and prioritize than the amount of time we actually have available.  Perhaps a bit late in the game, I’m coming to more deeply value the time and effort it takes to do something in such a way that - each time we do it - we make in investment into future fruitfulness and effectiveness, not just getting the immediate job done.

These days I’m in a season where I’m placing a high priority on study/reflection/writing, and have been attempting to incorporate a principle that I’ll name here as the Trans Minimum Labore (“beyond minimum effort”) principle.  

When asked to speak or write or consult in a variety of situations over the years, I’ve tended to focus on addressing the task at hand - pray, study, prepare as...