As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

    On February 24th 2019, the 91st Oscar Awards took place. With a keen interest I decided to watch the awards. I found the idea of not having a formal present interesting because really, there were presenters: the stars who presented the awards. The voice in the background acted as a narrator, and was able to act as a scaffold with any words that needed to be said in-between each award presentation. I like this idea because the focus on the awards was the reason for the show. While having a formal host can add personality, and personal views that are an addition to the presentation, however; with the many potential opinions, beliefs and views, it is easy to feel that a host decides to add additional words, or simply a presence that can reveal political affiliation, opinions, and act as an influencer. This can be viewed as a positive or negative, depending on the actual views, which is why I preferred no formal presenter / host. Each and every award presented acted as a mini version of a formal presenter. With scripts focusing on the award presentation, as well as being able to include a few personal ideas. This mini version of a host for each award presentation added variety. In other words we can't say that there was a formal presenter who acted asa presenter that sought to also influence. 

   Variety allows individuals to choose. In a broader context: the freedom to think for oneself is present in its subtleties. While this minute detail might sound as though it is pointless, it is actually quite an important example, even when taken out of the context of the Oscars awards show, to other arenas such as the academy itself, or academia. One must be allowed to think, thinking, thought, and the freedom to form one's opinions, views and beliefs. Freedoms that pertain to our human consciousness. These freedoms cannot be seen directly, but they are at play with our very movements, daily life, the choices that one makes in life, and of course thinking itself. 

My thoughts to share with Love & Kindness! 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 27th, 2019.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     I have often thought about the life as a tree. This metaphor is commonly used for describing generations of family, as called a family tree. The off-spring that are born through marriage, or the relations that are formed can be thought of as the branches of a tree. In the same sense we could also think of an individual who is also like a tree, or a mother - a matriarch who stands firm as the tree. Her branches are her children. As she stands firm, she knows, and is ready and prepared, that one day the children will also have to learn to stand firm. This process can be viewed as normative as children mature towards adulthood, and pave their future. Which could also be thought of as the blossoming buds, and fruits that are borne from the tree. But if children become detached, lost, or the maturation process incurs pain, that are derived from the adolescent years - the matriarch's branches begin to bleed, hurt. To describe this further we could think of the aloe plant. If you take a piece off from the aloe leaf, you will see the sticky watery substances on the inside. They will pour and eventually stop. To either heal, re-grow, or die. 

     In the same sense to stop the pain or to allow pain to heal from the detachment process, that have been incurred from loss or pain; sometimes the loss has to be cradled with mechanisms built for purposeful repairs to allow the branches to heal, and to once again allow for the progression towards adulthood. Healing of relations occurs through reciprocity, just as the branches or leafs of the aloe plant require care and cultivation. Without reciprocity, just as the branches or trees, or leafs of the aloe plant deteriorate, pain derived from the deterioration of human relations is eventually felt through our inner core, roots, the major organs, our bodies. As humans we have to really think about the intensity of hate and tearing relations apart, as opposed to repair, re-building trust, to cultivate love, care and compassion. If we are able to care so much for the repair of our plants, trees, what about human relations, are those not worth a little bit of water? 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 25th, 2019.
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Related Reading:
A Sacred Duty

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The other day I was reflecting upon my previous thoughts, where I wrote about the duty to serve and protect. These duties exist in there fullest form especially where there is a threat to life, safety of the self, others and a community. But I wanted to explore this idea in more detail here, to place a focus upon vulnerable or protected persons. For instance: if we know of individuals who have escaped from a threat of life, how would these individuals begin to pave a life for themselves that is free as much as possible from undue hardships, that stem from the very system that they are seeking care from? The hardships arise in many different forms. As when relying upon a nations system, one in a sense becomes a public person, or the property of the public. Where one's every move is watched. This can be a positive especially when one is seeking protection, or there is an actual fear to life. But there are blurs when one becomes a target of the very system one escapes to. This is where the very individuals become even more vulnerable, to eventually distrust the system of care. This is also where we can think about how creating trust between service providers, and individuals is dramatic for the outcomes of those who need to be helped. But should one be made to feel like a beggar?

     This is where the question of morality come to play, where human dignity should be valued its utmost form, regardless of individual situation / circumstance, or the the state of health and well-being of the individuals. A state of vulnerability is also where service providers have to understand what it means to overstate harm, and where conflict is not actually a form of abuse. Sometimes it is easier to draw the lines, and think of conflict / arguments as abuse, but really it is about understanding that there is more to the story, and thinking from a holistic lens. But we can only really question a system, when we are knowledgeable about it, or to seek to learn about the systems of care. Vulnerable individuals do have rights. Unfair treatment is a sign of power imbalances, where service providers  utilize their power to limit vulnerable  individuals who are genuine, trustworthy, and who simply want to seek betterment for their life, or the individuals that are loved and cared for. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 14th, 2019.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

   What is the beauty of art, artistic forms, formulations? Well if the arts don't interest you, then their might not be much to say. In my view: art is probably the most profound driving force, throughout history and to the present day. Art can provoke, interrupt, challenge, individual and public thought. Art has the ability for this kind of capacity. We can think about a woman who has the audacity to talk about her love for porn and sex, as publicly on the stage of the 61st Annual Grammys - Cardi B. 
How does this performance / song / music video challenge perceived gender stereotypes, archetypes, as well as sexuality linked to being a woman? From a scholarly perspective, we can think about the connection between sexuality, as it is linked to creativity. The effect / creations are quite powerful, but the overtness of the topic evokes taboos, unsettles the silences, either to challenge or not. ​We can think about how one views a woman's body, or even the revolt women themselves experience, with the sight of a partial or completely naked women's body. 

    Whilst I remain neutral. I do think that innovation, or pushing boundaries occurs at the level of the unknown. This could be through an art form such as the music video by Cardi B, or even scholarly work that pushes limits. We can even think of the art from of music such as telling a story, or even an educative moments for life lessons. 

    We can connect these ideas to historic moments, such as the first Latina woman to open the Grammys - Camilla Cabello. Her performance was eye opening, to reveal the story of her Grandmothers childhood memories, or families living in a house, where they only occupied one room. The performance revealed what was quite normal to previous generations, would now be viewed very differently, depending on region of the globe. The performance is not only an appreciation for her grandmother, but for generations who are much more fortunate. To appreciate what one has. A safe roof over ones head. A reason to be thankful everyday. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 11th, 2019.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     I have contemplated on the idea of death, where once even too scared to think of the end of life, but now in a state of much more ease. Knowing that through the phase of death, one will be granted with eternal life. However, as I have always written: I believe that a life well lived, is the best life lived. So as much as I have been thinking about my chronological age lately, I do hope and pray that God grants me lots and lots of life filled years! :) I truly love life. +/-. I am grateful for the opportunity of life. I was much more inclined to write about this subject matter, especially after seeing the in memoriam section during the Grammys 2019, on February 10th. Many artists passed away. These passings made me think about artists / performers who feel the pressure from stardom / fame, and are eventually driven to suicide. Most of the time there are many complications involved with those who attempted, and were successful with the act. But when the public learns about the death of a musician / artist / singer in this way, there is a collective mourning, and an outpour of love. I wondered what if artists / musicians / singers knew how much they were loved when they were living? Could this knowledge have prevented another overdose and suicide death? 

​This question made me think more about what record labels, or institutions such as the academy could do for the protections of the performers. We cannot bring those who were lost back from this type of end, but we can and should do our best to raise this awareness. So that artists / musicians / singers do not feel pressured, or the need for this type of end. Alternatively to find ways to reach out for help / support, when danger signals do arise. These moments can also be viewed as teachable moments, where public figures can utilize their journeys to inform, educate individuals, and the mass public about brain care / mental health. 

   Whilst the many performances revealed a wonderful celebration of life, musical talent and human art, sometimes controversial, I thank each and everyone of you for your contributions. Often its the interruptions we experience, that lead us to think differently, or acquire new perspectives. I would especially like to thank Lady Gaga for including the importance of mental health in her acceptance speech, and all artists including Kacey Musgraves, who continued to inspire, and encourage the audience!!! Dolly Parton and Diana Ross who are living legends, who also continue to inspire. THANK YOU! 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 11th, 2019.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     Have you ever heard about the idea of walking in your truth? I can remember first hearing about this when Oprah would have shows about the subject, especially also with her Super Soul Sunday. There are also many writers who have written about the the idea of one's truth. I began to really connect the idea of truth to one's life much more so, when I began to understand how telling the truth from a social science / scientists perspective, are important for advancing the human condition. But I think that to walk in one's own truth is a little different, from that of research to contributing to the scientific community. 

     In my view: our own truth is who we have sought to be internally. However, to become our internal living truth, it must also come to be, in our outer self. For instance: Have you ever thought that you would decide to do / create something, but never did? This is an example of the internal self, remaining internal. Sometimes the internal truths, self or ideas, don't manifest in the outer realm, because there are many other outer forces that we ourselves are interacting with, due to the experience of being human. The key is not to allow destructive forces in. A simple example could be a negative conversation, an argument that has caused a disruption. But with this idea we have to remember that the human experience and interaction to going to happen - in other words we can't put a pause button on our life. 

   What it really does boil down to is how we ourselves manage our interactions, that are perceived either positive or negative. This really does take practice. As we ourselves have to come to know the self. Who we are, how we react, and any alterations that need to be done for self improvement / management, or keeping interactions healthy. 

     These ideas can also be related to the concepts of sympathy / empathy. I have always been a huge advocate for these, with a belief that you can only really understand another, when you walk in their shoes. However, to add to this; Our capacity to sympathize and empathize has to also be managed. Sometimes, depending on the situation / circumstances, these too can also be viewed as a destructive force, that harms the internal self. You might of heard of work / life balance, or life balance? These ideas are related to these concepts as well, however; in this case the destructive forces can limit how we ourselves walk in our truth. Another layer of complexity is added. Sometimes walking in our truth means letting go, which is often the most difficult, because of the bonds we form. To walk our truth sounds easy / simple, but the complexity of truly becoming what is within requires courage, determination, resilience, strength, from the very depths of one's being, the internal self, delicately balancing the reins.

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 8th, 2019.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect particularly with regards to the topic / concept of love, that once again I am beginning to explore deeper. It is interesting that love crops up again as Valentines Day is once again upon us. Love intrigues me. fascinates me. A source of gain, pain, pleasure and plights. Yet, as humans I always wonder can we live without love? Weather that be with the attachment of friends, family, loved ones, intimacy, sexual, or just learning to love the self. Or even the Godly form of love, that pulls us through the many circumstances, happiness or sadness that we face. 

     But I have always said that the relations, bonds that we do form with humans are equated to that of from God. As God's spirit lives within us, as we choose to believe or not. The very beating of our heart, the breath that we breathe, and the blood that circulates within us, is enough to make us ponder. This idea of life, God, attachments are linked to love. It is the power of love. Love's power is and should be very different to that of hate or anger. Love's power does not seek to harm, hate - even in betrayal or distrust, love continues to trust. Love continues to strive to love. This is what is means to offer sacrificial love. To love for the sake of the other, even if we ourselves have to suffer. This is the power of love - love should always seek to remain love, even in the difficult instances; these are simply a test of what it means to love, and remain committed to the mission of love!

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand written on February 6th, 2019.
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​Related Reading:
On Politics

​As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

    The truth is that the other day, with much commotion of holding off from the State of the Union address, the SOTU finally did take place on February 5th, 2019. I myself enjoy watching these addresses each year. They remind me of pep-rallies, such as those we recently saw between the New England Patriots and the LA Rams, before the Super Bowl Sunday 2019 final game. Of course the difference is: in one case we are talking football, and in the other we are talking the politics of a nation, domestic and foreign. However, we can find some similarities between the commotion and gatherings that are created from each event. 

     The State of the Union is an opportunity to reflect upon the current state of politics, the achievements, and also the continued efforts that are always a work-in-progress. Of course the address does not mean that we have to agree upon everything, but rather reflect upon what has been said. The disagreeable points can also be offered as points for work-in-progress, for politicians who are in opposition, or in a position where they want to build upon the efforts by others. One element that struck out to me the most was the fact that there is a new speaker of the house. Everyone who has read my earlier writings would know that I don't agree with this decision, because of the implicit and the explicit biases that are present with a leader of the house minority, being a speaker as well. Biases of course revealed themselves with the facial expressions, eye gestures, the final clapping of the hands, as well as Pelosi not formally introducing the President of the United States. Pelosi as speaker of the house continues to be of concern, where a Speaker who is party neutral would probably serve well and better, for the purposes of being able to listen without swaying to a particular political side.

     With regards to the women who were invited to wear white, to symbolize the accomplishments of women, particularly the historical suffrage movement for the right to women voting. I myself found this a bit off-putting, especially because social progress has been made. Just because the color white symbolizes this, it does not mean that it is politically or socially correct. If we want to bring the idea of implicit meaning, we could think about how this could also be thought of as an act of racism, and a disguise for prejudice behavior? Something to think about--? Women's rights as well as minority rights continue to evolve, we could think about how to update the colors that are signify important history, such as women's suffrage so that they are more inclusive. Why should women celebrate suffrage, to only separate this from inclusion and minority rights? 

     With regards to the President's address there were some mimics from last years address, such as  the MS-13 gang, and the demands for the wall. I think there could have been more comments with regards to the Government shutdown, as to the effects and why it was thought necessary in his view. There were mentions of deaths at the hands of gang menders, but there were no mentions of the deaths at the hands of border security, particularly at the U.S.A. southern border. The discussion and the silences once again reveal what is viewed as important and not, in the view of the President and his administration. Despite the lacks, these are once again talking points to find real solutions, for the protection of America, which should also include the vulnerable populations / individuals who are seeking a safe haven in America. 

     There was a strong message of unity which was very agreeable. One that I've written about much. Whilst there will always be disagreements between political parties, which is a given, and a reason why they are called democratic exchanges to advance democracy. A nations politics should never be so extreme, or divided that unity for national and international security are frayed. It should always be remembered that the discords, divisions are preyed upon by foreign enemies / spectators, who view these as mechanism to create further divisions.

     Nations must and should learn how to balance internal democracy, political exchanges, and still be strong and unified for the sake of a nation. And this should be the common ground, the binding force that can unite any depth of divisions. This was the most important point to address, that I feel strongly about.

    Pelosi's clapping, and facial gestures were a sign of disrespect to the very nation that she serves, given the context of the event and the authority that she now unfortunately holds. Which once again reveals the need for a party neutral speaker. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 6th, 2019.
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Related Reading:
Love 

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     I think that everything, if not most things in life can be resembled to cycles - such as the cycle of life. Including humans, animals, plants, life and death. Within each cycles contain many elements such as the cycle of life, pertaining to humans. With the many factors that affect our lives such as: family, children, friendships, careers, volunteerism, education, work / life, violences, traumas, health, physical and psychological well-being, are to name a few. Within each of the factors are more cycles. Whilst the main structure of the life cycle stays the same, such as life and death. What happens with the factors that affect our life are always subject to improvement / change. For instance: if we have encountered violence, abusive relations, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), living as survivors, or war veterans, we should strive to work through these emotional states. So that cycles that are harmful to the self, don't repeat themselves. 

     There are also cycles that are related to other emotions such as love. Which are integral to how we build relations with ourselves, and also with others. In many cultures love is not discussed openly. There are invisible boundaries, and norms that one is expected to conform to. However, love is foundational and pivotal to how we accept our self, and build relations with others. Of course the creating of relations is interrupted when human encounter hurt. We as humans want to protect the self from getting hurt again. Whilst this is done for protective reasons, as humans we have to strive to continuously open the self. The heart. Even if we have been wounded, from relations or war. We experience love through the interactions, and encounters with others. Sometimes this means doing some internal work, so that we are better informed, for the purposes fo preventing harmful cycles from repeating. But sometimes regardless of the amount of internal work - things happen. This is why we are called human. As we play the roles we are given through life, sometimes we are also called to play the role of a human being. The irony is that many have forgotten what it is to simply be human. 

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 5th, 2019. For more related reading on the topic of love, please type love in the search box on this webpage, many previous writings will appear. 
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     On February 3rd, 2019 the NFL football final game fell exactly in the day of my birthday. I was really happy about this, as it is not every year that this happens, although it could well be a wonderful gift each and every year. ;) But the fact of the matter is that this year my birthday fell on the day of the NFL Sunday football final. I cherished this because it was also a day for history in the making. As the New England Patriots claimed victory, over the Los Angeles Rams. Who were good sports, revealed great sportsmanship, and of course competitive. The aim for both teams was to claim a win. Winning is the ultimate goal for anyone who reaches the final game of the season, but as I have written before: winning is not everything, sometimes the privilege to participate and serve for one's nation can be the ultimate privilege. 

     This is where we can also add the entire NFL organization, who were honored and recognized with the NFL honors. Many of whom are working behind the scenes to support the athletes who make the game happen at the forefront. We can think about the coaches one who is the oldest according to chronological age, Bill Belichick, 66. And one who is the youngest according to chronological age, Sean McCoy, 33. We can also think about Tom Brady - An individual who has  reached the chronological age of 41. So as it was my birthday, and they do say a girl should never reveal her age, but I will as turning 40 for me was also a time of reflection. Of course there is no denying chronological age, but a number should never serve as a limitation. But in my view a growth,  maturity, and of course a child-like spirit that never fades. Age should only serve to motivate us more. To accomplish what is within the heart.

    Brady exemplifies this thought; who has many times been asked if he will retire soon. Physically fit, emotionally strong - in front of the cameras. Of course there is much more that happens within a human being. However, to be able to remain strong for the team, fans, and continue to inspire, and desire to serve, shows that the limits of age are the limits that we ourselves set. Within each and every one of us beats a heart. The voice of God. Can we ever deny God who keeps us alive? 

    As I continue to reflect upon this thought, I congratulate the New England Patriots, who did win and deserve this celebration 100%. we thank the fans of their tremendous support, and all who make events such as this possible. To the new Mercedes Benz stadium, which reveals the mesh between technology and design, and the human artistry of music performance with, Adam Levine's Maroon 5, a taste of love added, with Travis Scott and Big Boi. We can all say that the NFL final 2019 will be memorable to all. For me personally who celebrated a birthday with the teams, and fans honoring America, with the Air Force Thunderbirds flying, as the Anthem was sung. A moment in the history books. A moment, a memory to cherish forever. Thank you for happy memories. Congratulations New England Patriots! 

God Bless You, God Bless America!

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :)

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 4th, 2019.
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