making sense out of the ruins of our noble country

I am not an alarmist. I tend to be very optimistic and in the case of America I am exceedingly positive about the way we are capable of changing when we see fit even if it is in a direction I don't like. We are copers- we adapt.
But what does disturb me and alarm me is the loss of noble aspiration at the leadership levels of government, business and the media.
I value civility. I think respecting people is a good way to converse and that discourse that is rigorous but vigorous is a delight.
I do not find the public debate on almost any topic to be of any benefit to anyone except those interested in their own selfish gains or who are stoking fears in the public.
40 years as a psychotherapist, management consultant and close observer of organizational life has taught me to appreciate the fact that human beings are motivated either by the basest of rationale- fear and hatred on one side and desire and greed on the other. Or at our best we can be truly inspired by altruism and love for others.
Altruism seems to be a natural instinct along with fight, flight and freeze but it must be cultivated. Especially in these times when the norm we see and experience thrown at us in multimedia display are the worst traits in human nature.
So, how does one cultivate altruism?
Starting with a recognition that caring about others well being as much as our own is a good start.
Exchanging an act of generosity for self indulgence is a great way to enhance your sense of heart-felt concern.
In my social enterprise http://www.poundsforpoverty.com/ I advocate for people who are suffering with obesity to donate the money they might have spent on something that is self sabotaging instead. Give the $5.00 for that scone and latte to any charity fighting hunger like a local food bank. See for yourself if it does not warm your heart more than give you heart burn that overeating causes.

Is 2010 the year that we realize how important being good is?

There is a truth that seems to be forgotten over and over: that what you do and the motivation behind what you do is critical to how you feel about yourself.

It benefits the giver as much as the receiver to be engaged in doing something that is "noble".

Noble means to me something inspiring or uplifting. To be inspired comes from the root to breathe in and when you are inspired it feels like taking a good great big breath of fresh air.

If what we do does not inspire us then we are stuck with persevering and holding on to something that we don't believe in and therefore cannot completely commit to with our full energy.

Take a small step to discover what will spark your sense of connection to goodness.

Try starting with something really small that seems doable and yet it is in the direction of the feeling you want to have in your heart and mind.

To get to where I am today I had to first realize that I required doing good and then looking for awhile at what could qualify- it was not until I stated emphatically to myself that I was committed to this path that I began to find steppingstones leading to my life now which feels 80% good and 20% work for the sake of making a living.