Are you most comfortable in the quiet of the woods, on a beach with the waves gently coming ashore, or relaxing on a park bench in an urban setting? Wherever, whenever, time and space incline you to be thoughtful, you are encouraged to walk hand in hand with these muses and reflect at a pace which enhances the celebration and sustainability of your life. "Muses to Sustain the Thoughtful Life" is a collection of reflections which has evolved from discussion pieces I prepared for business executives and community leaders who are drawn to exploring philosophical, mind-expanding topics such as cultural mores and religious oriented values. Feedback from blogs over a period of several years leads to multiple requests for the expansion into a format which includes the discussion of how the interrelationship of individual and societies' culture and values are impacted by a diversity of views on nature, family, and religion. The book's central focus is that of providing the reader with muses designed to assist in a thoughtful self-examination of culture and values, and how these benchmarks determine our life decisions. Scenarios are presented which stimulate individual reflections and calls to action. In researching this book, I have interviewed many successful business leaders who have developed corporate values and manage organizations based on their principles. Additionally, having lived in Europe, the Middle East, and USA, my communications with individuals of various economic and social strata have contributed to a diversity of viewpoints. The opportunity to explore precepts which parallel those of myself as well those which differ, has led me to a broader exploration of global societies' cultures and values. In addition, being exposed to many climactic conditions has been beneficial in learning to recognize and understand some of the subtleties of nature's messages and how they impact life's deliberations and times of celebration. Are you most comfortable in the quiet of the woods, on a beach with the waves gently coming ashore, or relaxing on a park bench in an urban setting? Wherever, whenever, time and space incline you to be thoughtful, you are encouraged to walk hand in hand with these muses and reflect at a pace which enhances the celebration and sustainability of your life. "Muses to Sustain the Thoughtful Life" is a collection of reflections which has evolved from discussion pieces I prepared for business executives and community leaders who are drawn to exploring philosophical, mind-expanding topics such as cultural mores and religious oriented values. Feedback from blogs over a period of several years leads to multiple requests for the expansion into a format which includes the discussion of how the interrelationship of individual and societies' culture and values are impacted by a diversity of views on nature, family, and religion. The book's central focus is that of providing the reader with muses designed to assist in a thoughtful self-examination of culture and values, and how these benchmarks determine our life decisions. Scenarios are presented which stimulate individual reflections and calls to action. In researching this book, I have interviewed many successful business leaders who have developed corporate values and manage organizations based on their principles. Additionally, having lived in Europe, the Middle East, and USA, my communications with individuals of various economic and social strata have contributed to a diversity of viewpoints. The opportunity to explore precepts which parallel those of myself as well those which differ, has led me to a broader exploration of global societies' cultures and values. In addition, being exposed to many climactic conditions has been beneficial in learning to recognize and understand some of the subtleties of nature's messages and how they impact life's deliberations and times of celebration.