I've repeatedly discovered that balance is one of the most fundamental elements in life. My great-grandfather used to frequently say "everything in moderation," and it's so true! It makes sense that people need to share their time and not obsess over one thing or another. Sometimes it can feel difficult to change from silly to serious, as though it is just too much effort. However, the interesting thing is that transformation can occur by a simple change in perspective. It can happen in an instant and completely alter your current state of being. It is an especially powerful tool that can be used to let go of our fears and worries, and it also helps us get back into a more free and natural flow.
When letting go of troublesome thoughts we stop the repetitive negative thinking and become settled in the moment. Life really is just a series of moments, and we have the choice of concentrating on the past, present, or future. When we focus our energy in the present, we stay in each moment as it arises, and let it be. I think we become more centered and at peace because all that we experience just is. We move our attention and ease into a more organic state of mind.
Laughter is one of the best ways to discover this state. If you're in a disturbing mood and cannot seem to break out of the usual monotony; a funny joke or silly moment can transport you to another place. It creates a displacement from the world around you, and provides the freedom to let go. The best is when we become pleasantly caught in a chain of laughter that never seems to end. There is a unique high that circulates throughout the body and leaves you with a satisfied feeling that many call a "good laugh." There is movement seemingly everywhere including the mouth, lungs, stomach, chest, back, arms and legs. It often results in belly aches, coughing, and trouble breathing, but amazingly these are all side effects that we love to experience! Through movement, this pure laughter has a way of clearing stagnant energy out of the body and acts as a present moment transfusion for the mind. After such fits of laughter, I always feel refreshed, cleaned out, and back in touch with myself.
One good laugh a day surely is the best medicine, but what's equally important is to allow one's self to be open to the laughter and appreciate these moments where letting go. It contributes to balance and helps refresh our place on the spectrum of life.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunset
Montage of sunset photos and video clips with music from DJ Divone's Dance Party.
Songs:
"One" by Lovely China Day
"Scream Pilots" by Moby
Superpowers
Have you ever wished you had superpowers? How would it feel to have superhuman strength, invisibility, telekinesis, or the ability to fly? We see portrayals of superheroes such as Superman and Spiderman, and might think how amazing it would be to leap tall buildings in a single bound, or travel around the city on a string of webs. I've often daydreamed about flying and soaring through the air from place to place. However, the truth is that most of us already have superpowers; we just take them for granted.
Unless handicapped or disadvantaged, most people have the superpowers of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. We go about our day using our five senses interchangeably and almost always all at the same time. We've all gotten used to using our senses and don't usually give them a second thought unless we sustain injury. However, when one takes the time to truly appreciate these powers, he/she realizes that the ability our senses give us to interact with the environment is truly astounding.
The power of sight gives us the ability to visually place ourselves in the world. It allows us to take in the magnificence of life in its many forms. This can range from flowers, trees, and sunsets to architecture, art, and the shape of the human body. The spectrum is really endless because there is so much beauty in all that we see. It is such a gift to be able to experience what is shown all around us through sight. By taking the time to appreciate this invaluable form of perception, we discover how vision adds even more than three dimensions to our lives.
The power of sound works hand in hand with sight. Their relationship is very synergistic because much of what we see can create sound waves. What's very interesting is that sound is always created by vibration and movement through a cause and effect reaction. In one respect, our ears are built-in didactic instruments that assist us in learning about consequence. However, simultaneously, our ears also give us the ability to add more substance to our reality, and deepen the connection to our surroundings. There is so much beauty in sound, and the prime example is listening to music. I couldn't imagine a day without it.
The power of touch allows us to engage what we see in a different way. Through touch we gain a visceral sense of feeling. There are so many different types of surfaces and textures that enhance our many experiences. Are these feelings more or less real than the wide array of emotions possessed by humans? They're both real, just in different ways. Externally, through touch we can feel various ranges of pain and pleasure. This provides us with tangible connections to everything around us, and adds another layer to all that we experience. Internally, our emotions are more complex, but similarly slide along a wide spectrum of feelings that also generate both pain and pleasure. All of these reactions help us interact with the environment and ourselves in special ways. What would it be like not to feel anything?
The powers of taste and smell provide us with another two abilities that enhance our perceptions. Every bite of our favorite food gives us pleasure and comfort. So many different types of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, and sweets can give us a distinct eating experience that will not necessarily be the same each time. Similarly, almost everything we encounter has a smell, and whether pleasant or revolting it delivers yet another level of experience. It has also been said that smell is the strongest sense associated with memory. We've all had a time where we smell something so familiar, that even if we cannot pin point what exactly it is, there is still such a strong memory that surfaces to the forefront of our mind.
All of the five senses can transform external feelings inward and create an emotional response. When someone sees an old friend after many years apart, he/she would most likely feel ecstatic and nostalgic of old times. When listening to music we can appreciate complex instrumental and vocal arrangements. However, there are often secondary reactions where we not only hear the sounds, but also create in our own very unique way a set of emotional feelings and connections in relation to the music. When we hug and kiss the ones we love, the affection does not just feel good to the touch, but it also brings warmth within our hearts. And the smell and taste of a slice of pizza from where you grew up can transport you to another time and place, and bring with it a rush of emotions not felt in years. These are not just ephemeral external sensors used for the sole purpose of helping us navigate space. Instead, these powers are in fact super because they act as a gateway to even more profound feelings and experiences that enrich our lives.
Unless handicapped or disadvantaged, most people have the superpowers of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. We go about our day using our five senses interchangeably and almost always all at the same time. We've all gotten used to using our senses and don't usually give them a second thought unless we sustain injury. However, when one takes the time to truly appreciate these powers, he/she realizes that the ability our senses give us to interact with the environment is truly astounding.
The power of sight gives us the ability to visually place ourselves in the world. It allows us to take in the magnificence of life in its many forms. This can range from flowers, trees, and sunsets to architecture, art, and the shape of the human body. The spectrum is really endless because there is so much beauty in all that we see. It is such a gift to be able to experience what is shown all around us through sight. By taking the time to appreciate this invaluable form of perception, we discover how vision adds even more than three dimensions to our lives.
The power of sound works hand in hand with sight. Their relationship is very synergistic because much of what we see can create sound waves. What's very interesting is that sound is always created by vibration and movement through a cause and effect reaction. In one respect, our ears are built-in didactic instruments that assist us in learning about consequence. However, simultaneously, our ears also give us the ability to add more substance to our reality, and deepen the connection to our surroundings. There is so much beauty in sound, and the prime example is listening to music. I couldn't imagine a day without it.
The power of touch allows us to engage what we see in a different way. Through touch we gain a visceral sense of feeling. There are so many different types of surfaces and textures that enhance our many experiences. Are these feelings more or less real than the wide array of emotions possessed by humans? They're both real, just in different ways. Externally, through touch we can feel various ranges of pain and pleasure. This provides us with tangible connections to everything around us, and adds another layer to all that we experience. Internally, our emotions are more complex, but similarly slide along a wide spectrum of feelings that also generate both pain and pleasure. All of these reactions help us interact with the environment and ourselves in special ways. What would it be like not to feel anything?
The powers of taste and smell provide us with another two abilities that enhance our perceptions. Every bite of our favorite food gives us pleasure and comfort. So many different types of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, and sweets can give us a distinct eating experience that will not necessarily be the same each time. Similarly, almost everything we encounter has a smell, and whether pleasant or revolting it delivers yet another level of experience. It has also been said that smell is the strongest sense associated with memory. We've all had a time where we smell something so familiar, that even if we cannot pin point what exactly it is, there is still such a strong memory that surfaces to the forefront of our mind.
All of the five senses can transform external feelings inward and create an emotional response. When someone sees an old friend after many years apart, he/she would most likely feel ecstatic and nostalgic of old times. When listening to music we can appreciate complex instrumental and vocal arrangements. However, there are often secondary reactions where we not only hear the sounds, but also create in our own very unique way a set of emotional feelings and connections in relation to the music. When we hug and kiss the ones we love, the affection does not just feel good to the touch, but it also brings warmth within our hearts. And the smell and taste of a slice of pizza from where you grew up can transport you to another time and place, and bring with it a rush of emotions not felt in years. These are not just ephemeral external sensors used for the sole purpose of helping us navigate space. Instead, these powers are in fact super because they act as a gateway to even more profound feelings and experiences that enrich our lives.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Laughter as an Escape
Everyone has had moments with friends and family where conversation becomes tense. We may be talking about someone we know with a health problem, a friend's recent breakup, or arguing in a confrontation. Whatever the reason may be, our breath becomes constricted and uneasiness takes hold. It is hard to stay in an uncomfortable place. Who enjoys talking about the death or heartache of a loved one? Who wants to argue with a good friend? I've found myself stray from these conversations, where I try to bring up a different topic or tell a funny story, all in the hopes of enabling others to laugh. I think this can be beneficial at certain circumstances. We may require relief from emotional exertion and over analysis. By changing the subject and bringing a warm and humorous attitude to a discussion, a person can help create a moment of release where one is desperately needed. But I've come to realize that occasionally moving on through laughter doesn't always allow us to 'move on.' In some instances, we navigate a course in search of a safer place, farther away from the anxiousness. However, I think sometimes we travel down this avenue on a path of fear.
How could it be harmful to bring laughter to a conversation in order to feel more comfortable, relaxed, and in control? It’s not. However, I believe there can be times when it is not necessary to heal and alleviate discomfort through laughter. I think turning to laughter in such a case might prohibit someone from growing, changing, and gaining new experiences. For me, this makes sense in my mind, but when such a situation arises, it can be difficult to follow through and stay in the uncomfortability. I believe that by understanding this mechanism better, and noticing how I sometimes do use laughter to diffuse a situation or camouflage my feelings, I will increase the chance of breaking the pattern. The next time around, I might do the very same thing, and that's okay. However, since I know the processes behind it, and acknowledge my fears, I think I will eventually be able to take a new step. Of course, that is if I choose to do so, given the situation.
I've recently found that it can be exciting to gain new experiences even if they might be unpleasant. In a way, it is reaching towards another level of maturity. I think being afraid of a feeling and taking action to avoid it, does not protect me from it. Instead, it gives it more power, and prevents me from learning and living a dynamic life. Therefore, by staying more in these moments of fear, acknowledging and experiencing them, even if I don’t ultimately change my routine of escape, I am exploring a deeper understanding of myself, and opening the door for growth. I see it as taking on new directions as I participate in life’s journey of discovery.
How could it be harmful to bring laughter to a conversation in order to feel more comfortable, relaxed, and in control? It’s not. However, I believe there can be times when it is not necessary to heal and alleviate discomfort through laughter. I think turning to laughter in such a case might prohibit someone from growing, changing, and gaining new experiences. For me, this makes sense in my mind, but when such a situation arises, it can be difficult to follow through and stay in the uncomfortability. I believe that by understanding this mechanism better, and noticing how I sometimes do use laughter to diffuse a situation or camouflage my feelings, I will increase the chance of breaking the pattern. The next time around, I might do the very same thing, and that's okay. However, since I know the processes behind it, and acknowledge my fears, I think I will eventually be able to take a new step. Of course, that is if I choose to do so, given the situation.
I've recently found that it can be exciting to gain new experiences even if they might be unpleasant. In a way, it is reaching towards another level of maturity. I think being afraid of a feeling and taking action to avoid it, does not protect me from it. Instead, it gives it more power, and prevents me from learning and living a dynamic life. Therefore, by staying more in these moments of fear, acknowledging and experiencing them, even if I don’t ultimately change my routine of escape, I am exploring a deeper understanding of myself, and opening the door for growth. I see it as taking on new directions as I participate in life’s journey of discovery.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Soul Meditation
I could feel my heart beating and its flow resonating beneath the exterior of my flesh. A state of being, self-awareness, with the feeling of humanity lies within. All emotions are present, wanting to break free, asking to be released and experienced. I could cry, I could laugh, I could scream, I could move, I could think. But my goal is not to. I am silent, I am reserved, and I am observing all that is within. What is this? Is it a beast waiting to be unleashed onto its master? Is it freedom awaiting its independence? The power is frightening at first, but it is soon realized that this force is ours. Ours to share with others, ours to create, ours to expand, and ours to enjoy.
It makes sense, but then what is sense? It feels right, but then what is to feel right? This is who we are, who I am. The soul’s vessel to learn and grow. It is encased within a physical body, trapped for some. But there is always a choice for you, and a choice for your soul. The force within can be harnessed at any moment, and change your perspective. The perspective of life is what you choose it to be.
The soul as our true selves, chosen to take a journey through corporeal form. This form is and always will be imperfect. Unlike the Soul which is undefined and only imaginable. This journey begins through the world of the exterior. But it always returns to inside. To the reflection. It is within our power to reflect without the judgment, to observe everything as an experience – none good or bad. These experiences exercise the soul.
At times this can be overwhelming, with so much happening at once. Such emotions as loss, anger, and jealousy can become so powerful and conquer our thoughts. But they don’t need to conquer us.
Am I trapped? I don’t believe so. And belief is freedom. Belief is choice. Belief is what’s inside. This marks the experience of our soul and guides its journey through the physical world. What kind of journey would you like to embark on? What do you want to share with your soul?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
You should definitely read this post...
We are all a part of a global culture, but at the same time we have our own worlds. We live each day and learn from the people we encounter, create and revise thoughts and ideas, and try to enjoy life to the fullest. There will always be ups and downs, forks in the road, and decisions that keep us up at night, but we do the best we can.
At the same time, we also ask others for advice, look to our mentors and elders for guidance and mutually depend on those we trust to better ourselves. But, there is a slippery slope between giving a suggestion, and telling someone what they SHOULD do. It might not seem like a big deal, but when another person tells you what you should do, they take away your power and your ability to experience something for yourself. They could give you great advice and know what to do, but it is coming from their perspective, and it is based on their own experiences. It is impossible to know exactly what will be "good" for another. And even if a person does not follow a suggestion, and it leads to a "bad" result, who is to say that they weren't meant to learn from the mistake? What makes something beneficial? Isn't that open to interpretation as well?
I think an easy example to use would be if someone has a stomach ache. One friend thinks you should pop a Tums, while another thinks you should have a peppermint. Both have worked for each of them, but it doesn't mean either one might help you. If they don't form it as a suggestion, then it forces upon you the burden of doing what they say, or else it is implied that you will not make the correct decision. But maybe there is no right decision, and what you choose to do will help you learn and become more independent. If you ask others what to do, then who are you?
In a broader sense, we all see strangers every day - commuting to work, shopping, going out to dinner, etc. Some look like us, wear similar clothing, and have the same favorite meals, while others are completely different and foreign in our point of view. But does that make them weird? SHOULD they be more like us? Why? In a society that eats and poops judgment, we are trained to continually evaluate and decide the good from the bad. Are they really on two polar ends of the spectrum, or perhaps they are more subjectively defined by the individual?
It is amazing to just notice all of these little worlds within the world, and acknowledge the creativity in all of us. Next time you walk outside, observe the people around you, and appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of our society. Only a suggestion...
At the same time, we also ask others for advice, look to our mentors and elders for guidance and mutually depend on those we trust to better ourselves. But, there is a slippery slope between giving a suggestion, and telling someone what they SHOULD do. It might not seem like a big deal, but when another person tells you what you should do, they take away your power and your ability to experience something for yourself. They could give you great advice and know what to do, but it is coming from their perspective, and it is based on their own experiences. It is impossible to know exactly what will be "good" for another. And even if a person does not follow a suggestion, and it leads to a "bad" result, who is to say that they weren't meant to learn from the mistake? What makes something beneficial? Isn't that open to interpretation as well?
I think an easy example to use would be if someone has a stomach ache. One friend thinks you should pop a Tums, while another thinks you should have a peppermint. Both have worked for each of them, but it doesn't mean either one might help you. If they don't form it as a suggestion, then it forces upon you the burden of doing what they say, or else it is implied that you will not make the correct decision. But maybe there is no right decision, and what you choose to do will help you learn and become more independent. If you ask others what to do, then who are you?
In a broader sense, we all see strangers every day - commuting to work, shopping, going out to dinner, etc. Some look like us, wear similar clothing, and have the same favorite meals, while others are completely different and foreign in our point of view. But does that make them weird? SHOULD they be more like us? Why? In a society that eats and poops judgment, we are trained to continually evaluate and decide the good from the bad. Are they really on two polar ends of the spectrum, or perhaps they are more subjectively defined by the individual?
It is amazing to just notice all of these little worlds within the world, and acknowledge the creativity in all of us. Next time you walk outside, observe the people around you, and appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of our society. Only a suggestion...
Friday, February 26, 2010
Museum
I recently went to my favorite museum, the Museum of Natural History. I've been there many times before, but it is such a huge place, with new exhibits presented year-round. When visiting, I'm usually able to find new sections I have yet to explore, with plenty of tidbits of knowledge to learn about.
There was a hallway decorated with photographs of different types of birds in the section, "On Feathered Wings: Birds in Flight." The photos were so sharp and it was almost as if the birds were right there with me! I especially liked one shot of a snowy owl with her wings outstretched while flying towards the camera. I could see right into her eyes, and it seemed as though I could tell she had a sweet disposition. Maybe this was not only a snapshot of the owl flying, but also a brief reflection of her spirit. All of the birds in the exhibit seemed to show personality, and I gravitated toward studying each photo in order to try and get a glimpse of the subject's identity behind the lens of the camera.
I also enjoyed checking out the Africa and Asia sections. I think I had walked through this hall before, but this time the displays of instruments really resonated with me. It was amazing to see how the drums, bongos, and guitar like instruments were so consistent with what we have today. I liked discovering how the placement of the cords, the hollowed out centers, and the tuning pegs of the guitars were all so similar to what they are today. It certainly shows that even early on in human culture, we had an innate desire to express ourselves and be creative.
It was almost as interesting observing the other people walking through the museum. There was mainly a mix of families and tourists, and I noticed the interaction between them. Sometimes, there was one member of the family who played the role of tour guide. They would do their best to explain and interpret the displays and clearly enjoyed sharing their knowledge. On the other hand, some people walked together, but were silent while taking in the exhibits. There were also a couple of examples where kids would run around and investigate things on their own and cause some mischief. Then their parents would demand that they stop. I can understand a parent's desire to positively influence their children. But it made me think about what the children might believe when they continually hear "no" or "stop it" without any discussion. It doesn't give them the freedom to discover and explore things on their own. This may not only influence their behavior inside the museum, but also their development and maturation in the future.
It was fun to visit the museum and learn more about nature and culture through the exhibitions. But it was also intriguing to observe a small cross section of the other people there, which inadvertently provided a special exhibit all on its own.
There was a hallway decorated with photographs of different types of birds in the section, "On Feathered Wings: Birds in Flight." The photos were so sharp and it was almost as if the birds were right there with me! I especially liked one shot of a snowy owl with her wings outstretched while flying towards the camera. I could see right into her eyes, and it seemed as though I could tell she had a sweet disposition. Maybe this was not only a snapshot of the owl flying, but also a brief reflection of her spirit. All of the birds in the exhibit seemed to show personality, and I gravitated toward studying each photo in order to try and get a glimpse of the subject's identity behind the lens of the camera.
I also enjoyed checking out the Africa and Asia sections. I think I had walked through this hall before, but this time the displays of instruments really resonated with me. It was amazing to see how the drums, bongos, and guitar like instruments were so consistent with what we have today. I liked discovering how the placement of the cords, the hollowed out centers, and the tuning pegs of the guitars were all so similar to what they are today. It certainly shows that even early on in human culture, we had an innate desire to express ourselves and be creative.
It was almost as interesting observing the other people walking through the museum. There was mainly a mix of families and tourists, and I noticed the interaction between them. Sometimes, there was one member of the family who played the role of tour guide. They would do their best to explain and interpret the displays and clearly enjoyed sharing their knowledge. On the other hand, some people walked together, but were silent while taking in the exhibits. There were also a couple of examples where kids would run around and investigate things on their own and cause some mischief. Then their parents would demand that they stop. I can understand a parent's desire to positively influence their children. But it made me think about what the children might believe when they continually hear "no" or "stop it" without any discussion. It doesn't give them the freedom to discover and explore things on their own. This may not only influence their behavior inside the museum, but also their development and maturation in the future.
It was fun to visit the museum and learn more about nature and culture through the exhibitions. But it was also intriguing to observe a small cross section of the other people there, which inadvertently provided a special exhibit all on its own.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Laughter
Where did laughter come from? Throughout human history was laughter an important part of surviving? Would cavemen laugh along with each other to help make a rough day of hunting and gathering seem like a distant past?
How does a baby know if something is funny? It seems as though they are laughing and smiling as much as they are crying. What are they so happy about? I think they are in tune with living in the present and enjoying life in its most simplest form. Babies observe, react, and share their feelings. What more can a person hope to do? When life is broken down to its most elemental parts, we find out how similar we all are. Sometimes, all we want is to smile inside and radiate it out.
Most sincere laughs are stunningly beautiful. The mouth starts closed and calm. Then the smile breaks free and leads the way to reveal our teeth. One might think this would be threatening, but instead an honest smile is inviting. In the next step, the laugher’s mouth opens wide with a strong breath that supports an incredible and jubilant force. What is this sound? And why would the human body want to make such a noise? We show our teeth, gather energy, and then release a booming form of expression. And yet, we spectators do not fear, nor do we see the laugh as an act of aggression. Instead, we empathize with the laugher, and often times impulsively join in. We are brought to a place with no cares or worries. Where boundaries disappear, thoughts vanish, and all that remains is joy. At this point, we just are.
How does a baby know if something is funny? It seems as though they are laughing and smiling as much as they are crying. What are they so happy about? I think they are in tune with living in the present and enjoying life in its most simplest form. Babies observe, react, and share their feelings. What more can a person hope to do? When life is broken down to its most elemental parts, we find out how similar we all are. Sometimes, all we want is to smile inside and radiate it out.
Most sincere laughs are stunningly beautiful. The mouth starts closed and calm. Then the smile breaks free and leads the way to reveal our teeth. One might think this would be threatening, but instead an honest smile is inviting. In the next step, the laugher’s mouth opens wide with a strong breath that supports an incredible and jubilant force. What is this sound? And why would the human body want to make such a noise? We show our teeth, gather energy, and then release a booming form of expression. And yet, we spectators do not fear, nor do we see the laugh as an act of aggression. Instead, we empathize with the laugher, and often times impulsively join in. We are brought to a place with no cares or worries. Where boundaries disappear, thoughts vanish, and all that remains is joy. At this point, we just are.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Success
What is success measured by? Is it the work you do and the type of accomplishments on your resume? Is it having a loving family with strong, unwavering relationships? Is it getting out of bed in the morning? Or maybe it could be, not being afraid of failure and the difficulty of pursuing of your dreams?
There seems to be more questions than answers when it comes to success. Even if one accomplishes all their goals in every way, would their life be a complete success? Or perhaps, success is having a complete life. Maybe, all it takes is moving. Moving along to the beat of your own drum, down the road you choose, and the streams you decide to swim in. Maybe success is simply being proud of who you are, no matter what you've done or how it compares to any type of measurement. Measuring success piles on the criteria to which you criticize and judge yourself.
Then again, this criteria and overall push can help you feed off ambition's hunger and allow you to reach high goals. This is once again creating a type movement we all uncontrollably long for, because without motion (physically, emotionally or spiritually) we may become stagnant within a bubble of emptiness.
But can one trust this hunger to succeed, and implicitly let it decide our lives? No. Instead, you can acknowledge it as a part of your life's path. This allows you to discover that you, yourself, have the power to create your own success. It becomes clear that success can be anything, because it is defined by you. Then, success is simply living your life.
There seems to be more questions than answers when it comes to success. Even if one accomplishes all their goals in every way, would their life be a complete success? Or perhaps, success is having a complete life. Maybe, all it takes is moving. Moving along to the beat of your own drum, down the road you choose, and the streams you decide to swim in. Maybe success is simply being proud of who you are, no matter what you've done or how it compares to any type of measurement. Measuring success piles on the criteria to which you criticize and judge yourself.
Then again, this criteria and overall push can help you feed off ambition's hunger and allow you to reach high goals. This is once again creating a type movement we all uncontrollably long for, because without motion (physically, emotionally or spiritually) we may become stagnant within a bubble of emptiness.
But can one trust this hunger to succeed, and implicitly let it decide our lives? No. Instead, you can acknowledge it as a part of your life's path. This allows you to discover that you, yourself, have the power to create your own success. It becomes clear that success can be anything, because it is defined by you. Then, success is simply living your life.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Nice To Meet You
I've found that introductions often times seem to be pre-scripted. We ask the same usual questions in order to try and get a feel for this new person. What do you do? Where are you from? What brings you here? And when these mundane questions are emptied out of the tank, and the routine is over, we usually just part ways.
However, there are certain occasions where the conversation does not end there, and we enter the early stages of a great friendship. This is rare, but when these moments find us, a new person in our lives somehow opens up the world. We feel connected and assured that we are not alone. There are others who think, feel, and act like us!
I remember one time this happened to me in college. I was in a film production class, and we were put into groups of four to create a video. I met up with the three others to discuss our project. Once we began, I discovered that another guy and I had a lot of the same ideas. We could not stop laughing and joked around while also brainstorming with the rest of the group. I felt as though we had not only met before, but had also always been friends.
This happens when two people are on the same wavelength and frequency. There is an instinctual connection that feels very natural and comfortable. I believe the main ingredient in this phenomenon is
sense of humor. In a way, I think our personality is defined by what we find funny and how it filters through our perception of life. Humor centers us within a world of chaos. It brings us together, and its laughter opens the gateway to life's main purpose. When everything is reduced to its lowest common denominator, we discover how we all just really want the same thing - to laugh and have fun.
However, there are certain occasions where the conversation does not end there, and we enter the early stages of a great friendship. This is rare, but when these moments find us, a new person in our lives somehow opens up the world. We feel connected and assured that we are not alone. There are others who think, feel, and act like us!
I remember one time this happened to me in college. I was in a film production class, and we were put into groups of four to create a video. I met up with the three others to discuss our project. Once we began, I discovered that another guy and I had a lot of the same ideas. We could not stop laughing and joked around while also brainstorming with the rest of the group. I felt as though we had not only met before, but had also always been friends.
This happens when two people are on the same wavelength and frequency. There is an instinctual connection that feels very natural and comfortable. I believe the main ingredient in this phenomenon is
sense of humor. In a way, I think our personality is defined by what we find funny and how it filters through our perception of life. Humor centers us within a world of chaos. It brings us together, and its laughter opens the gateway to life's main purpose. When everything is reduced to its lowest common denominator, we discover how we all just really want the same thing - to laugh and have fun.
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