I am in San Francisco attending the American
Geophysical Union's annual meeting of over 20,000, a meeting of amazing
breadth and depth. It is my pleasure to serve on the Board of
Directors. We are taking a hard look at innovating membership,
affiliation, and publications to maintain AGU's position as the
preeminent union of earth and space scientists.
I am staying at the Intercontinental San Francisco. Every morning I
awaken around 5am (because I am sill on east coast time), get up,
meditate, stretch, and go for a run along the Embarcadero along the
water before the sun comes up. It's pretty cold here for San Francisco.
In the wee hours of the morning it's been in the low 40s, even next to
the water.
There's nothing like it. It's dark, lit by street lights. Few are out.
It's brisk. I have the feeling of being off the grid even though I am
in the midst of one of the greatest cities in the world. Bakers are up.
Coffee is being roasted. The sea air is powerful. And the Bay Bridge
shines like a Christmas tree above me in the bracing air.
After I run my thinking is clear, strong, and inspired. I am able to
set my course for the day, see through difficult choices, and align my
sights with the highest ideals.
Find a place this week where you can get clear. Do what it takes. Mount
your fears and look far out onto the horizon for what's worth pursuing.
Faith is the bird
that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.
- Rabindranath Tagore
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