What makes a good and memorable teacher — the kind of person who brings out “the very best” in us? This individual must surely be unique because he or she is adumbrated by many thousands of characters that we would obviously like to forget. (1) What can ever expunge, from our shared memory, the embarrassment of being hauled in front of a class, belittled, and made to feel small and insignificant? Now to be fair, many teachers begin optimistically only to be browbeaten by the system and by the students. (2) What is the solution for the future?
The mystery of life
We often hear of the sanctity of life. This is undoubtedly true. Existence is miraculous. I am unique — there is no one like me, there never has been and there never will be. However, as I have often said, I will remain closed to my potential unless I open my personal portal, of which only I possess the key. If I fail to put it in the lock and turn the latch, a two-step process – in other words, you desire to learn, find your mission in life and you act on this knowledge — you will remain sealed. Look at the vast majority of mankind; take some time and study the eyes of people. Most are not fulfilled and enlightened: why not?
My precious treasure
Time is a precious treasure that cannot be replaced or returned. It is a gift that, once opened, will only end with the cessation of our mortal life. Or as St. Augustine (354-430) notes, “Indeed, we cannot truly say that time exists except in the sense that it tends towards non-existence.” (1) How then do we properly manage our personal time? How do we give our time value and, ultimately, immortality, so that its lessons can be utilized by our grandchildren?
The weather
“The heavens opened” the other day and it rained and rained and rained. I was reminded that I cannot control the inclement weather: I am not God. I can only dictate my response to it. Why then do so many of us lament a poor climate when it occurs – whether it is extremely cold or blisteringly hot – it makes no sense, does it?
The grand trek
A friend of mine, quite unexpectedly given her conservative nature, announced that she wanted to travel around the world: a most monumental trek. We can all feel the stirrings in our hearts that this concept evokes. Throw caution to the wind and embark on an epic voyage, the outcome of which is unforeseen and unforetold: “O to sail in a ship, To leave this steady unendurable land, To leave the tiresome sameness of the streets, the sidewalks and the houses, To leave you, O you solid motionless land, and entering a ship, To sail and sail and sail!” (1) It is up to the heavens to bring you safely back to port.
Age is mostly in the mind
This morning, I realized that I felt “pretty good.” I believe that many of us have had that same feeling. I have yet one more birthday approaching. This reminds me that time is relentless — it marches on: the body continues to age. But where is the pain and suffering that I anticipated at my age when I was 18 years old? It has not yet appeared. It would be false to claim that the 63-year-old body mirrors that of a 23-year-old: it doesn’t. But the frustrations and anxieties that I associated with physical age are not with me.
I am so lucky to be me
Recently on my way to prayer, I was reminded that I am here by chance — by luck if you will — and will depart under similar, somewhat bizarre, circumstances. This is the same for all of us, I am sure. A small story: On my route, there is a dual traffic light situated at a major intersection. The first allows the buses to proceed and the second, when illuminated green, the rest of the general traffic. This, rather inattentive, motorcyclist duly waited for the second light to change. He then, inexplicably, strayed into the bus lane.
Life is ephemeral: or is it?
We believe we are a fickle and ephemeral people: When our skin color is too white, our mothers tell us to go out into the sun and get some color. We laud the “Californian-tan” look and relate it financial prosperity and good health. (1) When we are dark, however, we shade ourselves from the sun and lather our skin with creams to lighten its tone. Temperature is a lot like this. Many people prefer the cold over the hot and welcome a brisk day. In opposition to this are those who prefer the “chaleur” of the tropics. In truth, however, no one likes extremes: everyone can probably accept -5 degrees, but -55 degrees would be quite something else. Why then do we accept extreme points of view in our world?
Never give up on your dreams – never!
Where do dreams come from? They come from deep, deep inside of you and only you. They remain hidden down three flights of stairs, carried along a darkened corridor, and dropped down a plunging lift to your private world of imagination. I want to step into that world: to float like a bird and soar to the heavens; to dive to the deepest trench in the seas and to communicate with all forms of life, In short: I need to join Gaia (1) and commune with this wonderful world. I must feel this “oneness with all.” But I can only do this through my healthy and fertile creativity. I need to step away from the world of the day-to-day and reside, even for a moment, in the world of “make-believe” — the realm of the fantastic.
Think positive thoughts
The droplets plummeted from the sky. I sat in my armchair and closed my eyes. Instantly, I was transported back 50 years. There I was as a young man walking along a beach as the rain fell and the sonorous wind projected its cacophony. The air literally sparkled with spray from the sea. I felt alive, but also somewhat fearful of the power of nature so fully on display. I was soon “drenched to the skin,” but carried on, nonetheless. I needed to find my way home. I wanted to find peace, warmth, and safety. This trek along the shore could be analogous to our journey in life. Existence is fraught with problems and complications, but also with solutions and happiness. Why then do some complain of its cold and moisture while others appreciate its cleansing mist? It is just attitude to a situation and the belief in a positive outcome.