The iconic traveler traverses life’s path aspiring to arrive at his destination. Along the way, he (1) encounters many frustrations and challenges. Why does the traveler not stop and discontinue his journey – why not make a placid life and forget that ambition, that need? Simply put: he can’t — something drives him on. But there are many days that he himself does not know why he pushes onward. Some force, some hidden resolve, resides in his breast and whips him forward. That power is the belief that, in all men, there is a mission: an intrinsic obligation comprised of something mystical and magical that must be completed before the end. What does that energy want? What is the traveler to uncover? Initially, he cannot fully comprehend his calling, but much like the layers of an onion, each time a piece is peeled away, the underlying flesh is whiter and clearer – an understanding develops.
The new year
New Year’s Day appears in its full exuberance: why do human beings need these benchmarks in time? It has to undoubtedly to do with the fact that we are cyclical creatures. We see magical birth, eventual maturity, ascendance to glory and our final demise as necessary parts of existence – hence the New Year celebrations. This signifies a new beginning, a fresh start. In Western countries, we are exposed to many characterizations of Baby New Year — eventually becoming wizened Father Time. (1) The holiday is an optimistic festival because it produces a powerful pause and the necessary reflection: now what? I recently asked a group of students what would the New Year portend. I was told it would be the same as this year: more tests and yet more homework. This surely is not how I should conceptualize life. Whether I am sixteen or sixty, I must be excited about my life. But then comes the old chestnut. Who is responsible for your life? The answer, rather tragically in many circumstances, is you are.
Passion
Passion: what is it and where do we find it? Simply put: it is an intense emotion that compels us in an exciting direction towards personal discovery and fulfillment. It is an energy, however, that must be individually stimulated and encouraged. But, it cannot be thrust upon a person. Herein lies the problem. As educators, employers, and parents, how do we expose young people to the opportunities that being passionate about something present? This week we read an article entitled “Eight Ways to Discover Your Passion and Live a Life that You Love,” “It is terrifying when you feel like your life has no purpose or direction, but finding your passion can change all that. Finding your passion is like finding your personal road map. When you know what your passion is, you feel motivated, inspired and so much clearer about what your next step should be.” (1) The piece goes on to give us a selection of ways to discover the uniqueness that exists in each of us and hence our personal passion: thoughtful.
Natural kindness
Have you ever noticed that people are naturally kind? Yes, we do encounter the occasional curmudgeon or misanthrope – but in the main, humanity is impressive in its thoughtfulness. Why then are we overwhelmed with the suggestion that the individual is an evil self-centered cur? Sadly we seem to have a flawed gene. We also like to hear of the dirty and the deranged. It is as if each of us as an implicit combination of good and evil. This has been seized upon by the media and hence we occupy the angst-ridden world of today. I always ask myself, if this, however, has to be the case – could we not slowly begin to wean ourselves off the sordid and debauched to something more pure and cerebral?
To your good health
I have always been impressed with good health. It is a concept; however, that is now escaping modern man. “The evolution of fitness over the centuries and the different facets present in our modern physical culture … (ask the question): what have we lost, and what have we gained? Obviously, much good has come out of these recent developments: there’s widespread awareness of the importance of regular exercise, nearly every community has a gym where people can work out, and we understand more about how the human body works and responds to physical training than we ever have before.