After torrential rainstorms, it seems to finally be at an end. The sky seems to be that shade of blue, which is so rich...is it just the rain or is it the novelty of the sky after a week of looking at gray clouds?
I love the time right after a period of rain: Some people focus on the smells, the lush greenery, the clear sky, etc...as for me, I can hardly decide! The way I would describe how I feel is there is a certain "washed-clean" quality about the earth I trod, and I can't help but feel it as a Great Metaphor from above :).
Today shall be truly simple: How are you participating in the cleansing of our world? As a believer in Christ, my faith draws me to participate in this mission of washing others' feet, as it were. I see a cleansed look in the eye and demeanor of those with whom I participate in such acts of washing others' feet. It is a beautiful thing to behold.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Yielding to the rain
So, I finally did it...
After a full quarter and almost four weeks, I have ridden my bike to school, happily circumventing any need to find parking. Today, I break that record by looking outside my window, and asking myself this honest question: "Do I REALLY want to get soaked through and through again?" So, I drove through the roads I would normally take on my bike, imagining myself braving the weather, and I was truly pleased with my choice of transportation.
Aside from that, thanks to one of my intrepid readers for helping expand the dialogue in my last post greatly! In case any others are curious, we were expounding upon the nature of integrity and truth, specifically as it relates to integrity and the truth of integrity being rooted in the Truth being with the Christian God. If any one else would like to comment on that, please go ahead by all means!
As of today, I'll keep it short and sweet. I've been thinking about how I sometimes act around others, and what is the deal sometimes with how difficult it can be to simply go into a social situation, act and say what you need, and leave knowing that you dictated what you needed and it was done in a satisfactory manner. Perhaps this will be more evident through an example of such a situation.
So, before I meet with my adviser, I think of what I want to say and how I would like to say it (eg. with sincerity, humility, etc.) and then I go and meet him. I instantly get all flustered and say the necessities, yet I go away with a sense of "I could have said that better..." as in, I might have said it in a way that didn't make me seem (fill in blank) when I really wanted to express (fill in the blank). What is it?
I've often thought of the boundaries created when authority is given, and the social hierarchy placed. That probably has something to do with it. Likely, it also has much to do with the perception I get that there is this fuzzy dual role of peer/friend and mentor that surrounds the situation.
So, in keeping this short and simple, I will ask this: What are the boundaries (if any) that should be placed between being friendly and being in an authority role? I have my own ideas, but let's hear yours!
After a full quarter and almost four weeks, I have ridden my bike to school, happily circumventing any need to find parking. Today, I break that record by looking outside my window, and asking myself this honest question: "Do I REALLY want to get soaked through and through again?" So, I drove through the roads I would normally take on my bike, imagining myself braving the weather, and I was truly pleased with my choice of transportation.
Aside from that, thanks to one of my intrepid readers for helping expand the dialogue in my last post greatly! In case any others are curious, we were expounding upon the nature of integrity and truth, specifically as it relates to integrity and the truth of integrity being rooted in the Truth being with the Christian God. If any one else would like to comment on that, please go ahead by all means!
As of today, I'll keep it short and sweet. I've been thinking about how I sometimes act around others, and what is the deal sometimes with how difficult it can be to simply go into a social situation, act and say what you need, and leave knowing that you dictated what you needed and it was done in a satisfactory manner. Perhaps this will be more evident through an example of such a situation.
So, before I meet with my adviser, I think of what I want to say and how I would like to say it (eg. with sincerity, humility, etc.) and then I go and meet him. I instantly get all flustered and say the necessities, yet I go away with a sense of "I could have said that better..." as in, I might have said it in a way that didn't make me seem (fill in blank) when I really wanted to express (fill in the blank). What is it?
I've often thought of the boundaries created when authority is given, and the social hierarchy placed. That probably has something to do with it. Likely, it also has much to do with the perception I get that there is this fuzzy dual role of peer/friend and mentor that surrounds the situation.
So, in keeping this short and simple, I will ask this: What are the boundaries (if any) that should be placed between being friendly and being in an authority role? I have my own ideas, but let's hear yours!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Rain, Rain...don't go away
Wow, it certainly has been raining with a thundering (literally) fury hear in southern California. I think I even heard of a tornado warning in Los Angeles not too long ago? So what is one to do in this deluge of storms?
Well, I like to celebrate by riding my bike through it...at least that's what I tell myself when I am being soaked, not only from above but also from below, courtesy of the wheels as they fire droplets of a mixture of (enough "of's" for you?) water and fine dirt from the road...it made for an interesting entrance into my research methods class today. :) Do not worry, no reprimand was given...I think I might have detected even a glint of respect from the eyes of the instructor as if thinking, "Man, my class must be very important to brave weather like this on a bike!"...I'm not sure, what do you think? Crazy of me, or worthy of some kind of respect? Personally, I just find it fun and different, for the same monotonous route to school becomes this exciting adventure, if only in its small microcosm of time and space...the only unbearable thing, really, was the effect of the wind chill upon my hands as they gripped the handlebars-they definitely got to the point of being numb and enjoyed the hot shower I experienced after class.
So, that puts me in the comfort of my robe, to where I am now, happily typing up more of my thesis proposal. And I think back to the cost of responsibilities placed upon one's shoulders as he or she becomes older and/or advances in his/her chosen field, and came to a conclusion (this actually has been in my mind for some time, yet it came again today): As one climbs the ladder of esteem and respect from colleagues, there is an unavoidable spotlight upon the climber that only grows in diameter, which encompasses more of that person's life being viewed by those observers who are curious about what got him/her there in the first place. So much can then be under scrutiny: Personal life choices, friends, acquaintances, activities, and certainly more. I ponder this, and I think then that it is of great importance to do this: Do what you love for the sake of others, for who can have any solid foundation to question that practice? If such a practice is, well, practiced with integrity, then how can one decry such a lifestyle?
And that is what I pose as a question for the dialogue out there: As I am sure that there are divergent thinkers out there, on what possible grounds do you think one can adequately decry a lifestyle that encompasses doing what is loved for the sake (or end) of others with integrity? I can think of but one potential reason for extreme cases...but I'll leave that until next post! :) Now, what do you think?
Well, I like to celebrate by riding my bike through it...at least that's what I tell myself when I am being soaked, not only from above but also from below, courtesy of the wheels as they fire droplets of a mixture of (enough "of's" for you?) water and fine dirt from the road...it made for an interesting entrance into my research methods class today. :) Do not worry, no reprimand was given...I think I might have detected even a glint of respect from the eyes of the instructor as if thinking, "Man, my class must be very important to brave weather like this on a bike!"...I'm not sure, what do you think? Crazy of me, or worthy of some kind of respect? Personally, I just find it fun and different, for the same monotonous route to school becomes this exciting adventure, if only in its small microcosm of time and space...the only unbearable thing, really, was the effect of the wind chill upon my hands as they gripped the handlebars-they definitely got to the point of being numb and enjoyed the hot shower I experienced after class.
So, that puts me in the comfort of my robe, to where I am now, happily typing up more of my thesis proposal. And I think back to the cost of responsibilities placed upon one's shoulders as he or she becomes older and/or advances in his/her chosen field, and came to a conclusion (this actually has been in my mind for some time, yet it came again today): As one climbs the ladder of esteem and respect from colleagues, there is an unavoidable spotlight upon the climber that only grows in diameter, which encompasses more of that person's life being viewed by those observers who are curious about what got him/her there in the first place. So much can then be under scrutiny: Personal life choices, friends, acquaintances, activities, and certainly more. I ponder this, and I think then that it is of great importance to do this: Do what you love for the sake of others, for who can have any solid foundation to question that practice? If such a practice is, well, practiced with integrity, then how can one decry such a lifestyle?
And that is what I pose as a question for the dialogue out there: As I am sure that there are divergent thinkers out there, on what possible grounds do you think one can adequately decry a lifestyle that encompasses doing what is loved for the sake (or end) of others with integrity? I can think of but one potential reason for extreme cases...but I'll leave that until next post! :) Now, what do you think?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Windy Morning, It Carries a Promise
As I am sitting here typing, I must apologize for the delay by which this post finally reaches my blog. However, it would seem that this is serendipitous in light of the comment left upon the last post. I guess I am a little confused as to the rationale when "paintcolor2" suggested I post a few times a week at the most (was it for my business or the business of the readers that you suggest this, paintcolor2?...please let me know if you read this!) Also to the person behind the avatar, thank you for the encouraging comments regarding your perspective and report on how people have enjoyed reading this blog. :) My response to that is: If you thought that was anything, then let us buckle up, because this ship is only going to sail faster as life goes by! (And by this, I simply am inputting a bit of my own philosophy: As one gets older, accumulates more responsibility, and becomes more knowledgeable, life will only get more crazy, go by quickly, and simply become more difficult. My response to this is this: If we find that life is hard, then rejoice! Because you have not then numbed yourself to the radical responsibilities to which you are uniquely bound to serve those around you. In other words, you are right on the money with that assumption (For a more systematic perspective on the notion that "life is difficult," please see Dr. Scott Peck's book "The Road Less Traveled.").
Which transitions me nicely to my main point of thought this fine (and windy!) evening...how much extra time is REALLY needed to extend yourself just a little more to show others you care, that you are sensitive to their thoughts and feelings, or simply that you are a human too (and not just a bundle of programmed responses!). I seem to be beating this general topic of demands upon one's time, but I find that it is something that deserves more thought, as it seems to be relevant within a culture that rewards those who find ways to be more productive, which is largely tied to the time a given individual possesses.
I do not presume to know what you, the reader's, view is on this, yet I would presume that many of us struggle between this notion of empathic sympathizing for whomever may be around vs. the myriad of obligations obstructing your path. I confess, I often choose the option of smoothly cutting conversations that I have with others as short as possible in order to give more time to my private endeavors. By no means am I saying that the accomplishments achieved throughout daily grindings inherently detract from one's social development, but I would propose that there may be a healthy balance between the two, which is more attainable than many may believe.
It is here that I make this point short, yet simply sweet: Do you have AT LEAST five minutes?... Just dwell upon that notion and whatever it may mean to you for a while. To me, it implies that I indeed have at least the time to call a friend today, a friend with whom I have neglected to talk for too long. It suggests that I am certainly capable of responding to my classmates' comments about his/her day in a sympathetic manner. Perhaps I can significantly contribute my classmates in that simple way or start a lasting relationship. Who can honestly predict that may occur because of those extra five minutes? Is it then not worth that sacrifice in time to gain a friend who may provide priceless support later in life's struggle?
I know this may be an old topic, but let us freshen this up a little: What implications do you see for your own life if you were to use five minutes to maintain or create a relational connection to others around you?
Which transitions me nicely to my main point of thought this fine (and windy!) evening...how much extra time is REALLY needed to extend yourself just a little more to show others you care, that you are sensitive to their thoughts and feelings, or simply that you are a human too (and not just a bundle of programmed responses!). I seem to be beating this general topic of demands upon one's time, but I find that it is something that deserves more thought, as it seems to be relevant within a culture that rewards those who find ways to be more productive, which is largely tied to the time a given individual possesses.
I do not presume to know what you, the reader's, view is on this, yet I would presume that many of us struggle between this notion of empathic sympathizing for whomever may be around vs. the myriad of obligations obstructing your path. I confess, I often choose the option of smoothly cutting conversations that I have with others as short as possible in order to give more time to my private endeavors. By no means am I saying that the accomplishments achieved throughout daily grindings inherently detract from one's social development, but I would propose that there may be a healthy balance between the two, which is more attainable than many may believe.
It is here that I make this point short, yet simply sweet: Do you have AT LEAST five minutes?... Just dwell upon that notion and whatever it may mean to you for a while. To me, it implies that I indeed have at least the time to call a friend today, a friend with whom I have neglected to talk for too long. It suggests that I am certainly capable of responding to my classmates' comments about his/her day in a sympathetic manner. Perhaps I can significantly contribute my classmates in that simple way or start a lasting relationship. Who can honestly predict that may occur because of those extra five minutes? Is it then not worth that sacrifice in time to gain a friend who may provide priceless support later in life's struggle?
I know this may be an old topic, but let us freshen this up a little: What implications do you see for your own life if you were to use five minutes to maintain or create a relational connection to others around you?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
A Bright Morning, Lined with Hope...
As I awoke this morning, I could already see a pattern developing: The obligations of the day will likely set the timing of my daily postings. So, I believe, as a part of my morning routine, I can commit to a morning posting much better than an evening posting, which was my initial expectation.
After rising from a slumber upon a bed not my own (offered by some kind individuals who are friends of my fiance, enabling me to circumvent the necessity of an hour's drive back to where I live after visiting her for the weekend), I opened my email to find some more comments concerning my last posting "A Little Late...". Thanks to those individuals who took the time to read through my fatigue-inducing post, especially to one of the authors of the book (Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions: Standards and Cases, 3rd. Ed., by Gerald Koocher and Patricia Keith-Spiegel) to which I referred in the post (you can see comments below the post to which they refer by clicking upon the "comments" link below the post). It is personally an encouraging act to see that those from higher positions of authority within the field of psychology actually take their strained time to view something as humble as a blog-posting that contains reference to their work. Again, thanks to you who contribute to the dynamic flow of the conversations I wish to bring to the table, so to speak.
My thoughts now continue in the vein I began in the previous paragraph: The peripheral friends of friends, family, or other significant people. All too often, I find myself discounting their value, perhaps even graduating to the level of a "parasitic sucker" as I accept their kindness (eg. sharing the coffee that they made for themselves this morning, sharing their room to allow me rest for the night, taking the time out of their own lives as busy grad students and volunteers in the community, etc.) without thought of their extra-ordinary kindness and how I might return that warm nature back to them. Yet now I find myself being humbled (yet again) in recalling that very recent experience that I had with the sharing of a room, a bed, and a cup of coffee.
Is it not a beautiful thing to witness these acts of kindness by individuals with whom you have no prior engagement? Further, is it not a shame that such acts are not as often recounted in news headlines, radio waves, or the internet? Since I have begun listening to KNX 1070 News Radio (which is an excellent means by which one can be quickly brought up to speed about current events; very helpful, if you ask me), I cannot help but be overwhelmed by waves of anguish and sadness that exist out there in LA county and in the world... I realize this comment is likely a simple addition to the noise of babble about the unfortunate state of affairs the world is in due to natural disasters, terrorist acts, desperate acts, etc.; however, I wish to propose something so simple, that, perhaps, everyone has already considered this, but considered it too elementary to offer in the midst of such confusion. Although, as a person who practices the Christian faith, I am personally taken by paradoxical thoughts, so this may be all the more appropriate. Perhaps by seeking more of those uncelebrated acts of kindness and reporting a greater percentage of those rather than an unbalanced report of mostly negative news, the injection of thoughts and images that relate to kind acts will fill the minds of the public more, creating an overflow of those thoughts into actions. This would not simply be a removal of ALL negative headlines, but it would encompass a positive mindset despite the negative news. Yes, this is certainly an idealistic notion, yet I believe it to be a noble one.
So, this is the concept that I bring for conversation: I am a recipient of kindness. This is a simple idea and I embrace it. I love those people that give me that kindness, and it engenders a flame that begs to be passed to others for shared warmth. I think I will help share that flame today by writing some Thank You notes to friends and family. I am a sucker for letter-writing... I'm picking up my pen now... and I shall share that experience tomorrow :)
After rising from a slumber upon a bed not my own (offered by some kind individuals who are friends of my fiance, enabling me to circumvent the necessity of an hour's drive back to where I live after visiting her for the weekend), I opened my email to find some more comments concerning my last posting "A Little Late...". Thanks to those individuals who took the time to read through my fatigue-inducing post, especially to one of the authors of the book (Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions: Standards and Cases, 3rd. Ed., by Gerald Koocher and Patricia Keith-Spiegel) to which I referred in the post (you can see comments below the post to which they refer by clicking upon the "comments" link below the post). It is personally an encouraging act to see that those from higher positions of authority within the field of psychology actually take their strained time to view something as humble as a blog-posting that contains reference to their work. Again, thanks to you who contribute to the dynamic flow of the conversations I wish to bring to the table, so to speak.
My thoughts now continue in the vein I began in the previous paragraph: The peripheral friends of friends, family, or other significant people. All too often, I find myself discounting their value, perhaps even graduating to the level of a "parasitic sucker" as I accept their kindness (eg. sharing the coffee that they made for themselves this morning, sharing their room to allow me rest for the night, taking the time out of their own lives as busy grad students and volunteers in the community, etc.) without thought of their extra-ordinary kindness and how I might return that warm nature back to them. Yet now I find myself being humbled (yet again) in recalling that very recent experience that I had with the sharing of a room, a bed, and a cup of coffee.
Is it not a beautiful thing to witness these acts of kindness by individuals with whom you have no prior engagement? Further, is it not a shame that such acts are not as often recounted in news headlines, radio waves, or the internet? Since I have begun listening to KNX 1070 News Radio (which is an excellent means by which one can be quickly brought up to speed about current events; very helpful, if you ask me), I cannot help but be overwhelmed by waves of anguish and sadness that exist out there in LA county and in the world... I realize this comment is likely a simple addition to the noise of babble about the unfortunate state of affairs the world is in due to natural disasters, terrorist acts, desperate acts, etc.; however, I wish to propose something so simple, that, perhaps, everyone has already considered this, but considered it too elementary to offer in the midst of such confusion. Although, as a person who practices the Christian faith, I am personally taken by paradoxical thoughts, so this may be all the more appropriate. Perhaps by seeking more of those uncelebrated acts of kindness and reporting a greater percentage of those rather than an unbalanced report of mostly negative news, the injection of thoughts and images that relate to kind acts will fill the minds of the public more, creating an overflow of those thoughts into actions. This would not simply be a removal of ALL negative headlines, but it would encompass a positive mindset despite the negative news. Yes, this is certainly an idealistic notion, yet I believe it to be a noble one.
So, this is the concept that I bring for conversation: I am a recipient of kindness. This is a simple idea and I embrace it. I love those people that give me that kindness, and it engenders a flame that begs to be passed to others for shared warmth. I think I will help share that flame today by writing some Thank You notes to friends and family. I am a sucker for letter-writing... I'm picking up my pen now... and I shall share that experience tomorrow :)
Friday, January 8, 2010
A Little Late...
Thanks to those who have seen this blog and posted a comment thus far! :)
It has only been 2 1/2 days, yet I already have some people reading, which is encouraging. I apologize for not posting anything yesterday, as I was fully committed to either, reading, driving, or attending class up until the point my head hit this pillow...
So, now I shall submit an entry that will serve as yesterday's, fair enough?
The transition from two days ago to last morning was difficult, in large part due to the amount of sleep I lost. Yes, I think I got 6 hours, which is actually NOT very bad, for an average graduate student (for those who have not filled such a role before, yes, the loss of an average of two to one hours per night of sleep is quite normal, for me and for any other student I have conversed with). With the lagging start to the morning still in my head, I proceeded to crack my Law and Ethics course texts open and get some reading done, before I wait until the last night before the next class. What I find in those books are fascinating...
As future psychologists/therapists, it is almost a given fact that requires no forethought to consider that ethics should be central to the work within such a profession. However, I find that the case examples within one of my books (Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions, 3rd Ed., Koocher and Keith-Spiegel) (which are all based upon real cases) display something opposite of that assumption. I find psychologists who, after being threatened to be taken into a small claims court for allegedly over-charging for therapy sessions for an ex-client, goes completely overboard with vengeance and hires a burglar to frame his ex-client with incriminating evidence planted by the burglar, which is to point the authorities to the ex-client. Thankfully, the burglar had a big mouth and a loose tongue when under the influence of alcohol, so he naturally slipped the whole plot and ended it before anything could begin. Other stories (some not as strange and others completely off the deep end) abound. I am led to wonder "Why?" and "How?" Why do these men and women, under the guise of trust and high standards of ethics sink so low and even attempt to continue practicing their profession? How could they even get to the point of getting licensed in the first place? Conveniently, the same book also lists the answers to those questions, which I won't get into an exhaustive list now, yet it leads me to an unnerving conclusion: I am no less vulnerable in committing these violations of the Ethics Code than those in the case examples. Many of these mental health professionals were well-meaning people who, along the way, experienced either carelessness in simple judgment or allowed the stresses to accumulate to the point of breaking.
As a grad student, the stresses easily accumulate for me, and, so easily, they cause me to make excuses and cut corners wherever I can. Now, before I go on, a certain amount of efficiency is needed in order to survive as a student; however, there is this fine line between what can be called "efficiency" and what can be termed "cutting corners".
So, that is what I offer up to the conversation: In the midst of accumulating duties, obligations, and stresses, how might one stay on task at the "efficient" level and not transition into the area of "cutting corners"?
It would seem that one of the best strategies in my experience has been to keep a social network around you, which can help you see outside yourself. If the bonds of trust go deep enough, one can divulge the day's activities, and get a warning back from a friend if the actions exhibit any "red flags"...
It has only been 2 1/2 days, yet I already have some people reading, which is encouraging. I apologize for not posting anything yesterday, as I was fully committed to either, reading, driving, or attending class up until the point my head hit this pillow...
So, now I shall submit an entry that will serve as yesterday's, fair enough?
The transition from two days ago to last morning was difficult, in large part due to the amount of sleep I lost. Yes, I think I got 6 hours, which is actually NOT very bad, for an average graduate student (for those who have not filled such a role before, yes, the loss of an average of two to one hours per night of sleep is quite normal, for me and for any other student I have conversed with). With the lagging start to the morning still in my head, I proceeded to crack my Law and Ethics course texts open and get some reading done, before I wait until the last night before the next class. What I find in those books are fascinating...
As future psychologists/therapists, it is almost a given fact that requires no forethought to consider that ethics should be central to the work within such a profession. However, I find that the case examples within one of my books (Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions, 3rd Ed., Koocher and Keith-Spiegel) (which are all based upon real cases) display something opposite of that assumption. I find psychologists who, after being threatened to be taken into a small claims court for allegedly over-charging for therapy sessions for an ex-client, goes completely overboard with vengeance and hires a burglar to frame his ex-client with incriminating evidence planted by the burglar, which is to point the authorities to the ex-client. Thankfully, the burglar had a big mouth and a loose tongue when under the influence of alcohol, so he naturally slipped the whole plot and ended it before anything could begin. Other stories (some not as strange and others completely off the deep end) abound. I am led to wonder "Why?" and "How?" Why do these men and women, under the guise of trust and high standards of ethics sink so low and even attempt to continue practicing their profession? How could they even get to the point of getting licensed in the first place? Conveniently, the same book also lists the answers to those questions, which I won't get into an exhaustive list now, yet it leads me to an unnerving conclusion: I am no less vulnerable in committing these violations of the Ethics Code than those in the case examples. Many of these mental health professionals were well-meaning people who, along the way, experienced either carelessness in simple judgment or allowed the stresses to accumulate to the point of breaking.
As a grad student, the stresses easily accumulate for me, and, so easily, they cause me to make excuses and cut corners wherever I can. Now, before I go on, a certain amount of efficiency is needed in order to survive as a student; however, there is this fine line between what can be called "efficiency" and what can be termed "cutting corners".
So, that is what I offer up to the conversation: In the midst of accumulating duties, obligations, and stresses, how might one stay on task at the "efficient" level and not transition into the area of "cutting corners"?
It would seem that one of the best strategies in my experience has been to keep a social network around you, which can help you see outside yourself. If the bonds of trust go deep enough, one can divulge the day's activities, and get a warning back from a friend if the actions exhibit any "red flags"...
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A Big Push
So, today, I can still feel the dullness in my brain, which is to be blamed on my body still thinking it is vacation time. It is difficult to concentrate on the already piled mass of reading assignments that my professors expect to be read by tomorrow. In fact, I already have one professor who uses the phrase "...should have done by yesterday" when referring to certain research for his class.
So, now the quarter has just begun, and I feel totally behind on my research, my readings, and will likely soon feel behind on any writing to be do... was that to be done yesterday?
There is this enormous push to have this all done, yet the constant nagging in the back of my head (sometimes, it might be screaming in the back of my head), that utters, "If you do commit to all this, you'll be consumed by it... you will essentially become it and nothing more. Once you inundate yourself in your research and your studies, you'll have no time for a normal life once it fully grabs a hold of you and no time for your relationships, which are already lagging..." In a nutshell, this voice is like a hooded figure: I cannot tell just by looking if it is to be trusted as a companion or shunned as a devious enemy. Part of me sees the wisdom in embracing all this, allowing myself to truly become the doctor and professor that await me at the end of all this, yet I am constantly asking, "At what cost?" I want to be a whole person, that is certain. Yet, I am not certain if all this hard work can be compartmentalized so that I do not let the research and jargon eke from my pores whenever I converse or try to socialize.
So, that is what I offer for conversation: In the midst of pursuing something so engrossing, how might one still be a multifaceted individual that still participates in the community, family, and so on?
I have seen the necessity of a day planner (yes, I would loose my mind if I did not have one) and also I have seen how there must also be flexibility. There is something to be said about the one who has a strong central family unit, for I believe that to be vital for one to be whole and emotionally healthy when pursuing high standards of achievement.
So, now the quarter has just begun, and I feel totally behind on my research, my readings, and will likely soon feel behind on any writing to be do... was that to be done yesterday?
There is this enormous push to have this all done, yet the constant nagging in the back of my head (sometimes, it might be screaming in the back of my head), that utters, "If you do commit to all this, you'll be consumed by it... you will essentially become it and nothing more. Once you inundate yourself in your research and your studies, you'll have no time for a normal life once it fully grabs a hold of you and no time for your relationships, which are already lagging..." In a nutshell, this voice is like a hooded figure: I cannot tell just by looking if it is to be trusted as a companion or shunned as a devious enemy. Part of me sees the wisdom in embracing all this, allowing myself to truly become the doctor and professor that await me at the end of all this, yet I am constantly asking, "At what cost?" I want to be a whole person, that is certain. Yet, I am not certain if all this hard work can be compartmentalized so that I do not let the research and jargon eke from my pores whenever I converse or try to socialize.
So, that is what I offer for conversation: In the midst of pursuing something so engrossing, how might one still be a multifaceted individual that still participates in the community, family, and so on?
I have seen the necessity of a day planner (yes, I would loose my mind if I did not have one) and also I have seen how there must also be flexibility. There is something to be said about the one who has a strong central family unit, for I believe that to be vital for one to be whole and emotionally healthy when pursuing high standards of achievement.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The First Post!
Greetings, and welcome to my blog! :)
I am glad that you are joining me in my daily perspectives upon the seemingly ordinary and the common occurrences of everyday living. Throughout this experience, I implore anyone who feels even slightly compelled to comment upon my perspective, that they do so. Let us look at a well-rounded perspective on life that is made more complete by the multitude of perspectives we gain. I will simply offer some of my own experiences throughout the day just to give bones upon which others might add flesh.
-God Bless,
paintincolor
I am glad that you are joining me in my daily perspectives upon the seemingly ordinary and the common occurrences of everyday living. Throughout this experience, I implore anyone who feels even slightly compelled to comment upon my perspective, that they do so. Let us look at a well-rounded perspective on life that is made more complete by the multitude of perspectives we gain. I will simply offer some of my own experiences throughout the day just to give bones upon which others might add flesh.
-God Bless,
paintincolor
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