Clarity

A dream to me is a massive collection of our thoughts. Dreams keep our wants, desires ,and fears a secret. Our dreams are our most private thoughts. I do not dream often. Usually when I do I dream about difficult things I go through. My troubles usually work itself out in my dream.  My dreams allow me a little comfort for problems that I cannot fix.The most recent dream I had was about relaxation. I have been pretty stressed out in school and barely have enough time for what I want to do. As I woke up early to do this blog, I quickly fell back to sleep due to complete exhaustion. I work a lot and I have a lot of homework. I barely get time to myself or time to just rest. I have not had a dream in a long time so I clueless what to write about first. I took a short nap in hopes that I would dream and finally have something to write about. As soon as I took a nap, I had a vivid dream. The dream was about what I would be doing in my free time. In my dream I took some time out to be with some of my friends and family.  I always try to hang out with my friends or family when I have complete days off (off from work and school). I feel like they both are a priority and I should spend time with them before I spend any time alone. In this dream I went out with 2 of my friends and my sister. We went out to dinner because that is one of my favorite outings. In this dream I left and went to the bathroom for a long period of time.  For some reason it felt like I did not want to leave, I just wanted to sit in the bathroom and not entertain. So I locked myself in there for hours just sitting and resting. At this moment I finally felt like I had some time alone. I was in complete solitude and left alone with my thoughts.  In the dream my friend text me so we could leave. I ignored it for a while and continued to rest and sit. Then she text me again and I quickly got up.   It was amazing to me how your world can be so quickly interrupted by present day technology. We are now so dependent on cell phones. We always find cell phones a necessity to keep in touch.  We would be in great distress if the line of communication was cut. I think sometimes it is necessary. The last part of my dream was very significant.  I took out my frustrations in my dream. At the end of my dream I let out this huge cry and walked out the door. Not because I didn’t want to go to dinner. It was because I was being interrupted. People are often impatient and won’t let you take your time.  This dream to me really demonstrates mans need to be alone. Man cannot always surround himself with people. He needs some time alone to be left with his thoughts. We all need a time of reflection. I call this lovely solitude a moment of clarity. Having a clear mind, even for just a moment is important in my life. I feel it helps me to maintain balance and order. If I never take a moment of reflection I would be doing terrible in school, and my relationships would suffer. I take time out to myself because the world can wait .I take this moment to be selfish and do what I need for myself. Dreams can be anything you want them to be. You can have joy and pain in your dream.  It can show you unconsciously what life’s priories are.

Learning is constant

Identity can be formed in an infinite number of ways. The main way it is formed is through popular culture and family relations. Family usually has the most honest opinion and impact on the choices that we make. They can determine your career, which you marry, or even to how many children you have. The power of opinion can change our lives. I believe those who are closest to you have the most effect on our identity. This is especially true for my family when they disapprove of my choices. I really take their opinions into consideration because my family knows me better than I know myself. I think this relates to having an open-mind.  I dislike those who criticize me or pass judgment on me, although they are unaware of my circumstances. They have no insight into my life; therefore they cannot disapprove of my choices, or formulate an accurate opinion.  Being open-minded allows you to learn and grow. It makes you reexamine life’s choices, and rigorously analyze your decisions. With this in mid we must also to some degree take into consideration what strangers and acquaintances say. A great example would be the comments customers make to you. My coworker who is very rude in general, has been told by customers that she is rude and unprofessional. Sometimes strangers can give an honest opinion on our flaws. It effects how they view you because if you are constantly ignoring their advice or statements, they could see you as irresponsible. When people give advice they expect you to at least follow it to some degree. Your choices affect those around you. Being a rebel is not necessarily a positive thing. We all have to conform to societies standards. Not only is it natural, but necessary. Selfishness can only isolate a person.

            Opinions of others effect how I judge myself in a number of ways. The most important way it affects me is that it makes me realize the brutal truth.  If I am rude, or handling a situation the wrong way, especially with a customer, they tell me so. It makes me more conscious of what I say and do. It makes me more critical of the decisions I make. When making a decision you have to take into consideration how it is going to make affect your image. Reputation is essential for functioning in the world. Ignoring those who just want to help can be detrimental to your identity and reputation. Entirely ignoring other peoples opinion means there is a possible defect in your decision making processing.  Negative opinions make me self-conscious. When people are constantly putting their opinions on me or judging me it makes me think, am doing something incorrectly? It makes me feel like there is something out of the norm with the actions that I take. With this in mind, you have to form a filter in which people’s opinions go through before you make a drastic change.  It is critical to analyze outside information. Sometimes it is inaccurate and other times, just plain negative.

Criticism can be constructive, to a certain extent. You really have to know how to apply and analyze criticism. Some people just see it as negativity. Most people don't like being told what to do, or that they are wrong. They prefer not to be the “loser” in the fight. I believe that makes a person weak. In order to process criticism in a constructive way, you have to have a positive sense of self. To know that you are capable and competent can allow you to process criticism in a positive manner. People who are not confident usually take criticism in the wrong way. We can function better in society if we are able to take criticism. This mostly occurs in the professional environment.  It can make you be a more effective worker. It can open you up to a new way of thinking.

            On the other hand, depending on what kind of criticism, and who is doing the criticizing can be detrimental to your attitude. There are two kinds of criticism. The first kind is negative, and it’s belittling. The second is positive criticism and it only seeks to improve. The person will give a positive and negative statement.  A person’s personality can have an effect on the type of criticism they dish out. We all know that there people that pick apart your work just because it makes them feel better. The negative criticism is the most detrimental to our attitudes. If someone is constantly putting us down, and not giving the least amount of praise, it can cause us to lose confidence. Negative criticism can make us lose confidence in how we live our lives.  We begin to constantly ask ourselves, Are we really making a good decision? It can give you a more negative view on life and transform yourself into a pessimistic person. This is especially true if it is someone close to us. Our family is the biggest influence on our character and attitude. Their negativity radiates to those around them.

Discovery

The character that interest me the most is Daru. Daru was a man who stuck to his morals. Even though in doing he faced dire consequences. Daru knew that his prisoner was a murderer. That did not stop him from trying to save his life. I think having dignity and integrity keeps man sane It makes someone feel a like a human. Objectivity would not have worked in this situation. I found it most interesting when Daru in the end gave the Arab a choice. He said one road leads to the town where the police station is, and the other road leads to safety. His first choice was, did he want to face the consequences of his actions. He would do this by turning himself in. The 2^nd choice was, did he want to forget his act and flee to safety. Daru could not make this choice for him. He did not want to have control of another man like this. This kind of situation can be related to our own personal lives. Every day we are faced with the consequences of our actions. Do we want to work through the consequences and escape with a moral lesson ? Or do we want to escape our consequences, gaining nothing but sacrificing our pride? If this was me I would want to escape and life with the Nomads. I think they would have more to teach me, than rotting away in a jail cell. I would not want someone who does not know my circumstances judging me and making their own decision for my lesson. Every situation is different. We can learn from our mistakes in different ways. I don't believe it is necessarily running from your mistakes, but taking your own path of discovery.  

Objectivity = love of man

Love is a complicated word that is nearly impossible to define, yet it is in every facet of our lives. The book “ The Art of Loving” , by Erich Fromm exams this broad subject. The most important aspect he emphasizes is objectivity. Objectivity is essential in making clear headed decisions. Objectivity guides us through a world where we must be able to work with people that are different than ourselves. To have love for another person does not have to be romantic. Having objective love is having love for the nature of man. It is having love for a true person, flaws and all. I have experienced objectivity mostly in the workplace. It use to be my belief that no one who is younger than me should be in a position of authority. I believed they could not handle responsibility. I thought their immaturity would show in their work. I have achieved true open-mindedness by facing this flaw within myself. At work there was a couple of recent promotions of young people. One 19 and one 20. They were promoted to supervisor positions. This made me angry, not because I was envious. I have no desire to be a supervisor because they work full time and I go to school full time. In my mind they were inferior because of their age. Just because someone is younger does not mean they cannot handle responsibilities. I realized they have the same abilities as someone who is 40. They may not have the wisdom of a middle aged person, but they can still have the work ethic. Me disliking the idea of a young person in a position of authority did not get me anywhere. To respect and love their work ethic transforms me into a better human being. I am better now because I can look at someone as a person, just not their age. I am more receptive to their thoughts of how to run the business. Young people are very innovative. I no longer shut them out. Age and responsibility have little to do with each other. There are some teenagers that are more mature than some adults. It is important for us all not to look at just age. Young people cannot shut the elderly out just because we think they are no longer fit or fully functioning, and vice- versa. This situation also taught me humility. I was arrogant to think someone younger than me was inferior. This was an important trait I lacked in this situation. Humility is essential to be a true loving human being. Without humility you can turn into an ugly person. Without humility you can become arrogant and overbearing. This is how I was becoming to my young coworkers. I gave them attitude when they asked me to do something politely. This is just a bad reflection on my personality. The ability to think objectively is the route to patience and humility.

This situation really helped me improve my relationships with my close friend. In my mind she was irresponsible. But by reading this book and examining this situation made me realize that she is not irresponsible. She just lives her life a different way. I don't judge people anymore and I keep an open mind now. I use to tell her all the time, Why don't you get a better job?, and why are you always cheating on someone?. I realized that flaws don't make a person. It opened up my mind to the nature of man. Man has many vices, but those don't make a person. Man may be immature at times, and lie at times but underneath that man genuinely tries to be good. Mans goal in life is to love. This relates to the situation I experienced in many ways. This experience helps to to relate to others in a more objective way. I still love my friend despite her flaws. I still have love for my coworkers even though they are higher in the ladder. I am open minded despite someone flaws, and my preconceived notions. I am now capable of seeing a whole person.

The principle I have achieved through my discovery of open mindedness is patience. Fromm stated that “ patience is necessary if you want to achieve anything.”( Pg 113) I use to lack patience when it came to knowing people. Objectivity is rooted in patience. Patience allows you to get to know people as a whole. Patience is key in all aspects of life. Especially in relationships with others. If you rush through things you will never learn the lesson each situation is trying to teach you. Everything happens for a reason. If you rush through life without learning from situations, you could never grow.

Love is a universal feeling. It can be love for a husband or wife, or it can be love for someone you just meet. Love has different levels. The three main principles that must be achieved in the art of loving is patience, humility and open-mindedness. These are the principles that define love and propel the art of loving in everyday life. I have achieved all three. I am constantly practicing these principles so I can continue to grow and mature as a person. The art of love is never ending. Each aspect requires practice and concentration.  

Music as self expression

Music is a way of expressing yourself and relieving the stress of everyday life. Music to me is an abstract expression of who you are. It defines you.  Music can empower the masses.  Music can bring you up when you are feeling down. Whether it be the lyrics or the beat, music can move you.  Music is a representation of thought depending on what generation you are from. It defines the culture at that moment in time. For example, the music present day is controversial and upbeat. The generation that I am from, the 80’s babies are outspoken, loud, energized, and lives in the now.  Music has transformed over hundreds of years. Present day music is explicit, uncensored. Present day music talks about various topics. From hanging out with your friends and drinking, to war.

My favorite artist is Eminem.  His music is very controversial. He speaks whatever is on his mind. I really admire this about him because he speaks his mind no matter what. He demands to be heard. This inspires me to live life more boldly and not be so passive. If you say what is on your mind and what is in your heart, no matter the content, people will listen. I write poetry to be heard. I relieve my frustrations by putting my thoughts on to paper and reciting them. This helps me to cope with whatever is going on in my life. When you write, whether it is poetry, a song, or a free write, those words are an expression of who you are.  Even instrumentals are an expression of self because sometimes you cannot put into words your emotions or thoughts, they just are. 

                His Music is music has gotten better over time. You listen to his music and it shows how he has evolved.  His most recent album is some of his best work. He is no longer at his prime but it shows how far he has come and what he has experienced.  His new album “Recovery” talks about how he was at the lowest point in his life and how he is healing from this. I think this really shows how low you have to go sometimes to realize truth. Not only the truth about yourself, but also the world.  My favorite song off his album is called “Not afraid”. This is a great example of how music can move you, both physically and mentally. It can make you want to get up and dance or can put you into deep thought. The beat and lyrics give you a feeling of empowerment and fearlessness.  This song inspires me to take control of my life. The line of his song that gives me this feeling is when he says,” I’m standing up, Imma face my demons. I’ve had enough now I’m so fed up.” He expresses that he has had enough of feeling down; it’s time to lift your spirits and conquer life. This song has affected me in many ways.

                 It has given me more courage to face my fears and to take control of my life. Eminem lost control of his life when he became addicted to prescription drugs. He fought hard to get his life on track. He was fed up and reached his bottom.  Sometimes you have to be in darkness for a while to know how good the light feels. He escaped his cave. His body and mind were exhausted. You can become mentally exhausted from stress. Music can help you break free for a moment.  I was never addicted to drugs and I don’t know what that feels like, but I can relate to his story. What I do draw from his story is that you can overcome you difficulties no matter what they are. His lyrics can inspire to face your fears. My biggest fear was failure. I am on the road to completely conquering that fear. Overcoming weaknesses does not occur over night.  Your fears can consume you and take control of your life. It can hold you back from achieving your goals. His music helps me cope with my difficulties. It is not necessarily an escape, but lifts my spirits and gives me motivation. In order to reach truth and overcome your problems, you must take a position of strength.  Without strength, weakness takes over. Perseverance guides us through life.

 Music is a big part of our everyday lives. It can set a particular mood or brining change to popular culture. Music is a big part of our culture. This is seen through people always having their iPods on. People are always listening.  Music allows you to disconnect for a moment and leaves you with your own thoughts. It blocks out the noise from the outside and puts you into a trance. It can also be the bridge to other cultures if you are both enjoying the beat. Music is a universal language and moves us all in similar ways. 

Eminem's Music Video "Not Afraid"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ArPEkTNb0Y

Music Fusion

DJ Shadow was one of the first musicians to fuse techno, hip hop and dance. This fusion was ground breaking and changed music culture forever.  His album was one of the first to consist entirely sampled tracks. One of the interviews that gave me a better insight of what DJ shadow has done for music culture was "Endtroducing..." By Tim O'Neil. The point that he made that stuck out for me was when he stated the impact that DJ Shadow has had on music culture. He stated that “Music had been rendered irretrievably plastic.” This is a powerful statement because so few have the ability and skill to change popular culture.  O’ Neil analyzes of DJ Shadow’s tracks. What amazed me most about his analysis of Shadow is that he used complex comparisons to describe DJ Shadow’s music.

O’ Neil emphasized Shadows cohesive philosophy and intricate melodies.  His music reminds me of Pharrell Williams. He is mostly hip hop but he is a great producer who has taken hip hop to another level. What I really like most about this article is that O’Neil wrote it on an underground artist.  I have not read too many articles on underground artist. Writers mostly go for the main stream.  Another point O’ Neil makes that really made me understand the historical significance of this album is when he states “… A breakdown crushes through your speakers like a bank safe tumbling down a flight of stairs.” I thought this comparison was interesting. His statement was true.  I felt this feeling when I listened to “Building steam with a grain of salt.” His music is truly amazing and O’Neil’s analysis of Shadow is accurate and informative. 

We are on a hard journey.

Enlightenment is a process that can take years, or even a lifetime. For the most part man does not achieve enlightenment. The meaning of enlightenment is when you realize your purpose. I believe that we all have a purpose and place in this world. Having an unknown purpose is torture. It can weaken and depress you. Lacking clarity and focus prohibits people from seeing their direction in life. Phil in the movie Groundhog Day was tortured for years. He did not realize his purpose and he contributed nothing to this world. He did not know his purpose and he was a selfish heartless human being. He lived the same day over and over again for years. This is life in general and we all live the same way Phil did to a certain extent. When we have the opportunity to correct our mistakes we do not. We continue with our bad habits and selfish acts. Life is a cycle of behaviors and a path of actions. The path to enlightenment is paved with bumps and obstacles. This path is called life. On the path of life there is enlightenment. It is hidden until we take a journey to seek it. One has to go through pain and suffering to see the light.




The main thing that stuck out to me the most in the movie is when Phil asked the question, “What would you do if you were stuck in the same day and nothing you did mattered?” In order to give life meaning one must give and make their actions worth something. I believe in purpose and destiny. Without a clear path to this you will always be down. To give your life meaning it is important to remove from your heart and soul, selfishness and greed. If you give more than you receive, life becomes more fulfilling and rewarding. When you finally offer the world something in return, you then can achieve true enlightenment.