Progress

No human being has made progress by being held to a lower standard than his/her best capabilities. Progress is always a stretch. It is that extra step when fatigue discourages. It is that act of generosity when feeling put upon.

As I hear haranguing conservatives crying for retrenchment into conservative values, I hear the fear and laziness of the rich and pampered, voiced by their puppets. Thumping a Bible, Torah or Quran is not progressive, even when motivated by a desire to do good in the world. Literalism and fundamentalism are symptoms of fear and voluntary enslavement. 

Nearly every human being has the capability to learn, to love, to give. Progress often entails breaking through the traditional impediments to mobilizing learning, loving and giving. Opening the mind and heart to that which is just beyond its understanding is the first step to living a progressive life through a daily practice of mindfulness and compassion.