Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Cheer

Dark, cold, prickly, screeching, drowning, trapped
Light, warm, soft, soothing, breathing, free

     Describe your ideal nest, a physical place where you live and a psychological place where you feel.  Make a comfortable home and an emotional haven.  Attach to the rhythm of nature.  Have dark when asleep and light when awake, soothing temperature, pleasant nutrition, comforting bed, stimulating times balanced with calm, physical and mental activity balanced with relaxation, social interaction and sole pursuits, reach inward and outward, take care of yourself and help others.
     Depression takes some people, even children, on a hopeless, downhill path with no vision of escape.  Suicide seems the only way out.  Everyone experiences depression at times and needs to find a way to begin the uphill  path out.  But how to help yourself or someone else to leave the darkness and strive for the light, that is the problem.
     Some find a solution through religion, some through social contacts with optimistic friends, while some need professional help.  Theses efforts may be difficult.  Soothe yourself, focus on the positive, make a joyful noise, and cheer yourself onward.


Sunday, September 14, 2014

Blast

    

   

      Language is continually changing, new words added and new ways to use established terms.  Often the younger generation develops slang to identify with their peer group.  The older generation may pick it up to be part of the communication.
     Face-to-face, in public, and on social media, people are being put on blast, being the object of angry and abusive criticism.  The reasons behind these comments may be to reprimand, shame, or punish the individual.
     We often see professional speakers and writers blasting away at politicians, political parties, and controversial topics.  Often prejudice fuels anger and fear in those who agree.  Those who don't agree see this type of criticism as unfair, illogical, and abusive.
     You may have received a blast yourself.  Just consider the source, figure out what is behind it, and calmly respond or ignore.  You may be tempted to blast, but remember anything said to or about someone or anything posted on the internet may be difficult to reverse or delete.  Diffuse your anger to avoid an ineffective explosion.  Consider your purpose and choose your words wisely.  Don't just blast away.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Examples of Immorality

     Basic universal morality is held by most people around the world.  Unfortunately, some extremists are participating in what almost everyone views as immorality.  Other types of behavior do not as easily fall into one category or the other.  My personal list of immoral behaviors includes:
     Limiting freedom and human rights of women, homosexuals, immigrants, and other groups based on out-dated thinking.  Our bodies and private lives should not be infringed upon.
     Giving priority to any group who wants their beliefs to be supported and fostered in government, in public schools, and in public places.  Religious and non-religious citizens should feel a part of laws that are passed, public meetings that are held, and displays in public areas.
     Limiting health care to only those who can pay for it.  Public health and public education are essential for a thriving society.
     Abandoning public school systems and funneling government vouchers to private and religious education.  Where problems exist in the public system, find a way to fix them.
     Trying to be big brother or the police in foreign countries.  Our imposition often creates animosity.  The UN or NATO should give aid when they deem it necessary.
     Using war as a solution to problems except for self defense.  Protect citizens at home and encourage them not to go in harms way abroad where they aren't under our protection.
     These are just a few examples of immorality.  As you consider my list, agree or disagree.  What other behaviors would be on your list of immoral behavior?  

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Immorality

     Going against a standard of behavior or a set of moral laws creates immorality.  These standards or laws may have been set by religion, parents, or the society into which you were born.  A person can stray away from the standards or break the laws by acts of commission or omission.  A person may do what is considered wrong or not do what is considered right.  One is active; the other is passive.  Both are immoral.
     Governments use morality to decide which behaviors are legal and which are illegal.  Citizens need to be protected against the bad and enabled to have a safe, healthy life.  Many behaviors, however, are not covered by civil law.  The individual is given the freedom and responsibility to decide what is right and what is wrong in these cases.  Morality cannot be legislated.  Even when we uphold the laws, we still can have immoral behaviors.
     Everyone must get beyond selfishness, develop a conscience, and do the right things for themselves and others.  A moral code needs to develop in each of us.  We need to think before we act and be aware of the possible consequences of our behavior.  We should try to lead a  moral life and guard against immorality.      
        

Monday, September 1, 2014

Morality

     Many people believe that God is the author of morality and guides humanity toward good and away from sin.  His moral laws, the shall and shall nots, are proclaimed in the Bible which also records the lives of the righteous.  Believers in spiritual guidance feel that without God, humanity would lead sinful and selfish lives with no true regard for each other.  Debauchery, chaos, and calamity would result.
     Some people believe that morality can exist without God.  As human beings became civilized, they agreed upon acceptable and unacceptable behaviors that would ensure the survival of the individual and the tribe.  Logic guided their lawmaking.
     Neither religious nor non-religious philosophies guarantee moral behavior.   Even with the promise of rewards and the threat of punishments, people will sometimes choose immorality over morality.  New laws can be added and old ones can be redesigned; however, some areas of behavior should be left up to the individual.  Conscience and self control will increase morality. 
     Deciding on the laws in a democracy is difficult because a variety of opinions are considered.  Cooperation and compromise are beneficial.  Conflicts can arise when people believe that law must be based on their religion.  Governments need to make and enforce laws while guaranteeing freedom and human rights.  Individuals need to abide by the laws and take on the responsibility of making decisions that will benefit themselves as well as the group.  These are the steps toward morality.