Enduring Values
In life, I have had the opportunity to learn from many different sources. To acquire knowledge and wisdom that has carried me throughout many of life's twists and turns. Most of those lessons or values begin at home and follow us throughout our lives. Some of these lesson come in the form of formal education. Others are developed throughout our life-times based upon our experiences, career choices, relationships, etc. Still others, come from identifying with a group of people or ideas. Yet, with every single twist and turn that life has given me, I have not forgotten, and still strive to live by, the enduring values that I learned long ago as a Boy Scout.
My hope in writing this is to expand my own reflection on these values and life-lessons. If you have never been involved in Scouting, then I encourage you to continue reading as you may derive from this article something worth reading. If you have been involved in Scouting, I too, encourage you to keep reading, and you know why. This article is for everyone.
The lessons I learned have carried me through the best and worst of times. Everyday is a new commitment to those lessons that I encountered and strive to live toward those very lessons and values that were instilled in me long-ago. The Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan.
The Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout Oath is the preamble to the scout. It is the declaration of all that he/she stands for and that the solemn promise in stating it, binds the scout to a greater purpose. It is the statement, which not only sets the course or maps out the journey but also delineates the reason why the individual began the journey in the first place. The Scout Oath is the resolute constitution upon which all other scouting values are founded.
It is the solemn promise, the word of and by the individual which that person gives affirming that they would do everything, everything in their power and control to hold steadfast purpose to those values. The values outlined are not only what the scout is all about, but also give the scout a sense of identity and belonging to something which is greater than he or she may be. It is a solemn and resolute charge given not only the identify one's self, but also the realization that one is a part of a greater whole: a community, a state, a nation, a world. Furthermore, it is the understanding that we are not only responsible to ourselves, but we are held accountable to all we encounter in life.
However, in order for that accountability to take place, we first have the responsibility and task to ensure that we arrive at a place whereby we can truly say that we are prepared for the task ahead. We have the responsibility to ourselves and to our brethren to truly take pride in who we are, what we do and in that in which we ourselves believe. This responsibility is not taken lightly and is one which must be renewed and rekindled in every which way throughout the course of not only the scout's journey, but our entire lives.
The Scout Law
A Scout is:
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful,
Friendly, Courteous, Kind,
Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty,
Brave, Clean, Reverent.
The twelve points of the Scout Law teach us that being a scout is an awesome responsibility which carries with it an inherent value or ethical system. It is a call that requires a response. Much like the calling to a career or vocation, the call to Scouting is ultimately a call to be a better person, and it requires a daily and renewed response. The Scout Law is a guide that can be applied to every situation in daily living, a road-map that helps us find our way through the twists and turns of life.
Trustworthy--Without trust one cannot navigate through life. Trust is earned; trust cannot be bought. It is not a right, but a privilege. It is what some say, "the hardest thing in life to achieve, and the easiest thing to lose." Be true to yourself and trust in you will follow.
Loyal--Without loyalty one has no code, no honor, no sense of belonging. Loyalty helps you to remain faithful to that in which you believe. Loyalty also helps you to identify your boundaries and own limits, be it with people, situations, things, or self. Loyalty says that you truly stand for something, something which is, often times, bigger than you are.
Helpful--If there's something that needs to be done, go do it...get it done. Don't wait for someone else to do it or the opportunity to pass you by. Get in there and assist your fellow human being. Where there's a need, fulfill it. There's no greater reward in the world than knowing that you've made a difference, even in the slightest of ways, especially by helping someone else.
Friendly--In life there are friends and there are acquaintances. However, approach each one with a friendly attitude and nature. The more you approach people in that manner, the more likely they are willing and able to approach you. In turn, the more you'll get them to be motivated to do and go out of their way for you. But be cautious, don't take people's generous and friendly to lightly because just as in trust, can be easily lost.
Courteous--Manners and politeness go a long way. So too, does chivalry.
Kind--Look with kindred upon all you encounter. Benevolence, treating others the way you want to be treated.
Obedient--Follow your inner voice, you center, your soul. Obedience to self leads to obedience of those who have lived before us or are in positions of authority over us. Obedience binds us to a common purpose, to work together toward a common goal. In order to lead, one must first learn to follow. Even the leader has to be obedient to the cause they are following and the people they are leading.
Cheerful--Approach every moment of life with cheer. Find joy in everything you do. They say that laughter and a smile can cure anything, including the soul. No one enjoys a grouch.
Thrifty--Plan ahead, but be mindful of life's turns. In this day and age, especially of so much uncertainty, don't be so quick and expedient to give up everything for which you've worked so hard. Pay yourself first. Put aside for the future. Build that nest egg that will carry you to your future and be responsible for your present.
Brave--The realization that you've embarked upon a journey or project or task maybe a daunting one, especially new ones. Bravery is not something out of myths, legends and only used in heroic moments. It takes a brave person to confront and encounter this daily world we live it. Stand tall, stand proud, for the mark of a true leader is embedded in the bravery of the everyday and simple moments of life.
Clean--From a clean-cut demeanor and appearance to being organized, pride is truly derived from taking an interest in one's self. Clean goes beyond just actually cleaning, but also goes to the way you carry yourself, from appearance to language. from thought to action.
Reverent--There is a sense of something more. Be it God or a belief in a higher power, we are called to hold true to our beliefs and be steadfast about them. In other words, truly honor your belief in a God or that higher power and not pick and choose as is convenient. Reverence means that you practice what you yourself preach.
Scout Motto
Be Prepared!
Life has proven to have many eventualities. Sometimes things or situations arise out of the spur of the moment that require us to take immediate action. This precept of scouting teaches that no matter what the situation before you, Be Prepared!
From taking a class to educate or train yourself, to having the right tools and equipment to do the job, to developing a plan of action, if one is not prepared, one will fail. As the dictum states: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."
In life we see the same movement. When we are young we go to school, we educate and train for the rest of our lives. Then we go to college or workforce where we fine-tune the skills and education that will nurture our careers. However, without such a preparation we are unable to jump head-first into a career or job skill that requires training. If that weren't enough, we also continually re-train, re-certify, perform on-the-job skills training that help us to continually hone our skills and refresh those that may have gone by the wayside. The same is true of the those that find themselves in an emergency situation. All their training, ability and skill allows them to develop a quick (sometimes in a matter of seconds) plan of action that will allow them to save the life of someone else. Nevertheless, the plan cannot be developed without first being prepared.
This precept reminds us of the Scout Oath where it says, "...to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight." In other words, it charges us with the task and responsibility to be prepared at all times in all areas of our lives for any and every situation which may arise. From being physically strong to perform the tasks before us by exercising and eating right. To staying mentally awake by continually educating and training ourselves and not allowing ourselves to become stagnant in one thought. To staying morally awake be it in the way we carry ourselves throughout society or developing our own morals or code of ethics, or even in the way we pursue our spiritual lives and encounter God.
Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily.
Everyday life gives you is a new opportunity to do good and reach out to someone else. I am reminded of the concept of Paying it Forward when I think of this value; giving to another that which has been given to you. It is in giving that we receive. It is a call to action. A call to not just sit down an revel in your own accomplishments, but realize that there is a greater responsibility to yourself, your community, your country and ultimately, God.
However, this value goes is much more profound than just giving to another. It requires that the person giving take into account the situation or circumstance of the other before giving. In other words, it calls the person giving to truly come to an understanding of the other person prior to giving. Anyone can give a dollar to a homeless person on a street. What is the value of giving that dollar to that homeless person, if you don't appreciate firstly, the value that it took to get that dollar; secondly, the fact that the person giving that dollar may not be homeless; and thirdly, the implications thereof. Or in another example, the classic image of the Boy Scout helping the elder lady cross the street--this was how boy scouts were portrayed for a long time. But if the scout's motives were to get rewarded after he assisted the lady cross the street, then he did not do a good turn, but rather sought the reward.
Doing a Good Turn Daily requires that things are done not out of getting a sense of accomplishment or reward, but rather, because there's a true sense of meaning and understanding behind them, sometimes which may stay with you throughout a lifetime. Doing A Good Turn Daily reminds us that we are not alone and we are responsible to society as a whole. We are charged with a greater and awesome responsibility to assist those in their time of need. However small and insignificant it may seem, doing a Good Turn Daily, allows to to answer that call to that responsibility. In turn, we are rewarded with the sense of accomplishment, understanding, meaning, and self-worth.
The values and lessons I learned as a scout, and eventually as an Eagle Scout, have nurtured my life and transformed it in such a way that has allowed me to overcome many of the hurdles life has to give. Life has become transformed into such a grand journey and adventure in trying to live out these values on a daily living.
FULL OF WISDOM
“The self-confidence of the warrior is not the self-confidence of the average man. The average man seeks certainty in the eyes of the onlooker and calls that self-confidence. The warrior seeks impeccability in his own eyes and calls that humbleness. The average man is hooked to his fellow men, while the warrior is hooked only to infinity. To be a warrior is not a simple matter of wishing to be one. It is rather an endless struggle that will go on to the very last moment of our lives. Nobody is born a warrior, in exactly the same way that nobody is born an average man. We make ourselves into one or the other.”-- Carlos Castaneda
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
7 "P's" to Success
7 P's to Success
I've been very fortunate throughout life to learn many lessons and have many experiences that have shown me the many aspects of life. Encounters with all types of people have taught me many of life's subtle lessons. Many of those lessons have served me in one or two instances. Many more have overcome and carried me throughout my life.
This is one of those lessons that was handed down to me by one of my former scout leaders and mentors: The 7 P's to Success. He gave me the 7 P's, and left me to figure them out as I walked through life. He told me that in time, you will be able to figure out their meaning. He left me to ponder upon these 7 words, which I have never forgotten them and try to apply them the best I can on a daily basis. Now, about 15 years after he handed them down to me, I dare to expand and elaborate upon them after much thought, pondering, prayer, reflection and my own toil and hard work.
Too often in life we find ourselves working and toiling, and more often than not, we seem to find ourselves in the same place we were at. We try out new ideas or adventures, pursue new hobbies and dreams, risk everything in search of a new career, family, happiness or God and yet we find ourselves always trying to overcome the same hurdles, obstacles or walls. We find ourselves asking, why wasn't I able to succeed and overcome that? Why did I succumb to selling myself short? Why wasn't I able to cross the finish line? Then as if that weren't enough, we begin to place the blame on everything outside of ourselves (e.g., God, family, work, friendships, jealousy, etc...) and say, "well the grass is greener on the other side". In reality, the grass is not always greener on the other side, it may just seem that way.
The 7 P's to Success
Simply stated The 7 P's to Success are: "Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance." A sentence that at face value is kind of comical, can be kind of a tongue twister, but has a wealth of meaning beyond measure. Taken as a whole, this aphorism to life gives an instruction, a guide, if you will, to life. A sort of rule book that helps us find our way through this journey we call life. Yet when looked at more in-depth and peel back the layers of The 7 P's to Success, we begin to see that there's more there than originally seen at face-value.
When we begin to realize that many of our own failings or short-comings are something that we originally had control over, then we become empowered to succeed. This is what The 7 P's to Success pass on and instruct us on. They teach us that we are in control of our situation, destiny, plans and often times, our own achievements and successes. The 7 P's to Success empower us to take and accept responsibility for our own lives and then make them a reality.
Break Down of the 7 P's to Success and Food for Thought
The reality is that The 7 P's to Success can be applied to everyday life. From career to family life, from personal enrichment to encountering God, The 7 P's to Success provide us with a road map to life and daily living. I say its a guide, because we can also chose to make a conscious choice and not follow this. Everyone, from the teenager trying to discover self-identity to the CEO of a major corporation can apply The 7 P's to Success, and adapting them to their specific circumstance. Individuals can use The 7 P's to Success to better their lives and achieve their goals. Parents can apply The 7 P's to Success to raising the children. Managers can employ The 7 P's to Success in managing their employees, especially in trying to achieve a common goal.
The applications of The 7 P's to Success are not limited to people, they are are also applicable in situations, circumstances, achieving tangible things, making goals into reality. For example, the person who wants to make more money, they can apply The 7 P's to Success to their situation and achieve their specific financial goal. Or the individual seeking an education: The 7 P's to Success offer not only a way to achieve that High School Diploma/GED or College or Graduate Degree, but also lets them tackle the everyday moments of achieving that greater goal (i.e., going to classes, doing homework, special projects, lab work, etc.). The applications are limitless for The 7 P's to Success, from problem/conflict resolution, to learning how to dance; from flying a kite to building a sky-scraper; from overcoming addiction to transforming your life.
I would like to close this by quoting a poem which may serve as inspiration and motivation. I know it has been the source and inspiration of a recent movie and book and carried hope to one of the world's most known leaders and personalities in times of unimaginable struggle and strife.
INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
by William Ernest Henley
Sincerely,
FULL OF WISDOM
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
I've been very fortunate throughout life to learn many lessons and have many experiences that have shown me the many aspects of life. Encounters with all types of people have taught me many of life's subtle lessons. Many of those lessons have served me in one or two instances. Many more have overcome and carried me throughout my life.
This is one of those lessons that was handed down to me by one of my former scout leaders and mentors: The 7 P's to Success. He gave me the 7 P's, and left me to figure them out as I walked through life. He told me that in time, you will be able to figure out their meaning. He left me to ponder upon these 7 words, which I have never forgotten them and try to apply them the best I can on a daily basis. Now, about 15 years after he handed them down to me, I dare to expand and elaborate upon them after much thought, pondering, prayer, reflection and my own toil and hard work.
Too often in life we find ourselves working and toiling, and more often than not, we seem to find ourselves in the same place we were at. We try out new ideas or adventures, pursue new hobbies and dreams, risk everything in search of a new career, family, happiness or God and yet we find ourselves always trying to overcome the same hurdles, obstacles or walls. We find ourselves asking, why wasn't I able to succeed and overcome that? Why did I succumb to selling myself short? Why wasn't I able to cross the finish line? Then as if that weren't enough, we begin to place the blame on everything outside of ourselves (e.g., God, family, work, friendships, jealousy, etc...) and say, "well the grass is greener on the other side". In reality, the grass is not always greener on the other side, it may just seem that way.
The 7 P's to Success
Simply stated The 7 P's to Success are: "Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance." A sentence that at face value is kind of comical, can be kind of a tongue twister, but has a wealth of meaning beyond measure. Taken as a whole, this aphorism to life gives an instruction, a guide, if you will, to life. A sort of rule book that helps us find our way through this journey we call life. Yet when looked at more in-depth and peel back the layers of The 7 P's to Success, we begin to see that there's more there than originally seen at face-value.
When we begin to realize that many of our own failings or short-comings are something that we originally had control over, then we become empowered to succeed. This is what The 7 P's to Success pass on and instruct us on. They teach us that we are in control of our situation, destiny, plans and often times, our own achievements and successes. The 7 P's to Success empower us to take and accept responsibility for our own lives and then make them a reality.
Break Down of the 7 P's to Success and Food for Thought
- Prior--Before anything, there's an idea a starting point, a dream. Don't be afraid to dream. Find passion in the dream. Find that something that brings and provides purpose. Be it a short-term goal, hobby, love, family, or life-time achievement find something that truly has meaning to you and is for you.
- Proper--We all have dreams and desires, but which are the ones that we can truly make a reality. They say, "there's no limit to one's imagination," and they're right, but this is the time to start deciding what's right for you. Its time to narrow down and say this is what I want and can make a reality at this point. Doing so, doesn't diminish the value of the other dreams, desires or aspirations, but begins to cement a goal and make it a tangible reality.
- Planning--Plan to succeed, not to fail. Developing a plan requires time, attention, knowledge. Know what you want to achieve. See what's required to accomplish your goal. Develop as detailed a plan that allows you see the achievement of the goal. The book, The Secret, alludes to this as creating a vision board. In the same token, visualize the goal and the achievement thereof. Own it, its yours!
- Prevents--Manage your time accordingly and make allotments for the unexpected. Identify the obstacles that may be foreseen, but make room for the unforeseen. Take preventative steps and measures to protect your goals, dreams, desires and aspirations. If its for you, then make it yours.
- Piss--Don't be you're own stumbling block. You have the power to make or destroy everything you dream of or plan to achieve. So don't trample over it. Hold it up, hold it high. Be proud of the fact that you've set out on a journey of doing something for you. Don't give up on yourself, and (excuse the expression) "piss it all away." Value what you have and discover the real meaning as to why you've embarked upon this journey. You are your biggest obstacle and greatest critic. Praise yourself and appreciate every moment of the journey; its well worth it.
- Poor--Don't sell yourself short. Even the poor have great aspirations. Give yourself the best you can give yourself. The Law of Attraction states that you attract to yourself what you believe. Believe the best of you and in you. Live as if you have your goal attained. Follow the plan that you set forth into motion and make it be progress. When you find yourself in times of peril or giving up, think
- Performance--Be Thankful at every moment. But don't forget, just because you dream it, feel it, taste it, and see it, doesn't mean that you can't lose it. Keep steady to the course, the plan. Be true to yourself. Remember, everything worth having in life takes hard work and dedication. Get in there and sweat for it. Work hard to achieve your goal. In my own words, "Run through the finish line, not to it!"
The reality is that The 7 P's to Success can be applied to everyday life. From career to family life, from personal enrichment to encountering God, The 7 P's to Success provide us with a road map to life and daily living. I say its a guide, because we can also chose to make a conscious choice and not follow this. Everyone, from the teenager trying to discover self-identity to the CEO of a major corporation can apply The 7 P's to Success, and adapting them to their specific circumstance. Individuals can use The 7 P's to Success to better their lives and achieve their goals. Parents can apply The 7 P's to Success to raising the children. Managers can employ The 7 P's to Success in managing their employees, especially in trying to achieve a common goal.
The applications of The 7 P's to Success are not limited to people, they are are also applicable in situations, circumstances, achieving tangible things, making goals into reality. For example, the person who wants to make more money, they can apply The 7 P's to Success to their situation and achieve their specific financial goal. Or the individual seeking an education: The 7 P's to Success offer not only a way to achieve that High School Diploma/GED or College or Graduate Degree, but also lets them tackle the everyday moments of achieving that greater goal (i.e., going to classes, doing homework, special projects, lab work, etc.). The applications are limitless for The 7 P's to Success, from problem/conflict resolution, to learning how to dance; from flying a kite to building a sky-scraper; from overcoming addiction to transforming your life.
I would like to close this by quoting a poem which may serve as inspiration and motivation. I know it has been the source and inspiration of a recent movie and book and carried hope to one of the world's most known leaders and personalities in times of unimaginable struggle and strife.
INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
by William Ernest Henley
Sincerely,
FULL OF WISDOM
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
LOVE
LOVE,
St. Paul said,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. " (1 Corinthians 13: 4-13)
Love is the ultimate expression of one’s being. The core of one’s self being bestowed to another without price or measure. Love is the total giving of one’s self. In ancient times, Love was known in the Latin as caritas (charity)--to give of one’s self to another.
Love is the true surrender of one’s self in another. When a person truly loves, they give of themselves, not expecting in return. True love is an investment in the other. Just to a bank account that one continues saving in, the investment made yields its greatest reward. So similarly too, Love is like a bank account, where the more one loves, the greater one is rewarded with love.
Love is the ultimate expression of one’s self. Love is the being able to let the barriers down and truly be one’s self and express that without pride, prejudice or expectation of reward. Ultimately Love has two sides to it: to give and to receive.
To give love, one must be unselfish and transparent with the other person. To give love, the giver must know TRUE LOVE. To give love the LOVER must give without reward or measure.
To receive love, one must be ope to receiving the wellspring of life. To receive LOVE, the loved one must be willing to reciprocate. To receive love, the LOVED ONE needs to also and not only be transparent, but accept the LOVERS transparency for merely what it is--LOVE.
LOVE is the manifestation of vision into reality, of sacrifice into gift, of journey into pilgrimage with another. Love is adventure of life that has the most meaning. When St. Paul mentions: "So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love," St. Paul knows that LOVE is utimately the resting in and encouter of GOD. Centuries later, St. Augustine had this to say: "You stir man to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." (Confessions--Opening Paragraph) Love is not only the wellspring, but also the end result. It is the greatest manisfestation of one’s total being. It is true happiness, even in times of sadness; true reward in moments of toil and work; true satisfaction in moments of pain and suffering; true inspiration in the ordinary moments of life.
Love knows all, forgives all, edures all, respects all, ebodies all, inspires all and conquers all. Love generates persistence and perseverance. Love embodies all of what life is. Love is inspiration and aspiration wrapped in one.
In the true words of the movie Wedding Crashers, "True Love is the Soul’s Recognition of its Counterpoint in Another."
LOVE is LOVE
P.S.--"Our greatest inspiration, comes from our perspiration."
Full of Wisdom
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
St. Paul said,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. " (1 Corinthians 13: 4-13)
Love is the ultimate expression of one’s being. The core of one’s self being bestowed to another without price or measure. Love is the total giving of one’s self. In ancient times, Love was known in the Latin as caritas (charity)--to give of one’s self to another.
Love is the true surrender of one’s self in another. When a person truly loves, they give of themselves, not expecting in return. True love is an investment in the other. Just to a bank account that one continues saving in, the investment made yields its greatest reward. So similarly too, Love is like a bank account, where the more one loves, the greater one is rewarded with love.
Love is the ultimate expression of one’s self. Love is the being able to let the barriers down and truly be one’s self and express that without pride, prejudice or expectation of reward. Ultimately Love has two sides to it: to give and to receive.
To give love, one must be unselfish and transparent with the other person. To give love, the giver must know TRUE LOVE. To give love the LOVER must give without reward or measure.
To receive love, one must be ope to receiving the wellspring of life. To receive LOVE, the loved one must be willing to reciprocate. To receive love, the LOVED ONE needs to also and not only be transparent, but accept the LOVERS transparency for merely what it is--LOVE.
LOVE is the manifestation of vision into reality, of sacrifice into gift, of journey into pilgrimage with another. Love is adventure of life that has the most meaning. When St. Paul mentions: "So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love," St. Paul knows that LOVE is utimately the resting in and encouter of GOD. Centuries later, St. Augustine had this to say: "You stir man to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." (Confessions--Opening Paragraph) Love is not only the wellspring, but also the end result. It is the greatest manisfestation of one’s total being. It is true happiness, even in times of sadness; true reward in moments of toil and work; true satisfaction in moments of pain and suffering; true inspiration in the ordinary moments of life.
Love knows all, forgives all, edures all, respects all, ebodies all, inspires all and conquers all. Love generates persistence and perseverance. Love embodies all of what life is. Love is inspiration and aspiration wrapped in one.
In the true words of the movie Wedding Crashers, "True Love is the Soul’s Recognition of its Counterpoint in Another."
LOVE is LOVE
P.S.--"Our greatest inspiration, comes from our perspiration."
Full of Wisdom
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
CHISPA
Chispa--"THE SPARK". This is all it takes. Chispa is the internal energy from within. Without Chispa, there is no fire or passion. Just like a gas stove needs a minimal spark to ignite a fire, so to does the soul. A life without passion is a life void of meaning and purpose.
Chispa is the igniting force of life. We can find evidence of this in every realm. In theology, for example, God is that igniting force or Chispa of the Universe; for those that lean towards the theory of evolution--THE BIG BANG, and so on.
Chispa is that spark that once ignited and given the right source of fuel, can grow into a wild fire. One hot ember being released from a burning bush or tree is enough chispa to ignite and continue a wildfire. Chispa is passion. Chispa is ganas (desire). Chispa is inspiration. Chispa is what moves the inner most depth of the soul to choose.
But as important as it is, Chispa also needs to be nurtured and cared for with great care, for as easy as a spark ignites a fire, if not continually cared for can either grow out of control or extinguish itself. As easy as Chispa comes, it can easily go.
The great philosophers of the ages realized this. Going back even to Ancient Greece, even Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." One needs to continually reevaluate oneself and see what the fire of life needs to be able to continue burning. Chispa needs to be continually renewed and fed to continue burning. St. Paul said, "In Him we live and move and have our being." This is Chispa!
Thomas Edison, one of history’s great inventors stated, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." In other words, Chispa requires work. It is not something that is automatically renewed if not nurtured. Chispa would be the 1% that Thomas Jefferson speaks of; the other 99% is both a results of it and the fuel that keeps it going. Likewise, to generate Chispa, also requires hard work. As in the the days of old, where one needed to strike two rocks, or rub two sticks or a piece of flint and steel to generate a spark to light a fire, so too, Chispa needs needs work. When Chispa fades hard work, dedication, patience and perseverance bring it back. The beauty of Chispa is that it can be renewed.
What we do with our Chispa perpetuates throughout our life and is passed on to those that we encounter. If properly nurtured, like the hot ember (chispa) that flies of from a fire, it helps to ignite the other. Like a contagious laughter that won’t go away when to people are being silly, so to the other becomes ignited.
A friend of mine once conveyed the following allegory:
We are like a big piece of Marble. The people we come to encouter through out our lives are standing all around the marble with a hammer in one hand and a chisel in the other. Those people that we come into contact with throughout our lives do not move, they just hammer and chisel away at the marble (you) in the same spot. God is the force that throughout your life moves you, the marble, in every direction, eventually allowing the people in your life [wether they are the people that have continually been there or those we only contact with once in our lives] to sculpt and shape you into the beautiful sculpture (person) that you are.
The Chispa that leaves us when our fire is properly tended to is just as the chipping away that the people we encounter in life do to form the sculpture, as in the allegory. That transferance of Chispa can help to ignite someone else and so forth. Throughtout our lives we are constantly coming in contact with new Chispa from within and from those around us. However, only one Chispa is truly needed to ignite the flame. Our responsibility to ourselves is to have the fuel to keep that Chispa going.
Whether alone, in a relationship, married, widowed, every aspect of our lives requires Chispa and the work to keep it going. Once the Chispa ignites the fire, the work that we put to keep it going will determine if the Chispa lives or dies. To keep the Chispa going takes much work and dedication and like life, it does not mean that there are not going to be those moments that will make the Chispa fade and be close to burning out, but also there will be those moments that it will burn out of control. Like a roller coater with its peaks and valleys and ups and downs, Chispa will burn brightly and fade. How we keep it going is up to us.
Full Of Wisdom
P.S.--Remember, "What we are is God’s Gift to Us. What we do with our lives is our Gift to God!"
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
Chispa is the igniting force of life. We can find evidence of this in every realm. In theology, for example, God is that igniting force or Chispa of the Universe; for those that lean towards the theory of evolution--THE BIG BANG, and so on.
Chispa is that spark that once ignited and given the right source of fuel, can grow into a wild fire. One hot ember being released from a burning bush or tree is enough chispa to ignite and continue a wildfire. Chispa is passion. Chispa is ganas (desire). Chispa is inspiration. Chispa is what moves the inner most depth of the soul to choose.
But as important as it is, Chispa also needs to be nurtured and cared for with great care, for as easy as a spark ignites a fire, if not continually cared for can either grow out of control or extinguish itself. As easy as Chispa comes, it can easily go.
The great philosophers of the ages realized this. Going back even to Ancient Greece, even Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." One needs to continually reevaluate oneself and see what the fire of life needs to be able to continue burning. Chispa needs to be continually renewed and fed to continue burning. St. Paul said, "In Him we live and move and have our being." This is Chispa!
Thomas Edison, one of history’s great inventors stated, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." In other words, Chispa requires work. It is not something that is automatically renewed if not nurtured. Chispa would be the 1% that Thomas Jefferson speaks of; the other 99% is both a results of it and the fuel that keeps it going. Likewise, to generate Chispa, also requires hard work. As in the the days of old, where one needed to strike two rocks, or rub two sticks or a piece of flint and steel to generate a spark to light a fire, so too, Chispa needs needs work. When Chispa fades hard work, dedication, patience and perseverance bring it back. The beauty of Chispa is that it can be renewed.
What we do with our Chispa perpetuates throughout our life and is passed on to those that we encounter. If properly nurtured, like the hot ember (chispa) that flies of from a fire, it helps to ignite the other. Like a contagious laughter that won’t go away when to people are being silly, so to the other becomes ignited.
A friend of mine once conveyed the following allegory:
We are like a big piece of Marble. The people we come to encouter through out our lives are standing all around the marble with a hammer in one hand and a chisel in the other. Those people that we come into contact with throughout our lives do not move, they just hammer and chisel away at the marble (you) in the same spot. God is the force that throughout your life moves you, the marble, in every direction, eventually allowing the people in your life [wether they are the people that have continually been there or those we only contact with once in our lives] to sculpt and shape you into the beautiful sculpture (person) that you are.
The Chispa that leaves us when our fire is properly tended to is just as the chipping away that the people we encounter in life do to form the sculpture, as in the allegory. That transferance of Chispa can help to ignite someone else and so forth. Throughtout our lives we are constantly coming in contact with new Chispa from within and from those around us. However, only one Chispa is truly needed to ignite the flame. Our responsibility to ourselves is to have the fuel to keep that Chispa going.
Whether alone, in a relationship, married, widowed, every aspect of our lives requires Chispa and the work to keep it going. Once the Chispa ignites the fire, the work that we put to keep it going will determine if the Chispa lives or dies. To keep the Chispa going takes much work and dedication and like life, it does not mean that there are not going to be those moments that will make the Chispa fade and be close to burning out, but also there will be those moments that it will burn out of control. Like a roller coater with its peaks and valleys and ups and downs, Chispa will burn brightly and fade. How we keep it going is up to us.
Full Of Wisdom
P.S.--Remember, "What we are is God’s Gift to Us. What we do with our lives is our Gift to God!"
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
Forgiveness
One of the most difficult and often misguided human attributes is to forgive. Forgiveness asks us to look deep into one’s self and look past hurt, disappointment, and fear. It asks us to to look to the deepest corner of our being and seek compassion toward self or others.
Forgiveness is two-fold. A person must be inclined to forgive one’s self. An individual who’s unable to forgive one’s self throughout life’s journey, will forever be hounded and weighed down upon. The inability to forgive one’s self will hamper the ability to forgive another, for how can one forgive another if they are unwilling or unable to forgive themselves. True forgiveness is born from within, and as such, draws one’s gaze toward the individual self, the individual being. As in love, one must be willing to forgive oneself prior to forgiving another.
The second part of forgiveness needs to be approached with true empathy and understanding. Once an individual has been able to successfully forgive themselves, especially for the wrongs they have committed toward themselves in life’s journey, theny they are able to go outside of themselves and attempt to forgive another or ask for forgiveness from another. Life’s most humbling journey is when one can acknowledge a wrong committed against one’s-self or another and truly forgive the wrongdoer (be they the individual themselves, another, a community of people, society or even God).
Forgiveness leads to healing. Forgiveness leads to understanding. Forgiveness leads toward redemption. Forgiveness leads to faith. Forgiveness leads to LOVE (caritas). True forgivess breaks down all barriers and leaves one naked before the other or self. To ask for forgiveness a person must know what it is like to forgive. To forgive one must know what it is like to be forgiven.
Forgiveness is a way of life. It brings renewal in times of despair. It brings hope in times of crisis. It brings solitude in times of loneliness. It brings solace in times of hurt. Like LOVE, true forgivess does not envy, boast, or hold qualms. True forgiveness brings understanding and awareness. Its the acknowlegement of some sort of wrongdoing and moving on, moving forward.
Some people and scholars would argue that true forgiveness is a fallacy. Others would argue that in order to achieve True Forgiveness one must be willing to forget. I argue that true forgiveness allows us to understand and learn from the worng done to one’s self or another. In order for this to work, forgiveness continually needs to be renewed and rejuvenated. Forgivess draws its true inspiration from love and yet its true goal is love.
If we recall the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, ’Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17"When he came to his senses, he said, ’How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 20So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21"The son said to him, ’Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[a]’ 22"But the father said to his servants, ’Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27’Your brother has come,’ he replied, ’and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, ’Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31" ’My son,’ the father said, ’you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’
In the Prodigal Son, we see that the youngest son, needed to come to forgive himself first. This forgiveness, allows him to come to the awareness that leads him back home. Ultimately the father is able to forgive the son and take him back in. The eldest son’s inability to forgive himself and live with jealosy toward his brother does not allow him to face the reality lying before him and forgive his brother.
How many times to we look down at ourselves and don’t forgive ourselves for our actions and wrong doings to ourselves? How many times do we dwell upon the momemts of life--however insignificant they may seem--that seem to rob us of our true happiness and love? How many times are we unable to forgive those close around and closest to us--many times for being themselves? How many times are we unwilling to swallow our own pride and ask for forgiveness, especially when we know we’re in the wrong?
The inablity to forgive ourselves and others, and ask for forgiveness from ourselves and others robs us of our passions, loves, joys, time. That inability leaves with doubt, fear, regret failure and disappointment. To forgive is Divine. Forgivenesss helps us to transcend from the physical to the metaphysical realm. Forgiveness brings us ever closer to God. It is one of the few human actions that asks us to heal physical, emotional, and psychological hurts. Since its an action that requires both internal and external actions, it forces us to another realm. To forgive is not a natural human act, but one that if born from the right "chispa" can bring much healing in all the areas of our lives.
With this said, I want to genuinely ask for forgiveness from those I’ve transgressed, hurt, disappointed and let down. I am truly sorry and apologize for any wrong doings I may have committed against you. However, insignificant it may have seemed at the time, I know it was cause of much paing or hurt to you and I am sorry. I hope that you may find it in you to forgive me. I pray that you may find comfort, healing, solace and closure for my inadequacies and the hurt that I may have caused, either consciously or unconsciously.
Likewise, I want to forgive those who have caused hurt and pain in someway or another. I have learned much throughout life and have learned that even in moments of hurt and pain, true healing cannot begin to take place until I can forgive those moments in my life. I pray that you may one day find it in you to forgive yourself for your actions and may find comfort in knowing that you have been forgiven.
Sincerely,
Full of Wisdom
P.S.-- "Carpe Diem--SEIZE the DAY." Seize every opportunity you have and make the best of it.
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
Forgiveness is two-fold. A person must be inclined to forgive one’s self. An individual who’s unable to forgive one’s self throughout life’s journey, will forever be hounded and weighed down upon. The inability to forgive one’s self will hamper the ability to forgive another, for how can one forgive another if they are unwilling or unable to forgive themselves. True forgiveness is born from within, and as such, draws one’s gaze toward the individual self, the individual being. As in love, one must be willing to forgive oneself prior to forgiving another.
The second part of forgiveness needs to be approached with true empathy and understanding. Once an individual has been able to successfully forgive themselves, especially for the wrongs they have committed toward themselves in life’s journey, theny they are able to go outside of themselves and attempt to forgive another or ask for forgiveness from another. Life’s most humbling journey is when one can acknowledge a wrong committed against one’s-self or another and truly forgive the wrongdoer (be they the individual themselves, another, a community of people, society or even God).
Forgiveness leads to healing. Forgiveness leads to understanding. Forgiveness leads toward redemption. Forgiveness leads to faith. Forgiveness leads to LOVE (caritas). True forgivess breaks down all barriers and leaves one naked before the other or self. To ask for forgiveness a person must know what it is like to forgive. To forgive one must know what it is like to be forgiven.
Forgiveness is a way of life. It brings renewal in times of despair. It brings hope in times of crisis. It brings solitude in times of loneliness. It brings solace in times of hurt. Like LOVE, true forgivess does not envy, boast, or hold qualms. True forgiveness brings understanding and awareness. Its the acknowlegement of some sort of wrongdoing and moving on, moving forward.
Some people and scholars would argue that true forgiveness is a fallacy. Others would argue that in order to achieve True Forgiveness one must be willing to forget. I argue that true forgiveness allows us to understand and learn from the worng done to one’s self or another. In order for this to work, forgiveness continually needs to be renewed and rejuvenated. Forgivess draws its true inspiration from love and yet its true goal is love.
If we recall the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, ’Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17"When he came to his senses, he said, ’How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 20So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21"The son said to him, ’Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[a]’ 22"But the father said to his servants, ’Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27’Your brother has come,’ he replied, ’and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, ’Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31" ’My son,’ the father said, ’you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’
In the Prodigal Son, we see that the youngest son, needed to come to forgive himself first. This forgiveness, allows him to come to the awareness that leads him back home. Ultimately the father is able to forgive the son and take him back in. The eldest son’s inability to forgive himself and live with jealosy toward his brother does not allow him to face the reality lying before him and forgive his brother.
How many times to we look down at ourselves and don’t forgive ourselves for our actions and wrong doings to ourselves? How many times do we dwell upon the momemts of life--however insignificant they may seem--that seem to rob us of our true happiness and love? How many times are we unable to forgive those close around and closest to us--many times for being themselves? How many times are we unwilling to swallow our own pride and ask for forgiveness, especially when we know we’re in the wrong?
The inablity to forgive ourselves and others, and ask for forgiveness from ourselves and others robs us of our passions, loves, joys, time. That inability leaves with doubt, fear, regret failure and disappointment. To forgive is Divine. Forgivenesss helps us to transcend from the physical to the metaphysical realm. Forgiveness brings us ever closer to God. It is one of the few human actions that asks us to heal physical, emotional, and psychological hurts. Since its an action that requires both internal and external actions, it forces us to another realm. To forgive is not a natural human act, but one that if born from the right "chispa" can bring much healing in all the areas of our lives.
With this said, I want to genuinely ask for forgiveness from those I’ve transgressed, hurt, disappointed and let down. I am truly sorry and apologize for any wrong doings I may have committed against you. However, insignificant it may have seemed at the time, I know it was cause of much paing or hurt to you and I am sorry. I hope that you may find it in you to forgive me. I pray that you may find comfort, healing, solace and closure for my inadequacies and the hurt that I may have caused, either consciously or unconsciously.
Likewise, I want to forgive those who have caused hurt and pain in someway or another. I have learned much throughout life and have learned that even in moments of hurt and pain, true healing cannot begin to take place until I can forgive those moments in my life. I pray that you may one day find it in you to forgive yourself for your actions and may find comfort in knowing that you have been forgiven.
Sincerely,
Full of Wisdom
P.S.-- "Carpe Diem--SEIZE the DAY." Seize every opportunity you have and make the best of it.
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
Finding GOD in our Midsts
Encountering GOD in our daily lives may be seen a great and awesome challenge. Many people wait to encounter God on his day, Sunday. Others wait for the Holidays (or Holy Days--traditional root of the word holiday). Still others wait to only encounter God in moments of trajedy, peril or despair.
However, learning to encounter God in our midsts is how we come, not only to glorify Him, but also to edify our existence and daily living. Do we wait for those major moments in life to turn to Him? Do we seek Him in his Greatness? When do we search for Him?
1 Kings 19: 11-13 states:
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Elijah was being persecuted for following God and being one of his prophets. When in the Mountain, he encountered a great wind, and God was not in the great wind. He encountered an earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake. He enountered a great fire, but God was not in the fire. He encountered God in a gentle whisper. In the least likely of moments, was when Elijah was able to come to encounter God. Like Elijah, we too must work and toil to encounter God in the least likely of moments--the ordinary moments of life.
It is in those ordinary moments of life that we are more likely to encounter God. It is in the encounter of those we meet (from those we meet for the first time, to those we meet on a daily basis) that we come to meet God. From the one that transgress against us, to those who love us, God is walking in our midsts.
For those who are not Christian or Jewish, this is also true. A sense of a higher power is also encountered in the ordinary moments in life. The people that are encountered on a daily living pass on that same sense. It is in those ordinary moments and encounters that our lives are enlightened.
Ask yourself:
How do we encounter God? Do we find Him in the ordinary moments in life? Do we seek Him out in those we encounter? Do we see Him in those we meet for the first time? Do listen to Him when those we know and trust speak to us? Do we search for Him when we work, play, rest and live our lives or do we only seek Him out in the grand moments of life or on holy days?
Full of Wisdom
P.S.--"Non nisi te!" [Without you, nothing!]--St. Augustine
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
However, learning to encounter God in our midsts is how we come, not only to glorify Him, but also to edify our existence and daily living. Do we wait for those major moments in life to turn to Him? Do we seek Him in his Greatness? When do we search for Him?
1 Kings 19: 11-13 states:
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Elijah was being persecuted for following God and being one of his prophets. When in the Mountain, he encountered a great wind, and God was not in the great wind. He encountered an earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake. He enountered a great fire, but God was not in the fire. He encountered God in a gentle whisper. In the least likely of moments, was when Elijah was able to come to encounter God. Like Elijah, we too must work and toil to encounter God in the least likely of moments--the ordinary moments of life.
It is in those ordinary moments of life that we are more likely to encounter God. It is in the encounter of those we meet (from those we meet for the first time, to those we meet on a daily basis) that we come to meet God. From the one that transgress against us, to those who love us, God is walking in our midsts.
For those who are not Christian or Jewish, this is also true. A sense of a higher power is also encountered in the ordinary moments in life. The people that are encountered on a daily living pass on that same sense. It is in those ordinary moments and encounters that our lives are enlightened.
Ask yourself:
How do we encounter God? Do we find Him in the ordinary moments in life? Do we seek Him out in those we encounter? Do we see Him in those we meet for the first time? Do listen to Him when those we know and trust speak to us? Do we search for Him when we work, play, rest and live our lives or do we only seek Him out in the grand moments of life or on holy days?
Full of Wisdom
P.S.--"Non nisi te!" [Without you, nothing!]--St. Augustine
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
The Masks We Wear
In life, we dawn on ourselves many different masks (some call these labels). Some wear the mask of a career. Others, wear the masks of hobbies. Still other, put on the mask of happiness. While others wear the masks of sadness, illness. There are many types of masks, too many to mention. However, suffice it to say that each of us wear masks in our daily living.
However, the question is do we define the masks we wear or do we allow them to define who we are?
Many of us, live our lives dawning these masks, hiding and covering up who we truly are. As we journey throughout or lives, we hide from the ones we love, the ones who love us and ultimately ourselves. We take on ourselves the clutter of life and piling on additional *stuff* to complicate our lives even more. Some people have dawned so many masks, they no longer know who they truly are. But how is this being true to ourselves? How do we truly come face to face with true being, if we are continually hiding our true self?
The celebrated author, Ronald Rolheiser states: "We live knowing that others do not fully know and understand us and that others can never fully know and understand us, that they are ’out there’ and we are ’in here’. St. Paul calls this living as ’through a glass, darkly,’ a riddle, a veil, a mist of unreality that separates us from God and others, and from what is authentically real (1 Cor. 13:12-13)." (The Restless Heart, p.7)
One way to achieve the true encounter with ourselves and each other is by unveiling or removing the masks we wear. The philosophers of history call this moment, this unveiling, aletheia, translated from the Greek--aletheia (unveiling). If we remove the masks and let our true selves shine before all, we not only reach toward perfection, but then, we are transfigured into our more profound and genuine selves.
How we go about achieving this moment of aletheia is different for everyone. Some turn to the spiritual realm, others to the aesthetics, others turn to friends, others to counseling, others retreat, others play sports, and others turn to nature. The encounter with ourselves is one that can take place at any time and place. The unmasking/unveiling is one that is essential to the journey of our lives. Therefore, it is fitting that this encounter with our truest self begin at a familiar point in our lives, one that inspires and catapults us to the unveiling and discovery process.
Albeit, the encounter with our truest self is not an easy one. Throughout our lives, especially in the fast-paced lives we live here in the United States, we are conditioned to dawn the masks. Sometimes, these masks are put on as a necessity. Other times, the masks are put on as defense mechanism in response to our surrounding states of being. Yet, to be truly edified, to truly enter into a genuine encounter with self and others, we must unveil our true selves and let ourselves and others encounter the beauty that is OUR TRUEST SELF. In this encounter, we are uplifted, we are fortified, and we are resolved to become the best self/person we can be. We are works in progress, and that progress needs to be shown for what it is and not hidden behind some mask.
Ask yourself, in the encounter of self and others, do we remove the masks that we wear? Do we allow ourselves and others to see us for who we truly are? Do we engage ourselves without any presuppositions? Do we learn to understand ourselves and others as through a glass?
The unveiling of the masks we wear is a life-long journey. Let is begin it! Doing so will let us encounter who we are, and allow us to better our lives (be is spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical, or relational betterment).
Full of Wisdom
P.S.--"In the torment of the insufficiency of everything attainable, we come to realize that, in this life, all symphonies must remain unfinished."--Karl Rahner
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
However, the question is do we define the masks we wear or do we allow them to define who we are?
Many of us, live our lives dawning these masks, hiding and covering up who we truly are. As we journey throughout or lives, we hide from the ones we love, the ones who love us and ultimately ourselves. We take on ourselves the clutter of life and piling on additional *stuff* to complicate our lives even more. Some people have dawned so many masks, they no longer know who they truly are. But how is this being true to ourselves? How do we truly come face to face with true being, if we are continually hiding our true self?
The celebrated author, Ronald Rolheiser states: "We live knowing that others do not fully know and understand us and that others can never fully know and understand us, that they are ’out there’ and we are ’in here’. St. Paul calls this living as ’through a glass, darkly,’ a riddle, a veil, a mist of unreality that separates us from God and others, and from what is authentically real (1 Cor. 13:12-13)." (The Restless Heart, p.7)
One way to achieve the true encounter with ourselves and each other is by unveiling or removing the masks we wear. The philosophers of history call this moment, this unveiling, aletheia, translated from the Greek--aletheia (unveiling). If we remove the masks and let our true selves shine before all, we not only reach toward perfection, but then, we are transfigured into our more profound and genuine selves.
How we go about achieving this moment of aletheia is different for everyone. Some turn to the spiritual realm, others to the aesthetics, others turn to friends, others to counseling, others retreat, others play sports, and others turn to nature. The encounter with ourselves is one that can take place at any time and place. The unmasking/unveiling is one that is essential to the journey of our lives. Therefore, it is fitting that this encounter with our truest self begin at a familiar point in our lives, one that inspires and catapults us to the unveiling and discovery process.
Albeit, the encounter with our truest self is not an easy one. Throughout our lives, especially in the fast-paced lives we live here in the United States, we are conditioned to dawn the masks. Sometimes, these masks are put on as a necessity. Other times, the masks are put on as defense mechanism in response to our surrounding states of being. Yet, to be truly edified, to truly enter into a genuine encounter with self and others, we must unveil our true selves and let ourselves and others encounter the beauty that is OUR TRUEST SELF. In this encounter, we are uplifted, we are fortified, and we are resolved to become the best self/person we can be. We are works in progress, and that progress needs to be shown for what it is and not hidden behind some mask.
Ask yourself, in the encounter of self and others, do we remove the masks that we wear? Do we allow ourselves and others to see us for who we truly are? Do we engage ourselves without any presuppositions? Do we learn to understand ourselves and others as through a glass?
The unveiling of the masks we wear is a life-long journey. Let is begin it! Doing so will let us encounter who we are, and allow us to better our lives (be is spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical, or relational betterment).
Full of Wisdom
P.S.--"In the torment of the insufficiency of everything attainable, we come to realize that, in this life, all symphonies must remain unfinished."--Karl Rahner
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
Life as a Rubik’s Cube
This blog post was inspired by talking to a friend of mine.
Everyone knows what a Rubik's Cube is. You, know the puzzle that you have to try to solve by getting all the colors on the same side. Some people have dedicated their lives to solving them. Others have become professional cubists. Still others spend years just trying to solve one side (like me). But the interesting thing is that the Cube is an allegory for life.
In talking to one of my friends, who claims she knows how to solve the cube, she explained that in order to tackle the cube, you have to tackle each individual side, and not the puzzle as a whole. Once, you complete the one side, then move on to the next, and so forth. Morevover, each individual side is solved by solving each individual column. Bottom line, Rubik's Cube is a puzzle that is solved by a series of algorithms and statistical probability.
But, I began to think, how true to life the Cube is as well. Life in general has different stages, representative of the sides of the cube. One cannot move on to the next stage of life (next side of the cube), without completing the current stage. Like life, the cube can be viewed from many different angles and each and everytime, especially when a different move or course of action is taken, it will look differently than before. Like the cubist who is trying to solve the cube is constantly evaluating and re-evaluating the next move, so too in life, we are constantly making decisions and choices that impact that stage of life we are currently living.
As in life, the each individial square in the cube represents our own challenges and obstacles. Make the wrong move, and the whole puzzle can become undone (albeit, it can be corrected). Make the right one and the puzzle becomes easier to complete.
The movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, uses the Rubik's Cube as a metaphor to life as well. When Will Smith's character solves the cube, he not only impresses his future employer into giving him the job that transformed his life, but also overcame an obstacle thought to be impossible. However, with a little determination and perseverace, he overcame doubt, struggle and increased his self-worth. So too must we over come life's Rubik's cube, and persevere over all those obstacles in our lives that are thought to be impossible. From loss of a job, to heart-break, to loss of a family member, life continues forward, as so do we. What is important in this life, the life that we have, is that we overcome and persevere over the obstacles put forth in our paths so that we can shine and become the best people we can be. Like in the cube, there are moments that will thwart our forward progress, but we may be able to find another move, or take a step back so that we may then be able to move forward.
May we all continue Life's journey, life's puzzle, life's enigma, filled with blessings and the strength and inspiration to overcome the obstacles before us and solve this wonderful cube we call life.
Full of Wisdom
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom.
Finding Our Way
I began to think and pray as to how we find our way in life. Funny, really is that many times its not us that choose our way, but God who opens new doors, especially when we least expect them. Nevertheless, we also have to make a conscious choice to follow that path and walk through the open doors instead of trying to open our own doors; many times the path is staring at us straight in the face, and we choose not to acknowlege it. Perhaps the path is shown in someone we encounter, a circumstance of life, a drastic moment or just a suddle instance in our daily living.
Many times, the path we must take is the simplest. Many times its the obvious. Sometimes its the one that we've been denying. Often times, its the one that challenges us the most. There's no denying that whatever path we choose, whichever direction we take, will be filled with obstacles or hurdles. However, it is true to say that those paths that are truly supposed to be taken & walked by each and everyone of us are the most rewarding no matter how many hurdles or obstacles are in our way.
In the Movie, The Legend of Bagger Vance, we see such a discovery of the journey. Toward the middle of the movie, there is a dialogue that takes place between the character Bagger Vance (Will Smith) and Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) in which Bagger Vance tries to help Junuh discover his swing. This dialogue is indicative of the journey or way that awaits each and everyone of us:"Look at his practice swing, almost like he's searching for something...feel that focus. Now, he's got a lot of shots he could choose from...but there's only one shot that's in perfect harmony with the field; one shot thats his, authentic shot; and that shot is going to choose him. There's a perfect shot out there trying to find each and everyone of us. All we've got to do is get ourselves out of the way; let it choose us....You have to look with soft eyes. See the place were the tides and seasons, the turning of the earth, all come together; where everything that is becomes one. You've got to seek that place with your soul...seek it with your hands, don't think about it, feel it! Your hands are wiser than your head is ever going to be. Now I can't take you there...just hope I can help you find a way."
This is the journey of life. There is a force that is guiding us. Some call that force God. Others call it fate. However, finding that right "swing", that balance, is one that needs to make the journey from the head to the heart and to the hands. In otherwords, we know what needs to happen, but we need to love and own it in order to make it a reality. Thus the journey begins in the head (knowledge), travels to the heart (love/ownership) and is manifested in the hands (making real/transformation).Once we embark on the journey, once we seek our path, there are moments of doubt, fear and wanting to give up. However, its in those moments of our journey that we discover that we're not walking that journey alone. Again, in The Legend of Bagger Vance, just before the end of the movie, we encouter another dialogue between Bagger Vance (Will Smith) and Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) in which, Junuh is self-doubting and wants to give up while on his journey: "I can't do this....You've got a choice, you can stop or you can start. Start? Walking! Where? Right back to where you've always been and then staying there still, real still and remember. Its too long ago. Oh no sir, it was just a moment ago. Time for you to come out of the shadows...time for you to choose. I can't. Yes, you can, but, you ain't alone, I'm right here with you; I've been here all along! Now play the game, your game, the one that only you were meant to play; the one that was given to you when you came into this world. You ready? Now take your stace. Strike that ball...don't hold nothing back; give it everything!...now is the time! "
Like the poem, Footprints, we see in The Legend of Bagger Vance, that we are not alone. That God is always there with us no matter how hard the path seems, no matter how difficult the journey. But He is always also there to remind us to take the opportunity and run with it. Its not by mere accident that we embark on the journey, but while we're on it, we need to make the most of it.In our lifetimes, few journeys will come that will be defining ones. However, we don't embark on finding our way by ourselves. Perhaps the journey we embark upon is the one that leads us to true love, happiness or prosperity. Yet, it is also one of self-discovery, challenge and daily commitment. As the movie states. we have a bunch of "shots" we can choose from, but the right one will always choose us. We just have to seize the opportunity once it chooses us.
Full of Wisdom
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom
Many times, the path we must take is the simplest. Many times its the obvious. Sometimes its the one that we've been denying. Often times, its the one that challenges us the most. There's no denying that whatever path we choose, whichever direction we take, will be filled with obstacles or hurdles. However, it is true to say that those paths that are truly supposed to be taken & walked by each and everyone of us are the most rewarding no matter how many hurdles or obstacles are in our way.
In the Movie, The Legend of Bagger Vance, we see such a discovery of the journey. Toward the middle of the movie, there is a dialogue that takes place between the character Bagger Vance (Will Smith) and Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) in which Bagger Vance tries to help Junuh discover his swing. This dialogue is indicative of the journey or way that awaits each and everyone of us:"Look at his practice swing, almost like he's searching for something...feel that focus. Now, he's got a lot of shots he could choose from...but there's only one shot that's in perfect harmony with the field; one shot thats his, authentic shot; and that shot is going to choose him. There's a perfect shot out there trying to find each and everyone of us. All we've got to do is get ourselves out of the way; let it choose us....You have to look with soft eyes. See the place were the tides and seasons, the turning of the earth, all come together; where everything that is becomes one. You've got to seek that place with your soul...seek it with your hands, don't think about it, feel it! Your hands are wiser than your head is ever going to be. Now I can't take you there...just hope I can help you find a way."
This is the journey of life. There is a force that is guiding us. Some call that force God. Others call it fate. However, finding that right "swing", that balance, is one that needs to make the journey from the head to the heart and to the hands. In otherwords, we know what needs to happen, but we need to love and own it in order to make it a reality. Thus the journey begins in the head (knowledge), travels to the heart (love/ownership) and is manifested in the hands (making real/transformation).Once we embark on the journey, once we seek our path, there are moments of doubt, fear and wanting to give up. However, its in those moments of our journey that we discover that we're not walking that journey alone. Again, in The Legend of Bagger Vance, just before the end of the movie, we encouter another dialogue between Bagger Vance (Will Smith) and Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) in which, Junuh is self-doubting and wants to give up while on his journey: "I can't do this....You've got a choice, you can stop or you can start. Start? Walking! Where? Right back to where you've always been and then staying there still, real still and remember. Its too long ago. Oh no sir, it was just a moment ago. Time for you to come out of the shadows...time for you to choose. I can't. Yes, you can, but, you ain't alone, I'm right here with you; I've been here all along! Now play the game, your game, the one that only you were meant to play; the one that was given to you when you came into this world. You ready? Now take your stace. Strike that ball...don't hold nothing back; give it everything!...now is the time! "
Like the poem, Footprints, we see in The Legend of Bagger Vance, that we are not alone. That God is always there with us no matter how hard the path seems, no matter how difficult the journey. But He is always also there to remind us to take the opportunity and run with it. Its not by mere accident that we embark on the journey, but while we're on it, we need to make the most of it.In our lifetimes, few journeys will come that will be defining ones. However, we don't embark on finding our way by ourselves. Perhaps the journey we embark upon is the one that leads us to true love, happiness or prosperity. Yet, it is also one of self-discovery, challenge and daily commitment. As the movie states. we have a bunch of "shots" we can choose from, but the right one will always choose us. We just have to seize the opportunity once it chooses us.
Full of Wisdom
Disclaimer: These blogs are all original works are resulting from of inspiration, many years of study, contemplation and personal reflection, prayer, life experiences, and encounters with others (be they personal or professional encounters). Please feel free to use the material as needed, but give credit accordingly. Who knows when or where these works might turn out. Plagiarism is a true crime. Also feel free to let me know what you think and how I am doing. Thanks. Full of Wisdom
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