Related Reading:
The Paradox

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 my previous thoughts. I began to think about the idea of motherhood, especially in the sense of its paradoxical nature. Where truly there is this intense love, and yearning associated with attachment that is secure, unconditional, with regards to the bearing of children. Whilst I thought about these views from the point of view as a mother whose children are young adults, I reflected back to think that the idea of teaching independence and growth happens throughout the mile stones within child development - whether it is teaching a child to sit, stand, walk, to eat, but the difference between the younger years, as compared to the late teens / young adults is that: during the younger years, children are sheltered and housed most often with parents / guardians. As they grow older they are also on the verge of gaining greater independence, where there is also a process of letting go, so that the child / young adult can experience the world. Whilst in some cultures this is regarded as easy or normative, we can look towards collectivist cultures who prefer interdependence, and keeping families together. But as migration has evolved and taken place, we see how collectivist cultures have in a sense merged with the individualist society.  

    I thought about this process of letting go, and the paradox. While this is a harsh truth, I wondered should it have to be so harsh? - It must be remembered that allowing this growth to take place does not ever mean complete detachment. Regardless of where one is placed within the world or culture. We always come back, meaning that there is a growth. Relations grow. But parents / care givers / guardians are always there. Just like the root of the tree. It stands ready, steady and firm. Even if some branches become hurt or broken. Parents / care givers / guardians are always there for children. Just as the bird who desires to sing, and return to mama in the nest. 

     Parenting itself is a learning process, throughout all stages of a Childs growth. The funny thing is that children always seem to think parents have all the answers, but we too get muddled - sometimes because we too are also simply learning. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on May 11th, 2019.
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     Whilst I believe that we are all children of God, this thought is especially dedicated to the orphans, the one's who didn't even see their parents, the who have lost their parents, the children who in their brokenness have been misunderstood, who were not treated as worthy. To all who need / desire the parental / guardian love, you are worthy and you are loved. God Bless You! 

     Si bien creo que todos somos hijos de Dios, este pensamiento está especialmente dedicado a los huérfanos, los que ni siquiera vieron a sus padres, los que perdieron a sus padres, los niños que en su quebrantamiento han sido mal entendidos, quienes fueron No es tratado como digno. Para todos los que necesitan / desean el amor paterno / guardián, ustedes son dignos y amados. ¡Dios te bendiga!

​These thoughts were originally hand-written on May 11th 2019. 

Our thoughts of love and peace in celebration of  all the wonderful mother's, grand-mothers, aunts, sisters, sons. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! :) 

In celebration and honour of Hispanic Mother's Day 2019, FELIZ DIA DE LAS MADRES! :) Happy Mother's Day 2019! :) 

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.

    It is that time of the year once again where mothers are celebrated on May 12th 2019 this year. Whilst there is much debate or conversation for the celebration, where many would say Mother's Day is everyday, or say I don't celebrate Mother's Day. Everyone is entitled to their opinion according to belief or views held. But it is important to be respectful to those around you, surrounding you, who do observe the celebration of Mother's Day. In fact the idea to be respectful can transfer to any celebration as well. You don't have to celebrate a celebration to be respectful of special days or traditions. It is simply a matter of expanding the heart to one another, that also generates character development, as to how humans interact with one another.

     I think for me as a mother, who gave birth as a young mother. I would have to say that: gratitude does not have to be grande, it could be a simple hug, a kind words. Whilst children might not be aware, but the sacrificial elements truly do go unnoticed, that create feelings of un-appreciation. I have always cushioned these thoughts with the idea of God as the eternal appreciator, but when we think in Godly terms, we can also say God wants to see how we will express this love. Because when all is said and done, even as parents we are not the keepers of children. We are the bearer's of children. Of course this view is also dependant upon mindset, cultural values and customs. 

   We ourselves desire that children follow their hearts, grow and blossom through the paths that they seek and desire. Parenting is always a process of holding on and letting go. Not in a literal sense, but in a loving sense. The simple pokes and prods, allowing children to fly in their God given directions. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on May 9th, 2019.
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Related Readings:
Reflection: The Spanish Boy
Historical Fragments

 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 was thinking about my thought post that I wrote a couple of years earlier, with regards to the celebration of Cinco De Mayo. A celebration that essentially celebrates the Spanish victory over the French army in America. Its an interesting historical time, as there were territories within America that were conquered through the Spanish Colonization.  

    As I reflected back, I wondered what has changed, if anything through my own thought processes, actions, initiatives, or has there been any expansion of my thoughts? Whilst I do still believe that greater efforts are needed at the socio-political level, Government Institutions, and Institutions themselves - to in a sense mend the historical fractures / bonds. To understand what is or has been lost, when we take away historical roots, that were formulated through the founding of a nation. Particularly those who at present day do feel a sense of loss, and even detached to the nation they call their very home. This is why I think that Cinco De Mayo is more that just a celebration of winning the Battle of Puebla, but rather a celebration of culture, foods, fabrics, music, dance. A day where individuals can participate, and truly feel an attachment to their land. But it is also a day to remind Government institutions that Spanish history is very real within America, and Latino / Hispanics do belong. We continue to hear the macro level rhetorics with regards to the southern border, demands, and oppositions. Maybe this might be something that will continue? But the ultimate contradiction is to say that there is a humanitarian crisis as the southern border (which there is), but the ones who say this are the actual creators of the very crisis. 

     Now I turn my focus upon the growth of my thoughts. I think the Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral fire did spark and unsettle macro actors. But so did the terror attacks in Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the Synagogues in America. In brief, the patterns reflect the focus on the three major world religions, where there are unfortunate disagreements, but also agreements. Placing the focus on an unarguble connection, through the patriotic father Abraham. This link leaves no doubt. The link is real. But when we think of socio-political fragmentation that stems from International events - this in turn does create ripples at the national levels. We can think of religious divisions and also political divisions, that stem from national ancestry, such as the Spanish conquests, French, and even British wars within the USA.     

     As I thought about these thoughts and Ideas, I desired to create an expansion within my own thoughts. To attempt a humanitarian interventions, through the simple act of presence. I decided to be present at the fundraising concert for the Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral in France, online, at the National Shrine in Washington D.C. For me this was done beyond my own comfort levels, as I was initially critical of the large sums of donations. But I also believe that America is at its greatest when it is unified. Just as the many other terror attacks that took a huge toll and loss of life. These are also people that could probably care more or less. But the fact is that institutions do care. Just as the Hispanic / Latino's who do care about the preserving their history. The atrocities that are being committed against their own people, by the individuals who have also embraced through their home / host nation. 

     The growth of my thoughts are reflective of the idea of loyalty. When we live in a land that is diverse, ever-growing, changing through micro / macro demographics. Essentially unification also turns to the idea of a growth of loyalties. Loyalty is not just about, if one looks and thinks like you, you'll be loyal. Loyalties must be multiplied to reflect the diverse demographics of a nation, both national and international, and also to formulate successful foreign policy. Peace is not found by creating the groups, cliques. It is about stepping out of a comfort zone. To trust and to try. 

     It is with these words we continue to hope and pray for a mending of the internal fractures within a nation, for building internal strength, that is also necessary for international  / global growth. It is also my hope that and utterance of THANK YOU to the many organizations and institutions who are making their voices heard to support diversity, and the Latino / Hispanic members of society.

God Bless You! God Bless America!
Happy Cinco De Mayo!!! :)

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on May 4th, 2019.
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"With God Anything Is Possible!"
​* Mariah Carey*

     Congratulations to all the BBMA's, Billboard Music Award Recipients, nominees, artists, supporters and fans. I was truly grateful to watch all the artists perform. From Taylor Swift's pastel color's, to Cardi B, Bad Bunny, which we could even re-name to cute bunny ; ) Khalid's mix, Mariah Carey's iconic voice, with one of my all-time favourite "Hero," Paula Abdul's tap shoes, Madonna and Maluma, Baby! :) Not to forget the country and rap artists, and the many other categories. I was so pleased to hear your acceptance speeches, and especially the idea of spreading love, through the platforms that artist's acquire. Truly one voice, or in this case each and every voice can create a lasting message upon thousands, millions. But what was even more inspiring to see was: within the competitiveness of the field and industry, we see artists supporting and encouraging other artists. Whilst we don't know what happens behind the scenes, in front of the camera, it was amazing to see this love and embrace from you all. While the industry is competitive, and sometimes does take an emotional toll, the stories must be changed to that of love, and embracing love. Don't be afraid to seek help when you feel challenges, because thousands, millions, have embraced you for your artistry. There needs to be a you, your existence first and foremost. You matter! 

​     We must turn the competitiveness to one of embracing each other's artistry and successes. Create love and compassion from within. From the seasoned celebrity, to the ones who are just entering the industry - it is really a time to reflect upon the use of platforms. To truly not only spread love outwards to the world, but also inwards, within the industry, singer to singer, within the musical artistry as well. I once heard from an artist - that artists feed and fuel each other. I think that there is much truth to these words. Because we do seek to inspire. So it only makes sense to inspire, love each other, as well as the fans who embrace the music. It it with these words, that I congratulate you all, for showing love, care, and support. And even if there is a little, or even a lot of competitiveness, let's ensure that it is always healthy, not toxic. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on May 1st, 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 written with the phrase: "true wealth is health," and meditated upon the various ways of life; those that possess more or those that possess less. The wealthy, although with the comforts and eases, may still encounter many frustrations, anxieties, in other words, a life that is not free from pain, or tribulations. Whilst the one with less may not possess the same luxuries, or be able to live a particular lifestyle, may even be much more happy and content. In the phrase written above, either ways of lifestyle, including the various points within the spectrum, we could think and wonder how choice, stigma, and labels often intersect with the thought that becomes cognizant with the choices, or even ways of life, that one chooses to embrace. Given the desired ways of life, or what one believes in. We can think of examples, such as the chosen ones, the ones that God chose to share the messages of faith, of the one God - or even the saints. 

     These are the thoughts that came to mind when I thought about Saint Catherine of Siena, who chose to embrace Christ, inspired to serve others. In her isolation. She often heard and even had visions of Christ. It is her lifestyle, isolation, and eventual activism, that was also a source for her deteriorating  health. But it is this idea of silence, that requires isolation that I focused upon. Because even as thinkers who are inspired to envision a future, need to be able to experience this type of silence. Which most often requires periods of isolation, meditation, being surrounded by nature. To begin to think deep from within. Often inspired by intuition, or what we could call higher consciousness, or even God. But to walk in the path of truth might also mean embracing a lifestyle, that is frowned upon, ridiculed, even in terms of a modern thinker. This is also where we can intertwine the labels and stigmas, attached to the idea of lifestyle. 

     One can be wealthy, but also be able to live a minimalist lifestyle, as monetary possessions serve as a mechanism for survival, and also to give back to society. One could even be in a frame of poverty, but also still be very happy. One can live a minimalist life style, and still give back to society. But with each of these are stereotypes and prejudices held. Here we can focus more so on poverty, because when we think of poverty, we can attach other factors such as; mental health, physical health, crime, drugs, alcohol, or other abuses. These factors often driving one to deeper poverty. But this does not always have to be the case. Poverty even as it intersects with other factors, can also be a propelling force. Where one desires to reach above and beyond one's circumstance. Creativity is ignited, or even act as a social reformer. 

     So we can say that in our modern day society and activities, neither being rich or poor does not necessarily have to be good or bad per se. It is really about the human heart, and how the heart becomes transformed through what one has attained, or how one has viewed a circumstance. In this essence we can connect the great thinkers, Prophets, Saints and Jesus himself, who in their silences, isolation, and activism strived to even act as social reformers. Similar to the modern day thinker, researcher, service workers, or any individual who possesses the ability to think. There may be ridicule or stigma, but the ones who have embraced truth, or a certain way of life, will always know what is required to be able to hear through the silences. 

     These thoughts made me reflect upon the life of the saints of the past, especially St. Catherine of Siena. I wondered how social scientists could also be viewed in the category of Saints. In a similar vein, social scientists must be able to think, and desire some level of isolation. Eventually the thought processes turns to a type of activism, that contributes to the community of knowledge, for societal and the common good. 

*Further Reading
Lessons from the Life of Saint Catherine of Siena: Laywoman and Activist

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on May 1st, 2019.
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