Thursday, August 9, 2018

An Odyssey of Creativity and Wisdom: Day 7



one thousand words daily



Day 7:  the little things
               It takes a certain type of awareness for an individual to come to a realization that they too, like the sidewalk dandelion, like the baby bird, like most things perceived smaller than us, are quite fragile.  Fragility is often looked upon in different societies and cultures as a weakness. However, being aware of our sensitivities in all things guides us to become stronger and prepared for whatever outcome might arise.  Even blades of grass in their state of mercy if stepped on, seem to bounce back.  When we cut grass, I am told that the smell we smell, you know, that wonderful smell is actually them releasing a scream in the form of a smell from being cut.  Human life, as best as we understand it, has its limits, such as speed, strength, intellect as well as the time allotted to exist in physical form. 

open your eyes to the miracle of life
               These are limits which we love to push and test and although things are what they are, the miracle of life and the existence of small miraculous things cannot, in any way be discounted.  As I communicate to many folks through conversation and wisdom sharing, I like to remind them of these miracles, these small overstepped things that we often take for granted.  Using the example of a handful of soil, I remind “you can take a handful of dirt and guaranteed that it holds many if not all of the nutrients we need for survival, the iron, copper, zinc and other minerals.”  In relation to how difficult it is for anything to live in this world, I use the example of weeds and grass, that if they do not find adequate soil or a secure nestled place and if they cannot grab a few drops of water or even morning dew drops, that they will soon die.  Life as I remind requires attention and love and that it is a miracle for any living thing to exist.
on a positive foot, a positive path
               In birth there are things that grab our attention, such as a new tree sprouting up from seed, a new birth in the family or by friends as well as the opportunity for new horizons and growth.  Along with birth, death still has its beauty as well.  Some would argue as “There is nothing gracious or luxury in death, that some of us die in pain and often die alone.”  My rebuttal for that negative shit is simple, that it simply does not have to be like that if you don’t want it to be so, lonely and miserable.  We cannot plan our lives to a perfect “T” nor can we anticipate the coming of harsh medical conditions or the transition of death.

               We also cannot account for others reactions and emotions.  What we can do is live to our full out best polishing our potential, so that hopefully when those times come, we will be supported and hopefully will not be alone.  Last night, while I was parked in my van, using the free wifi at motel 6, I was approached by a young guy looking for his skateboarding pals.  He was worried about them, since they had to leave in the early morning. A few moments later they returned and I discovered that they were just visiting the states from Canada, on a little vacation. 

               The gentlemen ranged from age 18 to the oldest, which was 21 and they all met each other at a church group.  Eager and full of questions they rattled my brain from questions as to, “why other people on the street do not talk like I do and do not express things with a hope-filled and positive attitude as they noticed in me?  My answer was simple, that #1, I’m not on drugs, and #2 that everyone experiences some type of struggle and what separates is the ability to learn and grow from the struggle.  We talked about Christianity, religion and I brought up some cultural truths, about America and the will to be able to dream and realize those dreams.  I explained that many folks do not believe in miracles and simply digest what the media as well as what their society tells them to believe.  The question of love was brought up and I dug in!

               Upon leaving, one of the last things I told them was that Love is one of the strongest things we know of, sharper than any knife, any sword and more powerful than any bomb.  I relayed to them that things come and go and that love is inherently passed down from generations through cultural memory and genetics.  Also for this reason I was able to explain why love is perceived to be one of the most dangerous forces to certain ways of thinking, such as the choice to dream and want more than what is offered, for a more quality existence.  I used the example of how with love, individuals are forced to think about more than just their selves.  If someone is conditioned to produce, for a certain government, business or group of individuals that selfishness by means of self-progress is stressed instead of the “golden rule,” as well as communal thinking in a community sense, which benefits all whether directly or indirectly.
being kind: the natural thing to do, right where you are.
               It is the little things which make life enjoyable, the “Thank yous” the “your welcomes,”  along with common methods of help which are now considered “Random Acts of Kindness,” that build communities and push societies morally as well as economically forward. Being kind is inherent within all human beings as it is a means at getting not just what we want but as a community, helping others grow towards their goals and eventually when it comes back to us, finding what we need.  It is the pat on the back the person saying “Awesome, good job,” and other endearing human gestures which remind us of our worth.  We can all determine our own sense of “Worth,” as in what we do for ourselves, others and how we choose to spend our priceless time.  Never, and I mean Never let another convince you that you are worthless.  Although some might not realize or let alone grasp the ability to find their purpose on this planet or realize why we are here, there are concrete reasons that make sense.  Reasons for being where we are, and where we are supposed to be in life, as in what we could or should be doing are all around us. 

               Some might get epiphanies, seek job resources, and fill out questionnaires to find what works for them.  Some choose to experiment by taking different classes or even travel abroad until they find the niche in life that best suits them.  Then there are those that we can clearly see that “have a calling,” almost a divine reason for being chosen to do what they do so well, a sort of “mission” in life.  It is these folks that accept their gifts, whether built, learned or inherent in their daily being.  One thing I know for certain is that when our final curtain is closed and the pages fail to turn in the book that is us, is that we better leave something good and positive behind to look at and remember us by. Let us all hope for the impossible, reach towards those breathing dreams and never neglect to notice… the little things.