If you stop for a moment and (critically analyze) how the News is presented – I believe you will conclude there is a pattern whereby most news stories are communicated with a refined subtleness of coercion. This is very disturbing because it is indicative that “we” want the news outlets to make decisions for us rather than independently arriving to a conclusion for ourselves; if there is a conclusion at all.
After all, if you are honest with yourself-first, then with others, you will probably realize some of your stereotypes, perceptions, insensitivity's, and prejudices are derived in part by the depiction of society as a whole through the eyes of the media. Further, for some odd reason we live in a society that feels there is a conclusive-result to anything and everything….and quite frankly, this just isn’t so.
There are a plethora of media - examples to make my point; however, I will use just one and quickly touch on the recent horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech.
The collective media shoved down our throats, distastefully I may add, over and over and over again the question of (WHY). To make matters worse, it then provided (REASONS)?
The fact is: We will NEVER know (WHY) one human being made the decision to take the lives of 32 innocent human beings lives, then ultimately his own life. Another fact is; lives were taken, and lives were ruined – oh how my heart goes out to the victims, family members and friends of this senseless and dreadful disaster.
In all of this I have used my best critical thinking techniques and have concluded that the media will fill-us-in on what it wants us to be filled-in-on.
It has been said: “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Are “You” In the Way?
I am discovering more and more that people who are slow to change, reluctant to change, or just down-right against change encompass a much larger and diverse group of individuals than once thought.
It is funny - although there are advances in capitulating the routine or sticking with what works; those advances ironically aide only in the advancement of time, not in the advancement of the system or process. So can this truly be considered advancement? I think not.
People have a myriad of reasons why and how one approaches change, unfortunately those who are in one of the three categories above more often than not, hold on to reasons that are (personal)…which should not be a part of the equation in the first place. Why? Because when one is working within that (system or process) the proposed change will have an effect on the entire system which encompasses more than “you.” Before one can be honest with others, one has to first be honest with oneself.
The status quo is only effective today. True change equates to true advancement of the system or process. Without change, “you” are just in the way.
It is funny - although there are advances in capitulating the routine or sticking with what works; those advances ironically aide only in the advancement of time, not in the advancement of the system or process. So can this truly be considered advancement? I think not.
People have a myriad of reasons why and how one approaches change, unfortunately those who are in one of the three categories above more often than not, hold on to reasons that are (personal)…which should not be a part of the equation in the first place. Why? Because when one is working within that (system or process) the proposed change will have an effect on the entire system which encompasses more than “you.” Before one can be honest with others, one has to first be honest with oneself.
The status quo is only effective today. True change equates to true advancement of the system or process. Without change, “you” are just in the way.
Friday, April 13, 2007
What Motivates You?
It continues to intrigue and quite frankly baffle me to learn how people become motivated to do something positive, resulting from learning of something not-so-positive.
I have to be the first to admit that I too fall into this category, but I am striving feverishly to change my mode of thinking – to simply motivate myself through a “quality of life” mindset.
For the sake of perspective, here is an example:
It is difficult for me to exercise within a regular and consistent routine, not because I dislike exercise or because it is difficult for me to perform a workout routine, but instead, my inconsistency comes from me knowing that I can lose a large amount of weight or a significant number of inches around the belt in a relatively short period of time; therefore, if I gain 10-15 pounds or have to extend the belt to the last loop – I can reverse these two evils in a couple of weeks. In short, I am taking advantage of being able to greatly increase my already high metabolic rate, by eating all the bad stuff.
The positive results of getting back into some semblance of shape in this roller coaster scenario is precipitated (only) by the not-so-positive reflection in the mirror and more importantly not feeling (well) physically.
From a quality of life perspective, it would make much more sense to maintain an exercise regimen, understanding the benefits would be looked upon as “a way of life” thus eliminating the unhealthy up-and-down diet/exercise process. Sadly enough, I can recall hearing story after story of individuals who have been given, for lack of a better term, an ultimatum by ones physician to walk daily; quit smoking; eat a low fat diet, etc. and remarkably achieving these goals when a healthier lifestyle and/or regimen could have and should have been implemented initially.
Beginning January of this year, I made-up my mind (healthy thinking) to incorporate into my lifestyle an exercise regimen of at least four 30 minute aerobic sessions per week…and have maintained this regimen!
I refuse to be given an ultimatum to improve my quality of life by someone else. I equate this thinking to solving the clue that the knife in (your) back, has (your) fingerprints on it.
I am of the belief that the mind and heart are truly interrelated first incorporating healthy thoughts that translate into healthy action, and a healthy heart yielding a healthy lifestyle.
I have to be the first to admit that I too fall into this category, but I am striving feverishly to change my mode of thinking – to simply motivate myself through a “quality of life” mindset.
For the sake of perspective, here is an example:
It is difficult for me to exercise within a regular and consistent routine, not because I dislike exercise or because it is difficult for me to perform a workout routine, but instead, my inconsistency comes from me knowing that I can lose a large amount of weight or a significant number of inches around the belt in a relatively short period of time; therefore, if I gain 10-15 pounds or have to extend the belt to the last loop – I can reverse these two evils in a couple of weeks. In short, I am taking advantage of being able to greatly increase my already high metabolic rate, by eating all the bad stuff.
The positive results of getting back into some semblance of shape in this roller coaster scenario is precipitated (only) by the not-so-positive reflection in the mirror and more importantly not feeling (well) physically.
From a quality of life perspective, it would make much more sense to maintain an exercise regimen, understanding the benefits would be looked upon as “a way of life” thus eliminating the unhealthy up-and-down diet/exercise process. Sadly enough, I can recall hearing story after story of individuals who have been given, for lack of a better term, an ultimatum by ones physician to walk daily; quit smoking; eat a low fat diet, etc. and remarkably achieving these goals when a healthier lifestyle and/or regimen could have and should have been implemented initially.
Beginning January of this year, I made-up my mind (healthy thinking) to incorporate into my lifestyle an exercise regimen of at least four 30 minute aerobic sessions per week…and have maintained this regimen!
I refuse to be given an ultimatum to improve my quality of life by someone else. I equate this thinking to solving the clue that the knife in (your) back, has (your) fingerprints on it.
I am of the belief that the mind and heart are truly interrelated first incorporating healthy thoughts that translate into healthy action, and a healthy heart yielding a healthy lifestyle.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Wealthy Living
I obviously can only speak for myself; however it appears more and more people in general tend to focus a great deal of time and attention on wealth…that is, how one can increase ones financial position.
Case and point: Take a brief moment and think about your current financial position or salary, then determine if you feel you are being compensated fairly? I have never asked this very question and gotten a response of “I feel I am being compensated fairly” from anyone.
The bigger question is…how much is enough? How wealthy is wealthy?
As I stated in previous posts, wealth can be defined in many different ways. I too, once upon a time before understanding the more universal meaning of wealth sadly fell directly into the mindset illustrated above.
As my spirituality manifested, unconsciously, I began to develop a more significant understanding but did not truly understand the significance of wealth until my understanding rose above the threshold of consciousness.
Six years ago, my wife and I started what we now know as a family tradition which is to invite family and friends over for Christmas dinner. Although this was a fairly normal occurrence, the difference was - my wife and I decided we were not going to waste time and energy purchasing gifts for each other; instead, we were going to confirm the dinner list and purchase gifts for all of our guests. You see, in our discussion, we had determined we had been and remain truly blessed and were able to make all necessary purchases throughout the year, so needless to say the exchange of gifts during Christmas was a “want” thing and not a “need” thing.
At this point in our planning, the understanding of wealth still remained in the subconscious. Before blessing the food, I made a few remarks explaining this newfound tradition of sharing gifts with our guests, and then the wealth-understanding hit my consciousness when I explained verbally that Yvonne and I were “in need of nothing!” Although we had many wants and desires, we were graciously blessed. I don’t know about you, but that is a wealthy lifestyle!
For it is said that a rich man is not one who has the most, but one who is in need of the least.
What do you think?
Case and point: Take a brief moment and think about your current financial position or salary, then determine if you feel you are being compensated fairly? I have never asked this very question and gotten a response of “I feel I am being compensated fairly” from anyone.
The bigger question is…how much is enough? How wealthy is wealthy?
As I stated in previous posts, wealth can be defined in many different ways. I too, once upon a time before understanding the more universal meaning of wealth sadly fell directly into the mindset illustrated above.
As my spirituality manifested, unconsciously, I began to develop a more significant understanding but did not truly understand the significance of wealth until my understanding rose above the threshold of consciousness.
Six years ago, my wife and I started what we now know as a family tradition which is to invite family and friends over for Christmas dinner. Although this was a fairly normal occurrence, the difference was - my wife and I decided we were not going to waste time and energy purchasing gifts for each other; instead, we were going to confirm the dinner list and purchase gifts for all of our guests. You see, in our discussion, we had determined we had been and remain truly blessed and were able to make all necessary purchases throughout the year, so needless to say the exchange of gifts during Christmas was a “want” thing and not a “need” thing.
At this point in our planning, the understanding of wealth still remained in the subconscious. Before blessing the food, I made a few remarks explaining this newfound tradition of sharing gifts with our guests, and then the wealth-understanding hit my consciousness when I explained verbally that Yvonne and I were “in need of nothing!” Although we had many wants and desires, we were graciously blessed. I don’t know about you, but that is a wealthy lifestyle!
For it is said that a rich man is not one who has the most, but one who is in need of the least.
What do you think?
Monday, April 2, 2007
Give Credit Where It Is Due
It is due to human condition that "progress" of science advances. As we continue to explore new opportunities from ideals that currently exist, make advancements through mere accident, or invent from unforeseen circumstances-it is the formula that generates technological advances that man strive on daily. These breakthroughs or technological advances are derived from science. Wherefore through methods of science does the technology, as we know it, progress.
I hold the position that the negative side in the progression of technological advancement is within the many failed attempts, and the lives lost in an effort to-create. Additionally, history books speak relentlessly of the triumphs of the many innovators, inventors, and or pioneers while never touching on the dark side of the numerous individuals who are unnamed who played significant roles in the development of modern science.
On the positive side, one should be thankful for the innovativeness, due diligence and persistence of those who were part in discovering what was intended, but more importantly, those who discovered something that was ultimately different from what was originally intended. This example speaks to a greater degree of innovativeness and critical thinking because it is more difficult to discover, invent or develop something not intended based upon the thought and natural instinct for one to be reluctant to make a paradigm shift.
As this reluctance to make a paradigm shift relates to modern day society, one can think of example after example of individuals - Christians, non-Christians, fathers, mothers or co-workers who fall into the trap of (complacency) with ones perceived success, which unfortunately often becomes the demise of that success due to (stagnation) which cripples the innovative spirit of relational advances and breakthroughs to a higher level. Conversely, those who understand and demonstrate the on-going and spirited pursuit of progressive-change (where needed) could very well be the innovators, inventors and pioneers for the future.
I'd like to hear your thoughts!
I hold the position that the negative side in the progression of technological advancement is within the many failed attempts, and the lives lost in an effort to-create. Additionally, history books speak relentlessly of the triumphs of the many innovators, inventors, and or pioneers while never touching on the dark side of the numerous individuals who are unnamed who played significant roles in the development of modern science.
On the positive side, one should be thankful for the innovativeness, due diligence and persistence of those who were part in discovering what was intended, but more importantly, those who discovered something that was ultimately different from what was originally intended. This example speaks to a greater degree of innovativeness and critical thinking because it is more difficult to discover, invent or develop something not intended based upon the thought and natural instinct for one to be reluctant to make a paradigm shift.
As this reluctance to make a paradigm shift relates to modern day society, one can think of example after example of individuals - Christians, non-Christians, fathers, mothers or co-workers who fall into the trap of (complacency) with ones perceived success, which unfortunately often becomes the demise of that success due to (stagnation) which cripples the innovative spirit of relational advances and breakthroughs to a higher level. Conversely, those who understand and demonstrate the on-going and spirited pursuit of progressive-change (where needed) could very well be the innovators, inventors and pioneers for the future.
I'd like to hear your thoughts!
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