Non-traditional

   
     Traditions have their advantages: predictable, nostalgic, comfortable, and safe while honoring the past, family, and ancestors.  The non-traditional also has advantages: originality, progressive, modern, and creative while valuing the present and future.
     We can remember and honor the past without repeating it.  Just because something worked in the  past doesn't mean it should remain the same; improvement should be considered.  Families, societies, and religions often count on rituals to reinforce beliefs and values, to create a shared experience, and to form a group identity.  Imagination and courage to take a risk on something new allows invention.  Our opinions and decisions can be just as valuable or even more valuable than what has been set by others.
     Tradition can decide how we spend our time and money, all because a schedule and calendar has been set.   How we dress, what we eat, and how we celebrate are all influenced by tradition. Commerce then uses our traditions to get us to spend money.
     Have confidence that you can design your own life.  Analyze the past with an open mind and have the courage to be non-traditional.
   
     

Simmer and Boil

   

    

      A pan of water will  remain cool and calm until a source of heat causes it to warm up, simmer, and boil.  Prolonged heat will cause the water to evaporate or boil over.   Image that water is your emotions.

     Remaining calm and contented is a state preferred by many.  Others seem to have a need to live in a state of highs and lows.  They seek out the sentimental and the sensational or get agitated and upset easily.  Some are judgmental and resentful, even hold grudges.  Others seem to bask in getting attention and affection.  Their feelings are of utmost importance.

     If you have been born with an "emotional" personality, if your parents have considered this trait endearing and unchangeable, or if you have been otherwise rewarded for this behavior, you may not have reached emotional maturity.  Some parents encourage emotional expression while others may consider some emotions bad and encourage repression of feelings.

    Whatever type of upbringing we have experienced, we may need to train ourselves to take control of expressing our emotions effectively.  Keeping a cool head is more effective even when circumstances or inner conflict tempt you toward emotional reactions.  Of course, we all need to let off a little steam at times, but try to turn down the heat before you boil over.

Lessons from a Palm Tree

   
     During the worst hurricanes, the palm tree survives.  We could learn a thing or  two from their characteristics.
     The palm has a super large anchor of short rambling roots spread across the upper layer of soil which creates a wide network.  We might benefit from extending ourselves to the right and left, toward liberal and conservative ideas in order to connect with a  wider area of thought.  This anchor will contain a better understanding of ourselves and others.
     The leaves or fronds of a palm tree are huge with flexible spines.  In nice weather, the fronds spread out and make a canopy.  In strong wind, they fold up with less resistance against the elements.  When fronds snap off, they further reduce resistance, spare the trunk, and grow back within a few months to a year.  We benefit from being flexible instead of rigid.  We can go with the flow and drop superfluous ideas in order to form new ones.
     More lessons come from the coconut palm which completely develops the nut with a hard, water resistant shell that can withstand many traumas.  When it separates from the tree, it drops to the ground or into the ocean where its buoyancy allows it to survive and travel great distances.  We must prepare our little nuts to be independent, handle the difficulties of life, leave home, and often live far away in order to be successful.

Dwelling Upon

   

   

     Your mind might like to go to a dwelling place where you think, rethink, and overthink particular topics or events, perhaps reminiscing, analyzing, or seeking comfort.  You may have reasons to spend more time thinking about the past, the present, or the future.

     Some people wish to live in the moment, keep the past in its place, and not worry too much about the future.  Others may have strong emotional attachments to the past and either like to relive pleasant memories or have trouble forgetting unpleasant ones.  Some people get stuck on trying to solve problems and delay decision making.  Others worry about the future and things that are out of their control.  They may even seek comfort in unrealistic ideas.
     Unfortunate circumstances may force people to dwell upon solving certain problems to survive or improve their lives.  They may not have the luxury to think about other things until their problems are solved.  Tragedies can monopolize our thinking until we are able to move on to a more balanced life.
    Spending an excessive degree of time on a particular subject can take away time better spent on other more pertinent concerns.  Vary your interests, what you think about, read about, and talk about.  Get beyond your own personal story.  You will become more interesting to yourself and others.  Consider the things you have been dwelling upon.         

Lifesavers

 
      A lifeguard, a firefighter, a good doctor, or a helpful friend can literally save your life or you may save theirs.  Other times, someone or something may temporarily give you a break from a difficult situation.  A piece of candy or a comfort food can make life a little sweeter.
     Solutions both permanent and temporary can help us continue through life and improve hard times.  Exercising our bodies and minds may put us back on track.  An escape from unpleasant facts can relieve stress and give us the strength to persevere.   Meditation, reading, and writing can calm our busy lives.  Some believe that religion and prayer provide solace.
     Find ways to be a lifesaver for yourself and others.

   

Recommended

   
     Neil deGrasse Tyson dedicated this small book "To all those who are too busy to read fat books Yet nonetheless seek a conduit to the cosmos."  I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates scientists and their discoveries.
     Two of my favorite Tyson quotes: "We are stardust brought to life." "After the laws of physics, everything else is opinion."  I would also add a Confucius saying: "True wisdom is knowing what  you don't know."  I don't know much about astrophysics but am eager to learn more.   I admire scientists and authors who can relate this information to scientists and non-scientists alike.
     Be informed about scientific realities.  Enjoy this brief but meaningful introduction to astrophysics.  The info will awaken your interest, and the final chapter puts everything into perspective.  
   

Saints

   
     In NOLA - a football team, in the Catholic Church - a dead miracle worker, in the Lutheran Church - all Christians, in general -  someone who leads an exemplary life, these are saints.
     We may think someone is a saint when they are a good person, going beyond what many people do, behaving in a way that benefits others.  Some definitions add that a saint is holy.
     Sainthood is a goal for many who seek wisdom from God and then live with Him eternally.  Some  people just try to do their best according to their own judgment.  Many in Louisiana look to their team to do their best.
     Whether you cheer for, pray to, or revere someone who has done their best, realize you can also be a saint.  Whether you are religious or not, just do your best.