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 whenever moments are available, I've been in a state of reflection. Thinking about the next phases of life, and how what one imagines can truly turn to reality. It is quite natural to feel a sense of insecurity, fear, and wonder as we begin a new phase / chapter - sort of like a gamble. Maybe that's what life altering / changing decisions are? A gamble upon life? But knowing part of the unknown  spaces - is knowing that one has partaken in huge life altering / changing decisions. What one knew, thought of, or even envisioned for life might not have manifested as desired, because as humans we tend to sway towards conventions, norms, and what is deemed as the perfect life at the macro levels. But really what is perfection / imperfection what we are truly made as perfect beings? Except that ones views or how life has manifested for one another / each other is different. But then we can simply add - If each of us was made or create our lives in the same way, then each others contribution would be the same. But then we have to remember that there are many facets of life that need to be tended too. So it's a good thing that we all desire our unique ways.

     But even when there are life altering decision / changes we don't necessarily have to move forward into the unknown spaces on our own, the space also known as the transitional phase. As humans we tend to want some sort of familiarity as we move through transitions. Metaphorically as being held. Even as we change, progress, we don't have to give up what we had, but rather continue to cradle, love, hold each other, through each others tenderness, hence; the very reason for transitional objects, derived from the "Transitional Objects and Transitional Phenomena." (Winnicott, p. 1, 2005) This theory is utilized to describe a baby/infant/child's phases/stages of relational experiences with the world. For instance: the stages of breast feeding, weaning and then utensils such as cups for drinking. This example does take us right back to being a new born infant, but I would also argue that phases as these, and the need for transitional objects continues throughout life, hence; the very reason for this meditation. 

     As I too reflect upon the incredible honor that it has been to write and share my thoughts on this website entitled: Committed To Love. Thank you everyone for your readership, as I welcome you all and ask for your loving support as I begin to create and develop a new website called Heart's, Forever! :) This name is very special to me and is a reflection of the thoughts that I have shared here. And to always serve as a reminder that Hearts Joined Can Never Be Separated.  Heart's Joined Can Never Be Separated = ∞. Heart's, Forever! :)

Notes:
Please stay tuned for my new website - which will also be a new learning curve for me. If I continue to face technical issues, or need to write / publish urgently (which might happen) I will utilize my current website in the interim. Thank you always and forever!

Reference: 
Winnicott. D. W. (2005). Playing and Reality. New York , NY: Routledge

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 20th, 2019.
Image 1 - Canva Creation. 

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 about my public position about religion, faith, belief, and how one chooses to manifest the spiritual realm of ones being. I have written, re-written and even as I am doing now, write to re-iterate, the very need for religious peace. When we think about our own beliefs; beliefs could be something we are born into, or something that we turn to, in our neediest of times. We hunger for help, healing, and most of all to feel loved. To know that we are not alone. This is what I thought  about when I was creating the following thought: God In You as God in me. This is the beauty of Jesus or the Christian faith. God is saying that I have always been in you. God doesn't call the human through fear, but rather through love. And it is that love within, that God wants to see manifold into the outer realm. Sort of like the flower seed, who's petals stretch to feel the light of the sky, sprouting as a flower. And if we are just able to quench a little of this, maybe I say maybe, we have or are able to fulfil God's purpose, just a tiny bit. 

     Reflection:
   I would like to take the time to commend Kanye West and Kim Kardashian for thier efforts to bring the word of God through music. I was especially happy because West's fan base may be inclined to join him as he discovers God in him. I would also like to offer a suggestion: I believe that Jesus is King of Kings. Simply because if we say "Jesus is King" then we are equating Jesus to the earthly form of King, which of course he can be. But to equate Jesus as someone higher than the earthly form, we profess that Jesus is King of Kings. Whilst I have always said that I am not a theologian, religious / scriptural specialist, I continue to think that religious accuracy is necessary, especially when a message is being deceived to a mass audience. After further reflection I feel heartbroken due to this inaccuracy. 

     We are also inclined to wonder how different forms of Christianity will or will not affect America's relationship with Rome, Italy. U.S. relations with the Vatican - The Holy Sea, are crucial for policy with Iraq, refugees, and also rebuilding after the attacks of September 11th, 2001. We can never be thankful enough for Pope Francis' International / Global efforts to raise awareness of the crucial issues that humanity faces to this day, including the building of peace through interfaith bridges.

Further Reading:
*Why is Jesus called the king of Kings?
​*7 bible verses about Jesus as King go Kings 

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 17th, 2019.
​Image 1 - Web Link   

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 unfortunate that I write these words coincidentally and coinsiding with another school shooting. Unfortunate as lives have been lost, school communities shaken, and those that are now left behind to grapple with the effects of gun murder. I have written about school shootings before, especially with the  associations of trauma. But I was inclined to write further after reading more about the topic. In some cases: once someone has experienced a form of trauma, it will take a while to heal. Engage is some strategies, coping techniques and all will be patched up - healed. Depending on situation, it maybe the case, but when we are talking about gun murder, witnessing crime, earthquakes, natural disasters, wars, terrorism, or any kinds of crime and abuses, the protective layers; the protective shield that we possess becomes shattered (Crenshaw, 2006). An example of a protective layer could be demonstrated as a child or teen, who witnesses crime. Or watches a parent being attacked as a child. The emotions / memory  of excruciating pain will continue to re-surface as memories are ignited; thus the protective layer i.e: one's innocence becomes exposed. The capacity of these emotions, to mobilize or immobilize us, can have profound effects upon us as we move through the years (Van Der Kolk, 2003). 


     This is why even as we honor, thank, remember, teach about the importance of honoring veterans, service members, past and present, and even those in the future - we must be respectful. As we honor the profound amount of suffering of the human body and spirit. When there is disrespect to the persons body and spirit, there is the rupture of self, personal integrity. Sometimes it is also important for the ones who suffered / possess an invisible / physical illness, that is the source for trauma to remember: whilst we can't get understanding from everyone, we ourselves must find that courage from within. Trauma has the ability to affect our action and in-action at the neurobiological levels, causing disruption to our bodily homeostasis - linking the effects of physical and psychological health. 

    The following points are some recommendations and characteristics for trauma survivors who; once exposed will most likely, always live in a state of "anticipatory anxiety" (Crenshaw, 2006). 

*Physical helplessness in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
*Immobilizing emotions of trauma conditions "frozen inaction" (Van Der Kolk, 2003)
*Physical action is maybe a pre-requisite for recovery from PTSD.
*Trauma survivors needs to feel empowered to take physical actions
*Facilitation of hope is a necessary especially for those who have / are suffering from the devastating effects of trauma. (2003 & 2006) 

Personal Observation
Whilst I believe that love is the ultimate healer, not everyone will be blessed with the healing from unconditional love. Which is why it is important to work with professionals, caring individuals / teams. What we could just call professional healers who can facilitate hope, the once again belief in humankind.

Dedication:
These words are dedicated to the school community, parents and guardians, who have suffered from the recent events in Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, California, and the death of 9 Americans who were killed in the Mexico ambush. We continue to pray for healing and unity. 

Related Reading:
*The Times of Israel | At least 9 American Mormons killed in ambush in notorious drug area in Mexico.

*The New York Times | Santa Clarita Shooting Is Another Nightmare Made Real.

References:
Crenshaw, D. (2006). Neuroscience and Trauma Treatment: Implication for Creative Arts Therapists in Carey, L (Eds), Expressive and Creative Arts Methods for Trauma Survivors (pp. 21-38). Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 

van der Kolk, B. A. (2003a). The neurobiology of childhood trauma and abuse. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics in North America, 12, 293 - 265.

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 15th, 2019.
Image 1 - Web Link 

   Congratulations to all the gorgeous, stunning artists at the 53rd Country Music Association CMA Awards! I really enjoyed watching the performances and sharing your success! I love all music that sounds good from a variety of genres. I think I first became interested in country music when I started watching the drama movies on Netflix, one that especially comes to mind is "The Best of Me." Absolutely loved that film, and the song by Lady Antebellum called "I Did if With You." Thats where the interest sprouted from. As I started listening to more country music, I also noticed that our pet bunny rabbits also loved the music, they would pin their ears back, and turn their heads to where the sound of the music was coming from. They also enjoyed watching / listening to the CMA awards! It really is so adorable to watch them. Congratulations to all, really proud and appreciate the work that The Grand Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, USA to keep the flavour and sounds of country music alive!!! 

Image Source 

Related Reading:
Celebrating Victories!
Uncovering History! :)

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 I was taking the time to think about my previous writings, particularly with regards to the idea of the "Transhemispheric Approach" (2010), there have been many ideas, opportunities, suggestions that have been found for the betterment of the latino / hispanic populations; the integration and the re-surfacing of latino history as US history. But even as researchers / scientists who feed the brain with information, we called to focus, even as we are well aware of the different facets that exist within this field of research. This thought made me think about the idea of a niche, which is utilized in business terminology. In a similar way: a niche has to also be sought for the purposes of research, innovation and design. This is why I think it is a good idea to find a team of researchers that possess similar interests. Feed, share interests to develop your niche / focus. That will ultimately be useful for the societal good. 

   We can transfer these thoughts to current examples, when we see / hear activists who are engaged in various different organization. Of course it is good to be involved and put forth a voice. But to make a greater impact we have to find and develop the focus, and build upon that. Because when all is said and done; we are a body with a soul that must exert and utilize our energies wisely. Change / continues improvement for the purposes of social growth, innovation and progress is a mass collective effort. The collective that is made with all the variety of individuals. Providing their expertise, knowledge, skills and talents.  

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 13th, 2019. Once again these thoughts are a continuous strand from a scholarly paper that I am still reading and reflecting upon.
Image 1 - Web Link

​Related Reading:
A Pale Blue Dot | The Planetary Society.
Niche Market Definition for Business
References:
*Adrian Burgos, Donna Gabaccia, María Cristina García, Matthew Garcia, Kelly Lytle Hernández, Jesse Hoffnung-Garskof, María E. Montoya, George J. Sánchez, Virginia Sánchez Korrol, Paul Spickard, Latino History: An Interchange on Present Realities and Future Prospects, Journal of American History, Volume 97, Issue 2, September 2010, Pages 424–463, https://doi.org/10.1093/jahist/97.2.424
*Sagan, C. (1994). Pale Blue Dot. A Vision of the Human Future in Space. (1st Ed.). New York: Random House. 

     On this Veterans Day 2019 we honor all who serve, served and have sacrificed for our nation. A simple thank you may not comprehend the deep strength, stamina, and sacrificial elements that are required and given for the act of service, but the simple words can be enough to know that one is appreciated and loved. Thank you to all branches of the armed forces, as well as those who are not formally a member to these. Your service each and every day; the civilian / civic duty to love, protect and honor one's nation at home and abroad is appreciated. THANK YOU!

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Related Websites:
Our Community of Learning
​With Love and kindness

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 as I was looking over previous teaching experiences. What I loved about being the classroom teacher was to see students who were putting in efforts, wanted to succeed, but were also being adolescents. Enjoying the teen years. In my view I believe that the teen years are the most enjoyable years. I'd still like to hope that the spirit of the soul can be free - free as a bird. To breathe, hope and dream. But even with my opinion there are other views. Such as the turbulence that takes place within these years. And of course it is an agreeable view. But my point to write these thoughts is that sometimes a persons situated environment, life factors, surroundings, what we hear, what we see, experience and culture; make us wonder if there is any sense of hope for those who are not in school or programming?

     From an educators perspective it is easy to know / understand that some kids just don't want to attend school. Attending or not attending is one matter, but the matter really is that if one chooses not to attend school, then there must be healthy avenues, simply said - do something with your time that is productive, not destructive. This thought is of particular concern for the street youth. You are worthy, just like anyone else. It might take some time to figure out what you want to do, and that is ok.  Sometimes it does mean reaching out to the classroom teacher, guidance counsellors, or child and youth workers. Have open discussions about choices and options. There are no dead ends, only the ones that we choose to create. It's up to us to choose, and let's face it some kids can be successful without attending formal schooling. The important point to remember is to be constructive, what is the path forward? All kids matter.

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 10th, 2019 between 10:30-11:00 AM. 
​Image 1 - Web Link  

Image Source 

Related Reading:
Celebrating Victories!
Uncovering History! :)

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.

     As I wrote previous thoughts I included quotes from a scholarly article that I'm reading. Well the truth is like a turtle just slowly plowing away, a few pages here and there, to wet my interests and keep current. As I wrote the quotes I reflected upon many of the thoughts offered. What I am liking about this paper is that it's like a discussion, where many knowledgeable individuals are getting together, to discuss their endeavours about Latino History past and present. Its really positive, encouraging and heartwarming to learn about the years of efforts that individuals have put forth to create awareness about Latino/a/x history - past, present and future. Key points that we often do not hear at the forefront, or through public media outlets are words such as:

*Interwoven
*Shared History
*Latino History is American History

   Another point of interest was the need for individuals to truly understand the history of America, Spanish America. In agreement with this: knowing how a past has shaped a future is important for future forecasts. What do we envision? How can we get there without making the errors / mistakes of the past? But even as the discussions, the many issues that need to be tackled come to surface, there is still the vision to see beyond. Which is integration. Integrating the hispanic/Latino/a/x  populations, with the many other minority and majority populations. What is termed as a "Transhemispheric Approach" (2010) for the gains of social peace. 

Observation:
After reading the plethora of research, and even as efforts continue, I learn something new. But I also believe that there are vast treasures of writing and research that can offer solutions for current and future challenges. 
​
My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 8th, 2019. Please note that there maybe additional thoughts offered as I continue to read this paper. Please see reference below: 

*Adrian Burgos, Donna Gabaccia, María Cristina García, Matthew Garcia, Kelly Lytle Hernández, Jesse Hoffnung-Garskof, María E. Montoya, George J. Sánchez, Virginia Sánchez Korrol, Paul Spickard, Latino History: An Interchange on Present Realities and Future Prospects, Journal of American History, Volume 97, Issue 2, September 2010, Pages 424–463, https://doi.org/10.1093/jahist/97.2.424

Image 1 - Web Link 

Related Reading:
Processing Happiness!

"Our histories are interwoven." (2010)

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 I was actually quite happy to hear that Ms. Regina Romero just got elected as the first Latina Mayor for Tucson, Arizona, USA. Whilst I am still learning about the election processes in the USA , I embraced this happiness. Especially because the representation of the Hispanic/Latino/a/x population matters. And when representation of a specific population segment intersects with gender, in this case Hispanic / Latina (Woman), it goes without saying that the election success is also a marker for history. But as we embrace success and happiness of others, there will always be the nay- sayers, or the ones who become sour. Unfortunate in some cases - it is only natural. As humans we tend to our own survival. When we feel threatened, its natural to want to protect what we love. Sort of going back to the fight and flight responses. But even with this thought in mind, we have to remember that as humans we have evolved. Our initial reactions will settle. This is also where the rational mind comes to play. 

   As we turn to the working of the mind to understand reaction / response, we must also bear in mind that being in a public position also arrives with responsibility. Putting the desire to serve the public - first and foremost. After all isn't that what / why a person is elected in the first place? To serve and put the interests of all walks of life first? I believe so. But it does make me sad that others cannot embrace anthers happiness, as we ourselves do. 

     Nevertheless, I think this is an important reminder to understand that a public position is one of responsibility, that of course arises with benefits. Monetary, personal, social and career advancements. But one must also remember the goal of service. If self-gain is the only motive (which it shouldn't be) then what happens to the poorest, those in need, the marginalized - who also desire top-down representation? Something to think about. 

    It is with these thoughts I would like to congratulate Ms. Regina Romero, first female Latina Mayor. I am proud of the many fellow politicians who have embraced your successful victory. CONGRATULATIONS!!! :) 

​My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 7th, 2019.
The above quote is taken from a scholarly article that I am currently reading that I have also cited in previous blog writings. Please see the flooding reference:  
*Adrian Burgos, Donna Gabaccia, María Cristina García, Matthew Garcia, Kelly Lytle Hernández, Jesse Hoffnung-Garskof, María E. Montoya, George J. Sánchez, Virginia Sánchez Korrol, Paul Spickard, Latino History: An Interchange on Present Realities and Future Prospects, Journal of American History, Volume 97, Issue 2, September 2010, Pages 424–463, https://doi.org/10.1093/jahist/97.2.424

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