Brain Power

   
     So sad to witness a loved one gradually losing mental functions.  The person begins to feel trapped in a prison, no longer able to come and go as before, needing a companion to prevent getting lost, losing the privilege of driving a car.  The mind puts up other barriers of memory loss, confusion, disorientation in time and place, losing the ability to concentrate on reading or watching a TV show or movie, becoming uninterested or unable to understand current events, a decreased ability to communicate, and slowly forgetting the identity of loved ones.  Some brains become so impaired the person begins to lose physical abilities.
     Also sad to see mentally healthy people give up some of their brain power voluntarily or under the influence of well-meaning or self-serving individuals.  A person may limit what they read or listen to and become only interested in preconceived beliefs.  They may become uninterested in other points of view or believe others are wrong and choose to only socialize with those that are like-minded.  They may fear the consequences of changing their minds.
    As long as you have the ability to think, explore, question, evaluate, and learn, don't limit yourself by just residing in your own little world.  Don't imprison your mind with self-imposed barriers.   Use all of your brain power.
     

Justice

   
     In the animal kingdom, justice is a foreign concept.  Instead, survival of the fittest is the dominant law.  An animal has to be physically and mentally fit, able to find nourishment and shelter, protect itself, adapt, and evolve.
     Much of an animal's behavior originates from genetic makeup and inborn instincts, then it learns from parents and peers and through trial and error.  As animals group together, some become leaders and others followers.  Those in power set the rules and attach consequences of rewards and punishments.  Group survival is paramount.
     In recent history, humans have added value to the individual and profess that all should be able to survive.  The strongest should not abuse their position at the expense of the weak.  Of course, this is still just an ideal.  Governments were formed with varying ideas of who should be more powerful, usually the males of the majority who used their position to hold on to leadership.  Laws were made that sounded good, but at a closer look did not promote equality.  Many groups of people had to fight for equal rights and justice.  Laws then needed to be changed.
     Some people believe if we work hard, we will get what we deserve, and that those who are poor must not be working hard enough.  If only justice could be this simple.  In fact, justice is very rare.  Consider those who are victims of birth defects, disease, poverty, poor parenting, natural and man-made disasters.  All  of these circumstances are  beyond their control and are not fair.
     This is when the group must realize that their strength can only be sustained when justice prevails in the lives of all, when no one lacks food, shelter, education, or health care, when everyone is treated equally by the law.  Many people feel our government does not do enough to insure true equality and justice.  When they feel pressured to behave as though all is well, to be good little boys and girls, they feel an obligation to be loyal to those who are not treated equally, who do not feel justice.
     We are part of the animal kingdom after all but should elevate ourselves to see to it that all survive and prosper, not just those who are born to privilege and obtain power.  Justice for all!

Afraid to go there

 
      Fear can cause avoidance and denial.  Satisfaction with the status quo can impede inquiry, evaluation, and progress.  When our minds are made up, when we are certain we are right, when we don't try to understand other opinions, our ideas can stagnate.
     Often, we don't analyze our past decisions and behaviors.  We don't want to consider that we may have been wrong or have made mistakes.  Going there may shake our faith in ourselves.
     Often, we honor the opinions of those people who have formed our thinking and those who agree with us.  We don't want to doubt the "experts" in our family, our society, our politics, and our religion.  Going there can seem disloyal, can rock the boat, and perhaps endanger relationships.
     Often, we don't bring up certain topics with certain people because hurt feelings or arguments may result.  Going there may be uncomfortable and seemingly not worth the risk.
     Often, we honor the past more than the present and future.   We want to return to the good old days or to a person who we think will make us great again.  Going there may create fear of the future or lack of confidence in fresh ideas.
     Often, we choose security over taking a risk.  We don't want our family or children to be denied a happy future.  Practicality may overshadow development and progress.  Going there may actually impede fulfilling our dreams.
     Many people use fear to cloud our thinking.  They imply that something worse will lie ahead if  we question their dogma or philosophy.  Tradition has value, but so does innovation.  The future can be better than the past; the sweetest fruit may lie ahead.  Don't be afraid to go there.
 
     

Land of the Free

 
     "Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o're the land of the free and the home of the brave?"  Our national anthem was written after a military victory, but citizens in many walks of life have contributed to sustaining freedom, our own personal freedom and the freedom of others.
      Rituals at the beginning of sporting events and public meetings often include listening to and singing our national anthem with the expected body language or saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  Prayers are often added.  Everyone involved should have the freedom to participate or not.
     We need to think about why these rituals begin these activities.  Perhaps they make us all feel like a unified group living in a free country.  After we honor country and God, we can get on with business or play; however, forced patriotism and religion does not connote freedom.
      Freedoms are unlimited as long as they're legal.  We need to question why some people get so insulted when others do not toe the line, do not conform to the norm.  We don't want to understand and instead add a negative connotation to the non-traditional behavior.
     We can show respect without being traditional, and respect is a two-way street.  Some people do not feel respected by the majority, by our president, or by law enforcement officers.  Our Pledge states we are one nation "with liberty and justice for all."  Some people feel they haven't received justice.  They are using their freedom to express their opinions.  Making people aware of injustice and trying to improve conditions for everyone is patriotic.
     Before 2009, the NFL entered the field after the national anthem.  Between 2011 and 2015, the Defense Department paid $53 million of taxpayers' money to pro sports for marketing and advertising and to stage patriotic/military displays to boost military recruitment.  Perhaps contact sports train our youth to fight the enemy, to win the battle, to claim the honor of victory.  
     Look to the eagle, a symbol of unlimited freedom.  May we extend this freedom to all.
   
     
   
   

Give Up

   
     What you want to give up, what you would be willing to give up, what you would be better off giving up, this reveals what you value most.  You may have to give up something in order to get something else.
     Unhealthy physical and emotional habits, unresolved guilt and grudges, and unrealistic expectations are a few things we need to give up in order to become better human beings.  Giving up wasteful spending of time and money and releasing attempts to control what is beyond our control will create more resources to use for what is really important.  Judging what we can do without makes us realize what is essential.
     No matter how well we plan, we may be forced to give up things we don't want to.  Natural disasters force people to lose their homes and possessions.   As we age, our health, our time, and our energy will decline.  Sickness and death of family members and friends take their toll; our memories become our comfort.  We can learn to do without many things, appreciate what's left, and create something new.  Let go of what needs to go.  Face each challenge and don't give up on yourself.

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.