Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Inner Journey

     Just like taking a journey to faraway places, take a journey into the inner spaces of your mind.  Understand where you are and where you want to go.  Block out other distractions, go to a quiet comfortable place, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and relax.  Feel safe at home, then begin your journey to evaluate your present condition and your preparedness to move forward.  Imagine what you want to do and where you want to go to improve your life, solve a problem, or form a goal.  Consider your options and envision a route to reach your destination.  Be willing to change and make detours around what hasn't worked before.
     Practice making this journey every day.  Stop your busy routine, look within yourself, and set or reset your GPS.  You will gain confidence in your own thinking, opinions, and decisions.  A journey away from home can include many sights around the globe, but a journey within the mind can provide insights into your own world.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

The Journey

     American citizens are proud to have the freedom to be and do whatever the law allows.  As we begin our adult journey, we agree to learn the rules of the road, train for the drive, acquire the license and insurance, and keep ourselves and our vehicles in good shape.  We have the freedom to choose our own route.  We benefit from our government keeping our roads in good shape and providing police to enforce the laws.  Remember safety first, so we all can survive and complete the journey, plus a good GPS will help us find our destination.
     Our parents and teachers prepare us for our adult journey.  We learn to survive, be courteous to others, and be responsible for our actions.  We grow up with freedom, but need to abide by the rules that benefit us and others.  We make or change laws to increase the quality of life.  Keeping ourselves healthy and sober enables us to have a safe journey.
     We can benefit from a good guidance system that adds to a rewarding life.  Our freedom allows us to choose our own beliefs and value systems.  Some systems just add more restrictions and laws, while other systems show us how to live with freedom and allow others to do the same.  Prepare yourself, plan your destination, and have a wonderful trip.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Domestication

     We have domesticated animals to benefit the human race.  From these animals, we get food, other products, and companionship, and with training, animals have provided transportation and assist humans in many other ways.  Domesticated animals, however, are then dependent and have lost  their ability to live in the wild.
     As man has used animals for his own benefit, he also has used other people through slavery and patriarchy.  We can now see how slavery was inhumane, but patriarchy still uses the female to benefit the male.  Down through history, societies have encouraged boys to aim for power and success out in the world while encouraging girls toward marriage, motherhood, and a place in the home.  This traditional arrangement seems to work in many families, and we all know that raising our children well is a most important job.  Even after decades of women's lib,  the female often assumes the domesticated role and becomes dependent on the male.  With the female caring for home and children, the male has the opportunity to develop his talents, have a career beyond the home (in the wild) and make a living to support the family dependent upon him.
     Times are changing, and marriage can be an agreed upon partnership.  The whole family will benefit if both husband and wife become domesticated yet retain their ability to function out in the world.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Pet Love

     People love their pets and admire other people who love their pets.  Additional admiration goes to those who rescue and adopt pets that might be headed for "sleep."  Rescuing an animal seems like a good deed.
     Pets are domesticated animals that are dependent on humans.  History says this started when humans began living in the same location and created garbage dumps which attracted wild animals seeking an easy source of food.  These animals slowly lost their ability to be independent, to hunt and provide their own sustenance.  By interacting with humans, they became tame and provided companionship.
     A pet now becomes almost like a baby without the obvious additional responsibilities.  They are cute, loveable, and provide uncomplicated affection.  Some say an unconditional love.
     Don't assume that people without a pet aren't kindhearted and appreciative of animals.  They just don't want to live with one.  Some people just enjoy the wild life in nature as part of the bigger circle of life: the birds in the air, the fish in the sea, and the creatures in the forest and jungle.  We also appreciate the animals raised for food and other products and the animals trained to help the handicapped, the police, and the armed forces.
     Some people need pet love; some don't.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

A Common Thread

     To have a meaningful relationship, you need a common thread, and the more threads you have, the stronger the relationship.
     One common thread may be your age, your peer group, and your stage of life.  You have lived in the same era, in the same generation with a memory of historical events, music, fashion, and popular culture.  This frame of reference gives you a great deal in common.
     Another common thread may be your occupation, receiving the same training, doing a similar job or working for the same employer.  Often a hobby or a sport as a participant or fan can form a connection.
     Loyalty to a group, a family, hometown, high school, college, or church congregation may create a common thread.  Having the same beliefs and opinions can be a tie that binds.
     Sometimes it's easy, sometimes difficult to establish a relationship.  You may not be the same age or have the same life experiences, but to begin a relationship, find something in common.  To strengthen a relationship develop a variety of common threads.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Where does your mind dwell?

     Your mind may dwell on everyday routines, family and friends, parental responsibilities, jobs, conversation, socializing, spiritual matters, financial concerns, pets, politics, hobbies, music, and entertainment.  Some people also dwell on regrets of the past and worries of the future.  Our minds are always busy even when we sleep.
     A large portion of our thoughts are led by habits, routines, and to-do lists.  Other people and events influence our thinking.   Busy lives can almost be consumed without time to think beyond present circumstances. 
     Much of our middle-age is spent on job and parental responsibilities.  Been there; done that.  We remember and learn from our past but shouldn't dwell there.  We need to forgive and forget and stop worrying about things out of our control.  Retirement gives us more freedom and time to think about other things.  No one knows how much time we have left, so we need to dwell on what is important to us, what we want to accomplish, and what we want to think about.  As many have said  before, "A mind is a precious thing.  Don't waste it."    

Friday, February 7, 2014

Face-To-Face


     Some people have more difficulty than others with face-to-face communication, but we all could benefit by improving the way we talk to each other in person.  Being face-to-face has advantages over other forms of communication.  We can see facial expressions, body language, and gestures.  We can hear the tone of voice, the volume, and the emphasis on certain words and phrases.  We can feel the human touch of a handshake or hug and even sense the other person's feelings and emotions.
     Personality may cause some people to be shy and hesitant while others seem to dominate the conversation.  To improve the dialog, make eye contact, ask questions to clarify, and show interest in the other person.  Respect each other, seek understanding, and try to have a balanced two-sided conversation.  Take advantage of the opportunities to communicate.
     Because of varying circumstances, we may have to settle for writing messages or talking on the phone or Skype; however, being next to each other and having a good face-to-face conversation may be the most ideal way to communicate.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Sandwich

     A sandwich needs three things: a top, a middle, and a bottom layer, having something between two other things, like meat between two slices of bread.  The combination makes a satisfying refreshment.
     Communication can be more satisfying with three components.  To begin, we need a layer of understanding and sensitivity with consideration toward previous comments.  Then we can get to the meat of the issue explaining the details and reasons behind the points we wish to make using logic and the power of persuasion.  The last layer should leave the impression that we welcome a reply be it in agreement or disagreement.  This combination can create a continuing conversation.
    The next time you want to communicate, make a sandwich.