Posting about Thinking about Stuff
Today, I saw a bumper sticker that read: “How’s that hope-y change-y thing working out for you?”
Seriously?
Saying that after seeing the wall of malicious attitude that that “hope and change” ran into is like drowning a swimmer and saying, “Oh, what’s the matter? I thought you liked water.”
I went to a yoga class last Wednesday, after meeting the yoga class leader at the local bar last week (excluding the bartenders, he and I were the only sober ones there.) He’s a guy taking the pure road on a level I don’t even attempt, but he’s a cool guy.
Anyway, my thoughts on yoga weren’t letting me sleep until I printed them. Or rather, it was the other thoughts that are telling me I would likely forget the yoga thoughts by morning if I didn’t print them.
So here was my experience:
A fellow intern and myself are going to a yoga class. Between us, she is the one with the yoga background, as well as some valuable experience in India itself. She’s taking the lead on the trip over to the Rec Center where the yoga’s going to happen. We’re biking, ’cause that’s what you do when you live on a island like this. She’s breezing along at a pace that the few short weeks of my return to bike riding have not prepared my legs to sustain. I muscle through, until the muscles start arguing louder than my pride, but by then, we’ve made it to the parking lot. Then… stairs. As I hobble up to the counter, I’m thinking to myself that enthusiasm alone might not be enough to allow me to survive this class, when just traveling to it has worn me down to little more than a puddle of useless limbs.
I pay $3.50, which isn’t at all unreasonable, considering that I’m on Sanibel. We work our way back to the yoga department, and as another effect of being on Sanibel, I’m one of four people in the room under the age of 40.
Class begins, calm music plays, and (as anyone who’s ever taken a “first yoga class” might agree) I’m suddenly called upon to use muscles that I had been nearly convinced were vestigial evolutionary remnants. Some poses are a piece-of-cake, easy-as-pie, or any other baked good metaphor/simile you want, while others, despite their flawless demonstration, manage to seem just out of the realm of possibility.
Class ends with everyone laying flat on their backs, relaxing, breathing, meditating. Everything feels like it should hurt, but nothing does. My spirit is soaring higher than it had all day, and nothing could ever tear it down.
Reflecting back on that moment, I knew that that was how it felt to be… open. That’s the best description I have for it. I don’t know if anyone else had that experience, nor does it matter. I know what I felt, and it was amazing.
For a long time, I’ve struggled with opening up to people. It sounds cliche, but so what? I’m talking about being spiritually open. Not in a religious sense, of course, but simply allowing who you are to be accessible to others. I don’t know know if it came from being an only child or from something else, but I find that only rarely do I feel fully engaged with another person. There’s usually a part of me in my head that’s entertaining some obscure thought process, preventing me from really connecting with whomever I’m talking to.
However, at that previously-mentioned point in time, after having focused for one hour on nothing but my own capabilities and limits, I came across a strange sort post-yoga self-awareness. I felt as though I was there at 100%. I felt that if anyone had asked me any question, I would have answered with a stream of consciousness that would last for days. They would have asked of me, and they would have received every last scrap of me that I had to offer. It was an invigorating feeling – akin to what I might feel when laughing till my eyes water. I did, in fact, feel like laughing. Though, I knew that this feeling was my own, not necessarily to be shared, so I was silent, and I saved it up inside.
Now, I don’t completely know what this means for me and the future, but I know that in my continuous search for harmony, within myself and with others, it has never felt closer than at that brief moment… and while I don’t foresee any drastic adjustments in personality or behavior, I can envision another trip to yoga next week.
Wow, I just had a revelation, and I feel like sharing. Valentine’s Day has always been that holiday where romantic things happen – where the inspiration to do those romantic things comes not only from the feelings for a special someone, but from the collective years of tradition of other people doing things for their special someone.
Ok, I wrote that sentence on a whim, and I’m publishing it without proofreading, so I apologize if it doesn’t make enough sense by itself; my actual revelation will clear it up a bit.
Often, people say they hate this holiday, referring to the overly advertised attempts at selling the merchandise associated with it. However, what degrades the holiday the most, in my recently formed opinion, is the pressure that tradition applies.
I’m not saying this out of any sort of dislike for the holiday, and I’m not going to end this post with a statement saying that I’m in favor of or against Valentine’s Day, all I want to point out is that any decision made to pursue romantic action on Valentine’s Day seems as though it’s never as meaningful as the same sort of action on just any other day.
If you’re trying to make an impression on someone, aim to do it on a day where that type of thing isn’t so… expected.
This unsolicited love life advice column brought to you by… me thinkin’ about stuff.
I certainly had one.
The idyllic scene behind my grandparents' house.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon the things that you appreciate in your life. One of the things for which I am most grateful is the fact I have so many options available for my future. However, this past Thanksgiving was spent enjoying the somewhat more concrete aspects of my life.
I left a group of fantastic friends (for whom I am also thankful) to their own devices over the Thanksgiving break, but I did so in order to take a trip with my parents to the state of North Carolina. In addition to the wonderfully cold weather and beautiful landscapes exemplified by the photo on the right, what draws us to North Carolina during Thanksgiving is family.
Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and all sorts of relatives gather themselves together each year for a family reunion and feast. This year, we totaled around 45 people with around 30 different dishes, with each dish designed to serve 8 people by itself. From the aforementioned grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, come plates of cornbread, venison biscuits, pumpkin pie, collard greens, mashed potatoes, slices of turkey and ham, yams, stuffing, and more. But enough about the food…
My parents at the Eno River
This was the first year that I really socialized with all my relatives. In prior years, I had been too young to care about who they were; the only thing that mattered was that I didn’t know them – so they were strangers. This year, however, I made a point put myself in the middle (well, at the edges, at least) of conversations. Cousins that I never knew became friends, and older generations passed on advice through stories about their days after college. Let me tell you, it feels odd to talk to someone who knows exactly who you are, while you’re struggling to place them properly in your family tree. It was nice. It somehow felt like another passage into adulthood; I had always been a part of the family, but never before an active member.
After Thanksgiving, our vacation consisted of more visits with friends and relatives in the region, and hiking trips to various locations. On these, as always, my camera was my trusty companion (slightly less trusty on the trip depicted on the left, since it was running low on batteries).
A curious calf on the farm
My favorite parts of NC vacations are my adventures through the farmlands and hillsides with camera accompaniment. Barns, birds, bovines, and bales of hay all make exceptional subjects. Say “Hello!” to number 37, whose face is all wet from nursing. While I was taking photos of the rest of the herd, he cautiously came over to investigate. Ever the photographer, I took the opportunity to capture a few curious glances of his scrutiny on camera.
Overall, it was a wonderful trip. In addition, it seemed to be the perfect length; I was happy to go, and yet happy to return to my little place in Florida. Those friends I mentioned earlier were happy to have me back, as well. Thank you!
I created a Twitter account yesterday, and I’ve somewhat been following the flow of the #iranelection hash tag. It’s a remarkable demonstration of how a new piece of technology (Twitter) can have such a sweeping effect on the user populace. Activists spring up out of nowhere and change their ID pictures to images containing protest-support slogans, people continually post links to images and videos that have been uploaded directly from Iran as the events happen: from crowds chanting in protest, to riots breaking out in burning streets, followed by military/law-enforcement officers beating or shooting those rioters.
I’m really not very cynical normally, and my perception of these events is from a rather limited vantage point, but it seems to me that outraged tweets (as justified as they may be) seem like they might be ineffectual at provoking any sort of productive response to this crisis in Iran.
Sure, Tweeters have rallied together to support a cause, but to what end? Posting more angry tweets that decry the atrocities occurring over seas? Ah, then those tweets inspire other Tweeters to go out and… post more angry tweets.
I absolutely understand why its important that those suffering in Iran spread the word of their distress, and it’s amazing that a simple program like Twitter can be implemented to inform a million people who would normally have no idea what’s going on. However, I think the soil of American culture is much more fertile for latching onto popular fads than actually helping a country in need of assistance. Meaning: all this Twitter activity has so much potential for positive effects, and I encourage tweeters to continue tweeting as you feel necessary, but don’t be satisfied with a simple tweet thinking that you’ve done your civic duty. It’s tempting, having such a convenient way to present your stance, to feel proud of “making a difference.” However, I’d imagine that it’s just as convenient for those people holding guns to ignore your silently raging remarks while they fire live rounds into crowds.
Ok, that was depressing, I understand, but it still seems true. Keep Tweeting, but also DO something! Call US media stations and complain about lack of coverage! Make your outrage known to the people in powerful offices.
The masses have power, but not if they just keep yelling at each other.
Haha! Finally, we have a president that understands the US Constitution and one of its most significant tenets: the separation of church and state.
Obama recently stated OUTLOUD that America, whatever it once was, is not, and will never be a Christian nation.
I am laughing at people’s reaction to this. There is this sort of righteous outrage springing up from Christians all over this country. Their attempts to overthrow this secular government has probably been set back significantly. Keep in mind, I laugh with pure joy that the principles which built this nation aren’t completely lost on everyone, with absolutely no sardonic spite. You can trust me, it is purely with thankful mirth that I enjoy these events.
Many people within our borders have forgotten that this nation was NEVER Christian to begin with!
I really shouldn’t have to argue this further. The Constitution never mentions the word “God,” and specifically states that religion should be kept away from the workings of government. If that’s not enough, the United States Congress officially ratified a document containing the phrase “The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” Seriously. If that event doesn’t convince you, you’re deluded. I don’t even feel like apologizing to those who might be offended by that statement, because the only people that statement would offend are those who have willingly embraced (and often argued in favor of) a blatant LIE over the true intent of the founding fathers of United Sates of America. In doing such, those people have undermined the stability of the original Constitution.
Despite those VERY clear statements of our country’s religious neutrality, people often will argue that “the founding fathers were Christians, therefore any government they set up could be Christian.” To that, there is only the response that not all of our dear fathers were Christian. Benjamin Franklin was rather well known for his risque escapades with women (yes, plural), and often frequented brothels. Such behavior does not present itself in good Christians. Also, he called himself “a thorough Deist,” which is not something a Christian would do. John Adams is quoted as saying “This would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it.” While often wrongly taken out of context to argue that Adams was an atheist, this statement clearly illustrates his desires to set up a government without religious preference.
Thomas Jefferson is a little bit of a different story. While claiming to be a real Christian, he compiled his own version of the Bible in which he removed all aspects of divinity from the person of Jesus Christ. He believed Jesus promoted good moral behavior and his doctrine was a decent path to follow through life, but he rejected the idea that he embodied or was sent by God.
It’s true that many of the tenets in the Constitution coincide with Christian teachings of morality, but that’s truly due to nothing more than that they are both wonderful codes of behavior based on the natural rights that all human beings have.
However, on a more serious note, I do fear this senseless retaliation on Obama’s words. I fear that the bewildered masses will overpower the truth yet again, and bury it deeply under their comfortable farce. For the sake of all true patriots, I hope that Obama comes back strong in defense of his position, so that those misguided people will be forced to consider what their nation’s stance on religion truly is.
Like sheep. Or fish.
I’m watching Recount, the semi-documentary-ish movie based on the events of the 2000 election with Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary.
Anyway, it makes me hate Republicans even more. I’m not talking about any random Republican I happen to meet on the street, but too many people behind the political scenes in politics during this election were failing to hold to moral standards of any kind, and that pisses me off. People being denied their opportunity to vote because their name RESEMBLED convicted felons’ names? Protesters forcing their will upon completely legal vote-counting operations causing them to be shut down? Bloody hell.
I honestly don’t care if Gore could have done a better job as President than Bush, but the methods that were used to secure Bush’s victory were underhanded, immoral, and #$%&ing illegal!
With my venting now over, I’m going to attempt to enjoy the finale of the film.
EDIT: Well, it didn’t end any differently this time than it did in 2000. A presidential election won through an illegitimate, illegal campaign gives birth to a presidency ridden with illegitimate, illegal actions.
Try to make the planet a little greener today. I personally won’t have my computer on for most of it, and my computer is an energy-sink. That’s part of my contribution, but I haven’t figured out what else to do. I’ll come up with something.
Try turning off your AC, not using your car, or heck, even plant a tree.
At the very least, go outside and try to understand that you are a part of the natural world, as much as our socially-constructed reality tries to remove us from it.
You can’t have me!
Birthday # 21 is approaching, and many people in my life have donated their time and effort into trying to decide what my first drink should be.
However, I recently made the decision to continue my “vow of sobriety,” so to speak. This may disappoint some people, and it may depress others; I know you all are so eager to see me drunk.
I’d always told people that I avoided drinking not because it was illegal, but because it seemed so unnecessary. It’s the same reason I don’t smoke, and the same reason I don’t do drugs. What’s the point? Sure there are some benefits, like increased sociability and such, but they don’t outweigh the consequences. A common thing that I hear resulting from alcohol is the use of “I was drunk” as an excuse for certain embarrassing or incriminating behavior. That frustrates me. If you don’t like what happens when you’re drunk, don’t get drunk.
Look, I’m not attacking people who drink, I’m just saying why I want no part of it. If you want to argue the point that alcohol is OK in moderation, I’m not going to stop you. That’s where my choice comes in. It is a personal preference of mine that I stay sober.
FYI: even the “everything in moderation” philosophy has its flaws: It’s fine, just don’t stab too many people. No problem, just burn too many houses. Don’t worry about it, as long you don’t wipe out too many species with your urban sprawl.
Anyway, back to the topic of legality. Drinking for the first time on your 21st birthday affirms a belief in the federal policy regarding drinking age. This policy is intended to punish those who fail to comply, and protect those who comply. Fear of punishment was never what drove my desire to avoid alcohol; I’ve seen enough underage drinking occur without law enforcement officers ever getting involved to know that legal punishment is not a serious threat. At the same time, I never placed my faith in those lawmakers who claim know when I’m supposedly mature enough to consume alcohol. I imagine that most of underage drinkers would agree with the latter statement, though, all too often their decision to drink stems from blind rebellion.
I plan to maintain sobriety through my 21st birthday because I’m taking credit for my abstinence.
