Hello and happy new month... Yay! We're now onto the third month of March. 2021 was quite a year, inundated with challenges and a whole lot of things going on. But that we are now here means that we gainfully appropriated the opportunities the past 365 days presented.
2021 may be gone, but it is a year that we can look back at and build on as we aspire to even greater achievement.
* * *
The Walkabout started way back in March 2009 with this very first post. Inspired by this scene in the S04E11 episode of LOST titled 'Cabin Fever', it was and continues to be a journey of Insight, Inspiration and Self Discovery. That was more than a decade ago.
12 years later, we have elected to take a truly exciting, refreshing approach to this enduring journey. In addition to the delightful reads you've come to love on the blog, you'll now listen to a podcast from The Walkabout.
Welcome to Walkabout Weekly Digest
Yes. Beginning this month, we shall now present for your listening pleasure, a podcast that will in just a few minutes, distill much of what we usually post on The Walkabout.
In addition, the Walkabout Weekly Digest will feature additional content than would normally be included in a blog post. The first episode comes your way on Sunday, March 06 and we plan on releasing an episode every week thereafter.
Admittedly, there is a bit of a learning curve as we delve into this new multimedia world of podcasting, but we do have the courage to change. It makes no sense to keep on waiting on the word to change when we can learn on the job and still have an impact. We shall get better at it as we get along. In under a week from now, we hit the ground running and we won't stop believin'...
DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a sob story. If anything, the only person who should be sobbing in shame is anyone who was, or still is, bitter at the genuine accomplishments of others in the stead of celebrating and encouraging them. It sucks!
The Walkabout has always been about insight, inspiration and self discovery.
Today, let us candidly say some not-too-pleasant-to-hear things about ourselves.
First off, we all love to think that we are perfect. We post photos and status updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram whose primacy is to show just how much of a good time we are having compared with others, how awesome our lives are and how infallible our thinking and "considered" opinions are. Truth be told, social networks are a big, albeit virtual pissing contest where we scamper for attention to show off in a vanity inspired "I'm better than you" contest.
So, how about we stop brown-nosing for a while, and get to hear some deeply seated concerns that have stayed hidden and largely ignored.. about how society, much as I believe it can change, can almost break someone?
This especially goes out to everyone who knew me in my childhood. It's finally time to shine the spotlight on you and reveal what most of you really were, and some still are.
I've always said that I had a difficult childhood. Growing up, I was a victim of the Tall Poppy Syndrome.
You see, I was born and raised in what I now realize was a dystopic and crapsack neighborhood in Nderu village in Limuru. Until very recently, this is a place that was considered backward and underdeveloped. Thanks to the absence of development-inducing infrastructure such as mains electricity, piped water, all weather roads and telecommunications, the inhabitants had become complacent and gotten used to things as they were. Only a few strove for better, which was achieved by either going abroad or moving away to Nairobi.
That said, a key characteristic of any crapsack society is the corruption of inhabitants into perpetuating nastiness against one another. Such a place is not at all kind to idealists, and anyone who acts differently, rises to greatness or escapes the 'social ghetto" is pulled down.
a social phenomenon in which people of genuine merit are resented,
attacked, cut down, or criticised because their talents or achievements
elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers. This is similar
to begrudgery, the resentment or envy of the success of a peer.
the Tall Poppy Syndrome is in play when a character or characters act to
achieve parity with another character who is presented or perceived as
somehow "better" not by improving themselves, but by bringing the other
guy down to their level.
Better than them
Right from the time I joined nursery school, I was the top
student. This went on in Class 1 a year later until I sat
KCPE. What kept surprising me is that I seldom had to read all that hard to pass
examinations. My siblings too, were also top in their respective classes.
You'd be forgiven to think this would result in endless joy every time results were announced and all the top positions were occupied by Mr Njenga's children. Far from it. Fellow classmates, neighbors whose children we invariably defeated in academics and most of our teachers did resent us. At times, quite openly.
I can point out several of the most vexing incidents:
In Class 3, when my class teacher simply refused to give me a Swahili textbook but still expected me to have done her holiday assignment when school reopened. It took the intervention of the Headteacher for her to change her mind.
Class 4, when one of my classmates secretly took all my books and thew them away. It took a whole evening searching where we finally found them under the school hedge.
Class 6, when another teacher openly told me that I'll not take the University Degree I'd one day get to her house, but would deliver it "kwa Njenga". All because I'd been involved in an altercation with her son. This infuriated the Deputy Headteacher, and a fortnight later, she was compelled to come over to apologize both to me and my father in our house.
Class 7, the headteacher telling my father she had heard some parents saying how they could slaughter a goat and throw a huge bash were his sons and daughters to fail exams. Thankfully, this never happened.
And I could go on and on, for every year I was in Primary School.
Every time I saw Caruso bully Chris in Everybody Hates Chris, or listen to Eric Cartman endlessly call Kyle names and even sing disparaging songs about his family in South Park, I identified with the pain. We often laugh and joke about it, but it is a serious matter to the victims.
I too, was bullied. Never beaten up, but called names, ridiculed and embarrassed by my peers for being different and better. I must say I wasn't always in the right, but there was no justifiable reason to warrant such meanness.
I therefore found solace only at home. Only in the company of my siblings and parents did I feel at peace. I got to dislike people. And got lost in the wonderful world of books where I could be physically present but mentally away in far off places. Looking back, I would have slipped into depression, even lost my mind had I not had the amazing support that I always found at home. And shame on you if you think I was too serious to take a joke from my peers. You simply do not understand.
The result was a socially awkward person who like Finch in American Pie, had to take a dump only at home. Going to school was a necessary evil, and to this day, I remain in favor of home-schooling for kids of a certain age. I still live alone in a place where I seldom encourage visits. And neither do I hang around my neighbors' homes unless it is absolutely necessary that I visit. But not to worry, I am NOT a psychopath.
To this day, I abhor crowds and go to great lengths to avoid public gatherings. School assembly throughout Primary and High School were a great deal of patience, unease and tolerance. Adjournment was always a huge sigh of relief.
I have so far only attended two weddings. One, my mother's in 2000 and the other, my sister's in 2013.
And to a great extent, this is why I spend most of the time alone in my den, reading. I am reserved and only encourage one-on-one interactions. No group excursions, and certainly no group dates. Team sports remain something I cannot stand, both watching and participating. Thankfully, there is Sudoku and Chess...
Care should be taken not to mistake this with having a low self esteem. Far from it. Those who have encountered me soon realize that the opposite in in fact true. For a long time, I always believed I was mostly right. I still tend to think of myself all too highly, bordering on harmful narcissism. At times, my words and mannerisms present me as a person who is full of himself.
I'm yet to realize why some people think looking down on others, despising them and cutting them down to size is of any gain. Despite being enormously wealthy, I am not rich. But never once have I felt bad about someone coming into great fortune. When others exceed me in certain ways (which happens all the time), I never hesitate to be genuinely happy for them, congratulate with a pat on the back as I cheer them on to greater achievement.
I do realize that it is the presence of short people that makes some people tall, that we all need one another. Every single person has a reason to be and a place in this world, just as every species of flora and fauna is necessary for a healthy ecosystem.
Why then, do people find it necessary to cut others down simply because they are different? Because they are better? Is it too hard to realize that we are united in our diversity?
As I grow wiser and get to meet some of the most amazing people in recent times, I am alive to the fact that it is no longer about me. I've had to stop focusing so much on my awesome self, and realize that it is in giving that we receive, that altruism and genuine concern for others can be most rewarding. That it always works for the greater good.
I have not only grown intellectually with time, but emotionally as well. Now willing to listen and take suggestions, I have found that the process of discovering who I really am begins with knowing who I really don't want to be. For this reason, I have learnt to forgive those who were mean to me and let go of a most imperfect past.
But all is not lost. It never is. And I did come to find most, if not all that I all along sought, only when I stopped looking. I have gradually started making appearances in public places, such as burials in the neighborhood.
In Sum
Social interactions, especially those hinged on an unpleasant past, cannot become perfect. But they can be perfected.
It may not be enough to look back at a difficult past that's inundated with painful memories and unpleasant experiences. It is not enough to wish that things turned out differently. It is definitely not enough to live with regret. Even accepting the sad realities of this life is not enough in itself. It is true that I cannot go back and make a brand-new start. But I can, and already have started, making a brand-new end.
And that is where the perfection starts.
* * *
I've never ended a single post with two YouTube tracks. Today, I get to do that.
The first one illustrates why I've largely retreated to books, inspired by the hypocrisy so well hidden in some societal expectations and its attendant conventional thinking.
The second one simply underscores the realization that all the bad is now gone, that I have forgiven, learnt, let go and moved on. I am no longer defined by my shadow days. If anything, hard times have only made me realize that I am a good man with a good heart...
For years now, we have shared a lot of inspiration, insight and self discovery on The Walkabout.
Today, we are pleased to announce an awesome partnership with our sister publication Complitly Connect Magazine, which has seen tremendous growth in both content and audience numbers since resumption of regular posting in September 2014.
Complitly Connect Magazine's success is hinged on generating & sharing original, timely, useful and highly relevant content. Updated a minimum five times a week, Connect Magazine helps you connect with what matters to you through content that has meaning, makes a difference and adds value.
Now every single morning, Connect Magazine will bring you Thought for the Day, thanks to the impressive archive we have built at The Walkabout since March 2009.
We do hope the deep quotes and insightful thoughts will greatly add value at the start of your day.
Should you have any suggestions or queries on this, kindly get in touch with us.
Thank you for your continued readership and support.
The 2013 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results were officially released yesterday by Education Cabinet Secretary, Professor Jacob Kaimenyi.
Thanks to both the overall and national schools rankings, I do feel there is an urgent need to rethink and actually do something about academic performance and the success of learning institutions in Kenya.
Sleeping Giants
A top performing school that I attended is now ranked 26th overall and 15th among National schools.
Looking back, Mang'u High School has always been among the top ten for decades, and has attained top position for a good number of years.
I do believe such drastic change in performance provides a most needed opportunity to reflect and identify the reasons why this and other schools are no longer performing as expected.
Also, and of more importance, this also serves as a poignant reminder of just how easily the mighty can fall. History has shown time and again, that the mighty do fall, with the following being both stages of decline and warning signs of impending doom:
hubris born of success
undisciplined pursuit of more
denial of risk and peril
grasping for salvation
capitulation to irrelevance or death
Whatever has in KCSE 2013 happened to Starehe Boys Centre and School, Mang'u High School and others should be a case study for us all, a cautionary tale for top schools and a source of hope for those who refuse to believe that top positions are the reserve of a chosen few. Schools which have performed dismally in the past now know that they need not acquire a culture of submission and despair. Likewise, top schools that house the elite and have acquired status now realize they can no longer promote the belief that there is a special few.
Status, wealth or attainment are the result of endeavor and not natural endowment... people of status continue to fall from grace and others with humble beginnings attain prominence.
Now is the Time to Act
In view of the foregoing, what can we as individuals do to make things better?
I have in recent days decided to share my past experiences that resulted in exemplary academic performance for over a decade of my life (between 1987 and 1998), during which time I consistently attained top position and remained top in class both in Nderu Primary and Mang'u High schools. In both primary and secondary school, I witnessed near impeccable academic success - both mine and that of my classmates. There is something students, parents and educators can learn and gainfully apply from such that.
For this reason, I have already started writing this book and commenced speaking sessions. It is my understanding that if we share both our knowledge and experiences, we can positively influence those who need those insights most.
Today's students are undoubtedly facing a wide array of challenges both in their academic pursuits and other aspirations in life. True, they do have different distractions to deal with than we had.
While these challenges may be new, and the tools with which they'll be met modern, the values upon which academic success depends remain old.
It is for this reason that I have decided to fully address myself in activities whose primacy is improvement in academic performance for our children, for that is what matters most to them now.
In any case, twenty years of each person's life are typically spent in school. Two decades is a lengthy period of time, and worth taking seriously.
Read more about:
education,
examinations,
Inspiration,
mentoring,
motivation,
nurturing,
role models,
schools,
success,
talent
Yesterday, novelist Chinua Achebe was buried in Nigeria. He died in March in New York, where he spent his sunset days following a near-fatal accident that left him largely paralyzed.
On the day of his burial, BBC Newsday ran an archive interview in which Chinua Achebe talked to Veronique Edwards. He spoke about how he'd like to be remembered. Additionally, he shared some interesting insights about tragedy, both in his life and in his written works.
When Veronique pointed out that Mr Achebe does look younger and doesn't seem resentful, Achebe found this interesting, and asked, "..resentful about what?"
In the interview, Achebe goes on to acknowledge that tragedy is ever present in life, just as it is in his books. When one asks "Why Me?" he asks "Why Not You?" When we think we should not undergo some things, Achebe wisely asks if we do have someone in mind who should instead endure the suffering.
The entire interview of Chinua Achebe speaking to the BBC's Veronique Edwards:
In addition to being a celebrated author whose books continue to shape opinion, Chinua Achebe presents a most admirable take on life, especially in the face of tragedy and what many of us consider undeserved fate.
I have in the past shared the following poem on this blog. With some accompanying commentary of course.
Today, it is all I will post. It is my hope that in reading it, you'll take from it whatever addresses your current concerns.
SPECIAL
There is a special place in life that needs your humble skill
a certain job you're meant to do, nobody else can fill
The hours are demanding and the pay is not too good
and yet you wouldn't change it for a moment even if you could.
There is a special place in life, a goal you must attain
a dream that you must follow for you wont be back again
There's a mark that you must leave however small it be
a legacy of love for those who follow after you.
There is a special place in life that only you may share
a little path that bears your name, awaiting you somewhere
There is a hand that you must hold, a word that you must say
a smile that you must give, for there are tears to blot away.
There is a special place in life that you were meant to fill
a sunny spot where flowers grow upon a windy hill
There's always a tomorrow and the best is yet to be
and somewhere in this world I know:
That there's a special place JUST FOR YOU!
Have a great afternoon!
In view of the above poem, what's your place in this world?
Enjoy :-)
The only thing worth trying when all else has failed... is again.
This is a short post, featuring words that are not from my mind, but words that a essential for a healthy mind.
These words are so profound, that I see no need to add anything to them.
Today's post goes straight to the point. I guess that's because it touches on something that is only relevant when it emanates straight from the heart.
It is about true friendship.
Late in April this year, I took time to examine the kind of friends I have. Interestingly, there is no shortage of fair-weather friends - those who are invariably there when all is well. Genuine friends however, are few and far between.
A Brighter World
True friends brighten our lives. They add value. They inspire. They motivate. They are worth our while.
They may not seem to have much about and around them, but they also bring out the best in us.
If it seems like I'm shining brightly
It's probably a reflection of something you already are...
It's surprising how inspiring
It is to see you shining
Cause in the dark of the night you're all i can see
and you sure look like a star to me
This is definitely a most awesome song that you should listen to every now and then.
Cluck, cluck
On both Saturday, 30th April and Sunday, 1st May 2011, I had the opportunity to watch a number of chicks hatch at my place.
Admittedly, this wasn't my first time to witness the first day of a chicken's life. It however struck me that we can learn a thing or two from chicken, besides appropriating their eggs and meat.
For 21 days, I had watched one of my hens sit on the eggs. It simply stared, and rarely moved or ate. It patiently incubated the eggs, waiting for the day the chicks would hatch.
That eventually happened on May 01.
Back to the hatching chicks, I noticed that they first crack the egg shell with their beaks. I assume this enables the chick to take in oxygen from outside and around the egg. Refreshed and somewhat strengthened, the chick now starts kicking with its legs. Ultimately, this kicking is what cracks open the egg for the chick to emerge and say hello to the real world.
Interestingly, the mother hen does not interfere in this process at all. It takes no part in opening up the eggs, inasmuch as the chicks begin calling out while still within the egg. All the hen does is keep cluck, perhaps assuring them that it is well outside the egg.
To me, this initial struggle the chicks have to successfully endure is what makes them able to live once they exit the egg. It is their first test in a world that only favors the strong. In my case, two chicks which were fully formed but inadequately warmed up died during this struggle.
Legends
A few days ago, I watched Legendary, the 2010 WWE movie starring John Cena, Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover and Devon Graye. It is the story of Cal Chetley, a young class nerd who confidently stands up to bullies, seeks the help of his emotionally distant brother in becoming a better wrestler, and finally brings his family together.
It is worth noting that Cal didn't win in the final match, but his struggle finally paid off and earned him respect from the entire school community, including the bullies who previously picked on him.
Made Stronger
The thing with struggle, is that it makes us stronger. Coupled with purpose, struggling raises our hopes. It enhances our positive outlook. And sometimes, it makes us legends - even if it be only in our minds.
In closing, we take another look at what Harry Newman said about struggle:
Not all legends are about victory. Some are about struggle, finding out who you are and your reason for being.
The following post was originally published as a Facebook Note on November 29, 2008. It was predicated on Cock and Bull Stories on Ken Njuguna Ngishili's blog, a place to go for inspirational and reflective posts any day.
Following are some enduring excerpts:
One day, I decided to quit. I wanted to quit my job, to quit my relationships, to quit my spirituality; I even wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. “God”, I said. “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”
His answer surprised me. “Look around”.....
“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.” ....
.... “In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit.”
“Then. in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge they could not handle.” He said to me.
“Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you! Don’t compare yourself to others. The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come,” God said to me. “You will rise high”.
... “Yes.” He said, “Give me glory by rising as high as you can. And remember.. I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I will never give up on you. I will never, ever quit on you.”
What do you think?
P.S: Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth.
* * *
I like to think about the man in the arena... whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly...
In essence, he rises again.
Well, it's been quite a while since I last wrote anything online. You see, a few days before April 01, 2011, I decided to re-purpose my entire ComplitCommunications.com web site. This called for much needed time to read, research, train and rejuvenate in readiness for a major comeback in creative writing and communication design.
To this end, I stopped posting on The Walkabout, Complit Design, Green Initiatives in Kenya and the Connect eMagazine blogs. Furthermore, I gracefully exited Facebook, Twitter and online chat. It was no longer necessary to recklessly share my stuff online.
That done, I suddenly realized just how awesome it was to finally have my life back, with minimal distractions and lots of time to read, plan my writing, communication design projects and other pertinent life issues. I started feeling like Blake Richman.
It was while voraciously reading that I came across Laurie's blog. This adventurous writer has in nearly all the posts I read, given me the nudge I needed to get back to writing. It finally dawned on me that I need to continuously write. I do have a lot to share, and it's only by writing that I can best add value both in my life and those of others.
This then, is my initial 'comeback' effort. The other aforementioned Complit blogs and the larger Complit Communications web site will be rolled out at the appointed time in July 2011. In the meantime, I continue to write as I learn and share on this walkabout - a journey of insight, inspiration and self discovery. Posting will be more frequent than before, very concise, timely and highly relevant. I'll also regularly keep you posted on the books that I am currently writing and the online magazine that my team and I will launch soon.
Finally, I am further persuaded to continue writing every time I look at Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. This is one book I very strongly recommend to anyone who wants needs to write. In this book, King tells his life story and has some priceless advice for any writer worth his salt.
So to all you out there who love a good read online, it just got better. Stand by for some cool posts, hopefully every day and some interaction on your blog(s) as well. Cheers!
Read more about:
Blogging,
Inspiration,
Reading,
Writing
"The important thing is not that we can live on hope alone,
but that life is not worth living without it."
- Harvey Milk
We know that animals usually act instinctively. They however willfully do some things that totally amaze us.
There is a lot that we can learn from animals.
Unwavering Hope
Faced with danger, some animals will exhibit highly unconventional behavior.
Consider the following monkey that literally escaped from a crocodile's jaws.
I bet the monkey will now live its life to the fullest, having got a second chance in life. :)
In the following video, an elephant demonstrates that we only start dying when we lose hope, that it is never too late to try yet again. Carefully look at what happens between 06:48 and 08:48.
"Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.
And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."
- Steve Jobs
The new year is now upon us and with it comes many hopes and promises. We do have great expectations of what to accomplish this year before 2012 says hello. Driven by resolutions, many of us have already started doing the needful towards that end.
Looking back however, you may have been trying to make some changes in life or to attain your mandate in line with some set objectives, but failed to do so within the specified time.
Should you feel hopeless in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds this year, remember that you can refuse to stay around or even take with you, a past that no longer does you right.
Back in the day, I strongly believed that determination was inspired by, and predicated on a strong will.
Willpower, as my High School deputy School Captain often said, was what "enables a bird to fly even with a broken wing. Willpower is what makes an athlete take a rebound shot after failing on the first attempt."
Saying NO
With time however, I have come to realize that determination also depends, sometimes to a larger extent, on an even stronger won't. This is where the self-discipline component of willpower kicks in.
The ability to unrelentingly say NO to temptations, failure, discouragement, rejection and innumerable other negative reinforcements is an enduring hallmark of a strong character.
Value Systems
Ou actions are mostly informed by our belief and value systems. We often do what we believe is the right thing.
In this regard, we should never stop believing... so long as what we believe is indeed what is right and worthwhile.
Finally, we take time to wind up this post with words from Journey's wildly popular hit song: 'Don't Stop Believing'.
the second, that it does not suffer for company, not even of its own kind;
the third, that it aims its beak to the skies;
the fourth, that it does not have a definite color;
the fifth, that it sings very softly.
- San Juan de la Cruz, Dichos de Luz y Amor (from Carlos Castaneda's Tales of Power)
Solitary Pete?
For a long time, many of my friends have taken issue with my insistence on being alone most of the time.
In my world, the best moments are those that I spend time alone, usually while taking a walk. That is when ideas come flooding into my ready mind, a time when I actually notice whatever it is I see, when I get to listen to whatever I hear.
Solitude vs Loneliness
While it is true that "People get depressed when they are alone too long" [page 11 of this document], I have taken care of this problem through virtual means - by listening to music, talk radio shows, having a network of people I chat with every day and most important, lovingly rearing four pets [two puppies and two kittens].
Back in 2008, Brian Tracy wrote 'The Magic of Solitude.' He opines that in silence and solitude, many have learned how to "still their minds, tap into their super-conscious power... a wonderful technique that improves the quality of one's inner and outer life."
Helter Skelter
Interestingly, many of us have never taken time to be all alone by ourselves. For such persons, every moment is inundated with friends, work and a myriad of other things seeking their immediate attention.
Life gradually becomes one long unending busy moment. This monotonous engagement often leaves one worn out, with no time to relax or rejuvenate. Sleep hours will in most cases be truncated to create time for even more activities.
So how do you actually get to relax?
In his article, Brian Tracy recommends that you do the following:
"sit quietly, perfectly still, back and head erect, eyes open, without cigarettes, candy, writing materials, music or any interruptions whatsoever for at least 30 minutes. An hour is better.
Become completely relaxed, and breathe deeply. Just let your mind flow. Don't deliberately try to think about anything. The harder you "don't try," the more powerfully it works. After 20 or 25 minutes, you'll begin to feel deeply relaxed. You'll begin to experience a flow of energy coming into your mind and body."
Idea Lab
In my experience, ideas flow really well and uninterrupted when we take time to relax and do away with all the clutter. As earlier mentioned, even the best ideas will need a ready mind for them to be implemented to full realization.
In view of the foregoing, take time to relax, to be in step with your inner self, and to harness the amazing power of solitude.
"The will to meaning is the basic motivation for human life." -
Viktor Frankl (Holocaust survivor)
A Better Understanding
Seeking meaning and purpose is perhaps the singular reason that human beings progress. This is what makes life worth living, as we seek a deeper understanding of ourselves and life, despite its attendant complexities.
Even in the face of suffering, humanity is still defined by a will that is largely predicated on this very search for wisdom, purpose and direction.
Cries from the Heart
As we encounter many things in life, we still keep believing that there are answers to many of life's questions. At times, we get drained and want more while on this search. But we still continue to believe.
While some seek understanding in the sciences, technology and varied belief systems, others search within. Still, others seek answers from the supernatural or from a higher power. All these are Cries from the Heart which have continued since time began.
Stories of Struggle and Hope
Human struggle is as ubiquitous as the air we breath. It is indeed true that life is not a bed of roses. And even when we insist on looking and focusing on the roses amongst thorns, we cannot wish away the thorns which keep pricking our sides, we still have to attend to various pertinent issues in our lives.
Cries from the Heart is a book written by Johanne Christoph Arnold. He is a counsellor and pastor who has served over twenty five years. He has written several other books, many of which you can get on his website.
Book Contents
CONTENTS
to the reader 7
foreword 9
1. searching – God finds an atheist 11
2. finding – is someone really there? 18
3. believing – even when children die? 24
4. universality – call it what you will 31
5. god’s messengers – angels at work 38
6. emotional suffering – when you can’t pray 45
7. illness – where the doctor leaves off 54
8. despair – talking to a wall 69
9. attitude – thank God I’m not like that! 83
10. reverence – meet your maker 95
11. letting go – my will be done 105
12. remorse – when you’ve messed up 114
13. protection – alive to tell it 126
14. selflessness – someone needs you 134
15. service – words are not enough 140
16. contemplation – be quiet and listen 149
17. worship – giving thanks in a death camp 160
18. unity – divided we fall 166
19. marriage – unlocking horns 171
20. unanswered prayer – isn’t “no” an answer? 179
21. miracles – what do you expect? 186
22. prayer in daily life – keeping the faith 199
23. faithfulness – one thing never changes 207
Get the FREE eBook
Let me know if you'd like me to Email you this eBook. You can however download it directly at ChristophArnold.com.
I hope you'll like it and find it worth your while. Be sure to share with others too.
“Once awareness is free,
intent will redirect it into a new evolutionary path.”
- Carlos Castaneda
Well, I have always believed in Learning and Sharing. Because only then can we individually and collectively become better persons, by positively affecting the lives of those we interact with.
That said, I recently downloaded a very profound eBook by one Dr. David Richo [no relations].
The book is titled "Human Becoming. Practical Steps to Self-Respect and Compassionate Relationships" It is in fact a collection of excerpts from his many books and manuscripts.
Dr Richo introduces the book this way:
"We are put on earth a little space,
That we may learn to bear the beams of love."
– William Blake
It is my considered opinion that you'll find this book worthwhile.
After reading the Introduction, I am so looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
Following is an excerpt of the Introduction:
FIRST THINGS FIRST
"There is a grace-full force in us and in the universe. It is a lively energy that is always at work so that we will become fully human. To be fully human is to be as loving as we can be, as free of ego fear and clinging, and as generous as we can be with our innate gifts and talents. This takes psychological work on ourselves and a spiritual practice. When we are committed to such a program, we feel joy and self-respect because we are fulfilling our deepest purpose in life."
PRACTICAL STEPS
"Practical steps are about doing things in new ways. But doing is not the whole picture. We are also receiving graces that assist us. We become fully human not by our efforts alone but also by the assistance of a higher power than our ego that complements our psychological work and our spiritual practice. Abundant grace is surrounding us right now and can be trusted to help us cross our next bridge or threshold."
The chapters are as follows:
Who we really are
Our personal purpose and calling
In the house of the healthy psyche
Dialoguing with the inner critic
Building self-respect and lovingkindness
The givens of life: the things we cannot change
The f.a.c.e. of ego
Befriending our shadow
How to s.e.e.
The cradling technique
Freedom from fears: an inventory and affirmations
Working with abandonment and engulfment fears
Handling our loneliness
Standing alone at the edge of the void
A checklist on boundaries in relationship
Conflict vs. drama
Anger or abuse?
No more punishing or placating
Releasing guilt and forgiveness
When our feelings are hurt
Love and control
Pausing to find our space
Mindfulness
Love as a practice
Lovingkindness
Egoless love
Fate or destiny?
Wholeness within
Unconditional love
Conclusion: What makes us human
"You've gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along." - Mama Cass Elliot
Inspiration from LOST
All this week, we are featuring posts that are inspired by the TV Show LOST. The final Season of LOST premieres on February 2nd.
Make Your Own Kind of Music
Today, we examine how one can define their own success and thereby make their own kind of music.
[caption id="attachment_531" align="aligncenter" width="248" caption="Make Your Own Kind of Music by Mama Cass Elliot"][/caption]
Mama Cass Elliot's Make Your Own Kind of Music has been featured on several episodes of LOST, mainly in Season 2. Read more about this song on Lostpedia.
Following are the song lyrics:
Nobody can tell ya There's only one song worth singing They may try and sell ya Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you
But you've gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along
You're gonna be nowhere The loneliest kind of lonely It may be rough going Just to do your thing's the hardest thing to do
But you've gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along
So if you cannot take my hand And if you must be going I will understand
You've gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along
You've gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music
The above lyrics and artist names are copyrighted to Mama Cass Elliot. They appear here for educational and personal use only.
Defining Your Sucess - a kinder, gentler philosophy
Alain de Botton gave a very insightful talk at TED:
In a world that is increasingly shaped by popular opinion, many find themselves living other people's dreams and constantly succumb to what is acceptable by many.
When they don't measure up to what society defines as success, a lot of people get frustrated.
This should not be the case, if only we would become more decisive and seek to live purpose-driven, fulfilling lives.
"...can't change the past. Can't do it. Whatever happened, happened. We're the variables. People. We think. We reason. We make choices. We have free will. We can change our destiny."
- Daniel Faraday (LOST s05ep14, The Variable)
LOST
I begin today's post by proudly confessing that I'm a Lostie (an ardent fan of the TV Series LOST). In fact, this entire blog was inspired by LOST. Specifically, Matthew Abaddon's challenge that John Locke go on a walkabout - a journey of self discovery. All this happened in Season 4 episode 11 [Cabin Fever]. Read The Walkabout's first post here.
LOST is a very compelling drama which has won awards and kept fans all over the world watching, thinking and discussing the show's rich content. Depending on how you look at it, there is quite a lot to learn from LOST.
This week on The Walkabout, we shall feature posts directly inspired by LOST, as we await the highly anticipated LOST Season 6 premier on February 2, 2009.
The Variable
Our lead quote is from the LOST season 5 episode 14 episode, The Variable. This episode focuses on Daniel Faraday's quest to avert a catastrophic event on the Island. Knowing that a release of massive energy at the Swan Station would trigger the events that would ultimately lead to the disappearance of Flight 815, Daniel decides to prevent this from happening by detonating a hydrogen bomb.
Minutes before Faraday died, he tells Jack Shepherd the following:
Daniel Faraday: But... we can change that. I studied relativistic physics my entire life. One thing emerged over and over ...can't change the past. Can't do it. Whatever happened, happened. All right? But then I finally realized... I had been spending so much time focused on the constants, I forgot about the variables. Do you know what the variables in these equations are, Jack? Jack Shepherd: No. Faraday: Us. We're the variables. People. We think. We reason. We make choices. We have free will. We can change our destiny.
The above dialogue is in the following video:
It should be noted that before going to the island, Daniel Faraday suffered severe psychological problems. In fact, he had lost his mental acuity and lived with a caretaker.
Shaping an Uncertain Destiny
Admittedly, we cannot alter the past. What is in the past has already happened, and therefore cannot change.
Just like Daniel Faraday, we spend too much time in our lives focusing on and trying to change "constants" - things that are bound to remain the same.
It is instructive that we change that which we can and ought to, only then can we realize our objectives and realize our goals.
by Yolanda Adams
by Abba
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