On Empowerment
In our technologically advanced society, where “give me now” is the predominant mindset, children do not understand the value of patience, dedication and the antiquity involved in getting where we are as a nation. History is often a glazed eye subject for them while not understanding the importance in lessons learned. To youth, anything they desire is but a computer click away… This does not fully invoke the thought process nor mental capabilities they are capable of. To unplug, step back and think. To introspect on life, history, and advancement. By inventing a “click here” society, the microwave generation exists solely in the present. Not concerned with past mistakes and successes, only worrying and concerning themselves with the face of today. Then, their future becomes their present and they are left bewildered and untrained on how to manage. My goal is to invoke this thought mechanism that has been replaced with http://www.insert-your-website-here.com. THINK young people and learn from history! On this, I call Empowerment.
On Knowledge
I refer to this concept as a state of mind because the precursor to knowledge is a love of learning. The core of our Human is an innate desire to seek out information. This should be considered a never-ending pursuit of bettering oneself and not a stagnant state of being. Man must continue to learn, to expand his boundaries, diversify his thought and, once he acknowledges his limitations on a particular subject, continue to seek out that which he does not know. The material one seeks is subjective yet the striving for knowledge is relative to us all. Our pursuit of something leads us to determine the course of our existence. Thus, bringing me back to my above-stated topic. This pursuit is knowledge. Knowledge from experience, life, education, friendship, desires, wants, needs, morality, books, etc. The list is endless because what we are each seeking is individual to us. One must learn to seek out his knowledge, to grasp it and continue with his search for more. On this, I call Knowledge.
On Reading
Truly my first love. I distinctly remember the excitement I felt when opening a new book by one of my favorite authors, or any author for that matter. The crisp edges of a page, the sharp spine that had yet to be broken; all gave rise to a thrilling sense of wonder at what I was about to discover. The sentence structure, semantics and plot all provided my young mind with a background for my imagination to take hold. As time progressed, this thirst for reading did not diminish. I read more, diversified my library while pressing upon my peers the importance of this outdated mode. In hindsight, I can honestly say that the act of reading enabled my conviction to become more rounded, my communication skills to become more precise; thus leading to an ability to hold a conversation within any age group on any number of topics. So, give it a shot… Turn off the TV, step away from Facebook and find a book that captures your attention. It will require thinking but I am confident that your imagination will be fueled by an undying fire. (All while bringing a smile to your countenance). On this, I call Reading
On Art
Full disclosure, I am not an artist. I merely slapstick paint or push a pen around and hope for the best. However, this simple act of artistic expression, or creating something from naught, allows the individual to express his/her innermost. Picasso stated that, “the purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” I concur with his stance even though his art is above my head. All too often the grind of life, jobs, responsibilities, and care-giving stifle the true creative species that we are. Our nature is geared toward solving problems in an ever-changing environment. By taking a moment to pause, contemplate and create, we effectively give a voice to our disposition. The calculated creation of technology is put on hold while we explore the workings of our mind and soul. The therapy this act provides is a welcome respite that can lead to moments of self-satisfaction and peace. This aim at artistic expression is not to appease others but to introspect on the values and virtues that one, sometimes unknowingly, hold dear. Moreover, if all else fails in this endeavor, at least you have paused to think while examining your soul. On this, I call Art.
On Ethics
This branch of Philosophy has been debated, expounded and developed throughout the ages. The values of an individual need be found within his person. Largely, however, it is the mindset of a group that the individual ends up acquiring. Whatever the group may value or hold dear, then these ideas are passed on to the individual, the next generation and so on. In order to check the group, the individual must take a step back, introspect and find what his values, morals and thoughts are. If not, a collectivist mindset will continue to press on without a check & balance system. (History can attest to what I am stating; see 1940’s European group-thought mindset.) One must learn to think for himself and use his intellect, reason and reality to determine his stance on life. Only then can the individual truly and without bias state his ethical code. Only then can a telling life be led; one that is conscious, driven and not pushed along without establishing itself. On this, I call Ethics.
On Self-Respect
By the very fact that we exist, it should behoove the individual to respect his person. This respect, that each individual need to learn for himself, can only be achieved once we learn to accept and love the person we are. Once done, the individual’s actions, thoughts and work will follow suit in like manner. However, we see it throughout history as well as our present time that man struggles with this concept. His production and time spent is the perception on which self-respect is to be measured. We are limited to a finite amount of time on Earth; then, as if we were not even here, time continues and the man is forgotten. Yet, his efforts and his work can live immortal if produced in the manner of his abilities. Meaning, the respect in which we endow ourselves is key to the productivity produced. A wasteful attitude will destroy any chance of leaving a mark, and thus any chance of obtaining self-respect. Once we learn to respect our own person then are we able to truly respect others. On this, I call Self-Respect.
On Self-Discipline
We learn from an early age that while our parents or caregivers are there for our well-being, they cannot be there to guide you at all points in your life. It is up to the individual to take responsibility for their actions, thoughts and ideas if they are to live a meaningful life. Discipline is a necessary component to achieve this sense. Every day you are faced with challenges and questions on how you want to live your life: Do I get up today? Will I be productive or lazy? Am I to take care of the one body I possess? (A small sample size of questions yet the point is made in such.) Our ability to face reality and move forward is self-discipline. To better oneself, one must have this state of mind. Nothing is promised to our Human hence our need to form our thoughts and choose the direction in which we want to discover. Nothing is life that is worth something, comes easy. As a result, you will have to do things in life that you do not want to do. Nevertheless, you do them because the path to betterment begins with action. On this, I call Self-Discipline.
On Motivation
To be sure, one must take unconditional advantage when this state of mind is upon you. The energy it provides is liken to a transcendental experience. It arrives at varying times unless one is able to harness it permanently. By this, I mean one has to have a focus that is undeterred and unrelenting in itself and absolute in its drive. Man has studied this trait in earnest and many a self-help has been written on it; yet, as evident when one looks around, it is still a mystery to many. I do not have an answer as to why this occurs… By writing on this topic, I merely want to bring attention to it. This trait of being walks closely with the following: ambition, determination and resolve. To possess all these traits would be the result of a paramount, powerful individual. An individual who understands himself, his environment and what must be done to change or manipulate the situation. Regardless of the direction the individual pursues, having a motivating drive will surely lead them to their goal. Grasp this state and never let go. On this, I call Motivation.
On Elation
The state in which all would like to permanently dwell. However, this uplifting and joyous emotion is often short lived as reality enters the equation. Most find this state of being from an external stimuli; as a result, they require more and more incentives to hold on to it. With the constant advancement of our society, our Human is bombarded with images and ideas on how we should be. A never-ending deluge of dejection is often the result of this barrage… How & Why are most common beginnings to questions in which no answer can be derived. The key to this epidemic is found in oneself. The blissful awareness that I am the harbor and ship of my thoughts and thus I control my state of emotion. As a result, one will then step back and see the rat maze in which we are shrouded. To look above and beyond and find the wheel that is our Turning; which, when discovered, leads to a peaceful reckoning. This highly important moment is the beginning to finding our calling, purpose and hope in humanity. On this, I call Elation.