This Is Your Captain Speaking

     

     When things are calm, do you find yourself looking around for the explosion to happen at any second. That's a bit how I feel. 2011 has got me all on edge.

    But as turbulent as 2011 has begun, it's nice to finally feel like we are approaching a higher altitude with fewer speed bumps. Yes, we're still in the air, and this plane could drop at any moment. But I gave up my pilot duties long ago, and I feel more confident in the One that I have allowed to take that place. Thank, God.

    I feel for those people that hate to fly on airplanes. An hour long flight can do some serious damage to their nerves. Nevertheless, they have to go through (whether they try to sleep through it or down a few bottles of Jack) the process of overcoming their fear to get to their destination.

     That's how 2011 feels to me.

     So, I'll keep my seat belt fastened for now, I'll make myself comfortable... and simply just try and enjoy the view.

Wisdom's Knocking:

The purpose of flying is not merely for the landing.

Going Fishin'

Photo Credit: Anthony Njoku

     Here's a thought: Why not be in a relationship with someone you actually have a great deal in common with, in addition to chemistry and attraction--not just merely someone you want to look at.

     Trust me, I'm preaching to myself as well. But I just wanted to get that off my chest.

Wisdom's Knocking:

The image of a thing, may not be the reality of it's substance. 

Forever Young

      

     Do you think our culture's obsession with being young, points to an underlying fear of death? I was thinking about this the other day.

     Why, are we so obsessed with looking young and staying young in our culture, especially in Hollywood? But then I think, that if there's a recognition and value placed on aging gracefully, there in that place, inhabits an acceptance of the reality of death. And yes, death is real.

     But no one really wants to tackle and acknowledge such weighty issues, outside the realm of outlandish horror movies and cynicism especially in the land of facades and make believe. We'd rather smooth over such sobering topics and save those topics for those crazy Truth Seekers or save those fearful realities and the questions that they bring, until a later time...like never.

     But nevertheless, your fears find a way to manifest...But I digress.

     Not only does the focus of "being young" distance ourselves from the reality of our lives being like vapor, but being youthful is also equated to a sense of beauty. So somehow, being young is inherent to being beautiful in our culture.

     Although many times the definition of beauty has been narrowly defined as someone who is "young" or "younger looking", that is not always the case of beauty. In fact, Wisdom, gained through age and time, is much harder to come by than your typically celebrated beauty, and has a market value more extravagant than diamonds.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Beauty is as Beauty does.

Help

Photo Credit: David Whitlow

     

    Why do I find it so difficult to ask for help? I mean, I know that I am uber independent, but I also know that I cannot do everything on my own. And even when someone offers to help, I find myself refusing, even when I know that I need help. Oh, my foolish pride.

     If you've reached out your hand to me, and if I've refused, please don't mind my foolish pride. I need you far more than I think. Just stay persistent with me. Your love will not go unseen or unappreciated.

Wisdom's Knocking:

You don't have to always do it alone. It's okay to ask for help.

Background Noise

      

 Photo Credit: David Whitlow

     "The cocktail party effect describes the ability to focus one's listening attention on a single talker among a mixture of conversations and background noises, ignoring other conversations.  The effect enables people to talk in a noisy place. For example, when conversing in a noisy crowded party, people can still listen and understand the person they are talking with, and can simultaneously ignore background noise and conversations. Nevertheless, if someone calls out their name from across the room, people will sometimes notice (the own name effect)."

Credit: Wikipedia.org

     I find it interesting that we as human beings are able to drown out background noise in order to concentrate on the conversation that is happening in front of us.  We are able to show the person in front of us, their significance and importance. There are many things vying for our attentions and affections, but you get to chose what will win out.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Put away distractions, it's time to focus on the task at hand.