Copyright 2006 Cynthia Bull
Is it possible to be seduced by society? Yes! In fact, many of us have a vague sense of being mentally seduced, but with no idea of how it happened. All we know is that we're flooded with information, feel a loss of control, and have no time to think about anything anymore.
At times, an ominous feeling prevails that narrows our field of mental and emotional vision, leaving us with the impression that “something” or “someone” else controls our master switch, that we no longer guide our own destiny, or that our path is darkened by negative circumstances.
We sense that we've been sold a “bill of goods” and that the ability to think for ourselves has been mysteriously removed. Somehow, we’re caught in a maze of uncertainty that affects us mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, potentially leaving deep scars. Hazy, incomplete thoughts cloud our thinking and we feel confused.
Confused and scarred about what? About life in general.
In today’s culture, it is easy to divert our attention to what society is trying to sell us through the media or in the marketplace. “Product A is better than product B. Buy Now!” The seduction factor is strong, and this frenzy adds pressure to an already hectic pace.
Competition fosters thoughts of “Me first” and “Look out for #1.” We’re conditioned to ignore the “other guy” and thoughts or practices of brotherhood. Only personal tragedy or national disaster alters our perceptions, attitudes and actions, and then only for short periods of time until we pass the crisis.
It seems we're always being told to “hurry,” “rush,” “do it now” in many situations at home and on the job. We're made to feel that we must “take on more” and that what we do, no matter how well we do it, is never enough.
Time seems to have overtaken us to the point that there is no time and we end up with feelings of resentment, that somehow we have been cheated. Unfortunately, we tend to focus such feelings on people rather than on issues.
This resentment is compounded by jobs that take so much of our time weekly. Many of us work in jobs we don’t particularly like for people we don’t particularly respect, and extended travel and traffic jams to and from work compound the picture.
These stressors add tremendous strain to our lives and often without our full awareness, as our sense of self-control gradually lessens.
Due to excessive schedules and trying to do too much in a sane manner, we have become desensitized to spending time alone. Too many of us have stopped living lives based on enduring principles and values that give light to move through each day and have been seduced to paying too much attention to “stuff” dictated by society.
The result is that many have forgotten how to think, how to process thoughts with feelings, and vice versa, and by doing so have inadvertently opened the door to being led rather than being a leader.
The idea of being alone to “think” is practically foreign if it doesn’t involve a problem posed by some external entity having little to do with “real” life, where people truly live.
Caught up in chaotic routines, some believers experience being disconnected from God and doubt their faith because, unintentionally, they allowed “something” or “someone” to replace God in their life.
Faced with erratic, extreme routines, some nonbelievers experience heightened solitude or despair and that “another” is in charge and controls their destiny.
Fear then dwells within the soul and either prevents or significantly limits truly positive action from taking place to combat negativity and confusion.
Where time to think is willfully rejected or denied, the media is ever present to intervene with diversions, illusions, false hopes, and hope.
Dan Brown’s “The DaVinci Code” is the latest example of the media challenging believers and nonbelievers alike to think and not just be entertained. Prior to this release, Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” stirred people to think about their very essence and a relationship with God.
Both presentations provide a forum for provocative discussions of man’s existence and purpose, challenging the viewer to think about barriers that separate man from himself, and from God.
It would be better if internal motivation, curiosity, and a desire for the truth stemming from our own lives prompted our thought processes, rather than by obvious or blatant external stimulation on any subject. But first, a path must exist and be open.
To open the channels, we must remove the collective garbage that's stored up in lies and half-truths held as convictions. We must unblock thought and heart channels in order to reconnect human synapses with universal wisdom. For believers, Christ embodies that wisdom.
To regain control over our lives, it is imperative that we make time to be introspective and not fear our own mortality by rushing through life overly concerned with world issues. We need to slow down to hear ourselves think, to actually engage in dialog with our souls, where we can uncover opportunities and solutions to problems, heartaches, disappointments, and even tragedies.
Solutions to sanity and peace are waiting during quiet moments in conversations with self and God as believers, and with self and the universe as nonbelievers.
Stop the seduction factor by taking time to think, to be alone, and to regain the self-control you thought was lost.
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Rabu, 23 Mei 2012
Jumat, 27 April 2012
The Tale That Dogs the WAG
Glancing through the red-tops on certain days over the past few weeks, one could be forgiven for thinking that England’s World Cup bid revolved not around 11 strapping male athletes on the pitch in Gelsenkirchen, but rather the occasionally dubious antics of a group of Cristal fuelled, bejewelled glamour queens in Manolo Blahniks and oversized sunglasses.
Certainly this does not constitute any great departure from form on the part of either the tabloid reporters or the WAGs themselves. The likes of Victoria Beckham (neé Posh Spice), Coleen Mcloughlin et al enjoy a tumultuous but mutually beneficial relationship with the tabloid press the year round; the designer label and conspicuous consumption led lifestyle financed by their HABs’ (Husbands and Boyfriends’) nosebleed-inducing salaries providing the perfect fodder for the type of journalist that eschews ‘real’ news and the tabloids in turn providing that all important limelight presence that is the lifeblood of glamour models and dried up pop has-beens. Few can have been generally shocked at the ‘mistake’ that saw the WAGs and other family members of the England team booked into the same hotel as the majority of the British press deployed to cover the World Cup. For a few short weeks the Brenner’s Park Hotel played host to a bona fide match made in Heaven as the WAGs trailed journalists pied-piper-like around Baden Baden’s hot spots, handing out tabloid-friendly photo opportunities and faux-shocking examples of ‘scandalous’ behaviour with the generosity of spirit of an anorexic at a soup kitchen. This was truly the blonde leading the bland.
Tabloid journalists, by their very nature, are risky bedfellows who specialise in biting the hand that feeds. That docile, friendly poodle in the lap of the IT girl can turn to a ravening, bloodthirsty pack animal quicker than you can say ‘deviated septum’, and this summer’s WAG-watching exercise saw its fair share of savagery. Like wolves or hyenas, when packs of tabloid journalists select their prey they single out the weakest individuals on the outside of the herd. Top spot on the tabloid maul-o-meter in this case must go to Abigail Clancy, (erstwhile?) girlfriend of Peter Crouch, lambasted not only for having done the dirty on England’s Unlikeliest Athlete but for having come clean to him about it mere hours before England’s game against Trinidad and Tobago in which Crouch scored the opening goal. Whilst we can all appreciate that such news is never good, and few would deny that its delivery could have been better timed, the majority of tabloid umbrage at this fact seems to be drawn from the assumption that the pain of receiving such news might have stymied Crouch’s game. This, of course, quite ignores the fact that until Crouch’s golden moment in the 83rd minute and his subsequent lamentable dance display he was one of the lesser known stars of English football whose very inclusion in the squad was the subject of dark and doubtful mutterings in some quarters. Had Abi Clancy’s relationship misdemeanours indeed put the kybosh on Crouch’s ability to play at top level, the goal would never have gone in and the entire sorry episode would barely have been newsworthy to start with. There again, when did we ever look to the tabloids for logic?
Of course, now that England have returned in ignominious circumstances it’s not just Abi Clancy who has strayed within the tabloid zone of terror. Having made such a towering media edifice of the England team in recent weeks, the hacks of Middle England now balk at the prospect of knocking it down, so instead they cast around for a scapegoat. All accusations seem to slide from erstwhile manager Sven-Goran Eriksson like droplets from a well-oiled silver duck, and in any case what does Sven care? He’s already packed his bags for Sweden and kissed his love affair with English football a fond goodbye. All in all, it looks like the blame for England’s poor performance (it just wouldn’t do to recycle an excuse from the past 40 years) may well be laid at several pairs of immaculately manicured feet in very expensive heels! Come to that, so what? In return for such a lavish existence and a media presence second to none (certainly to none who do so little to warrant it) couldn’t they at least shoulder a little blame now and again? Is that too much to ask?
Certainly this does not constitute any great departure from form on the part of either the tabloid reporters or the WAGs themselves. The likes of Victoria Beckham (neé Posh Spice), Coleen Mcloughlin et al enjoy a tumultuous but mutually beneficial relationship with the tabloid press the year round; the designer label and conspicuous consumption led lifestyle financed by their HABs’ (Husbands and Boyfriends’) nosebleed-inducing salaries providing the perfect fodder for the type of journalist that eschews ‘real’ news and the tabloids in turn providing that all important limelight presence that is the lifeblood of glamour models and dried up pop has-beens. Few can have been generally shocked at the ‘mistake’ that saw the WAGs and other family members of the England team booked into the same hotel as the majority of the British press deployed to cover the World Cup. For a few short weeks the Brenner’s Park Hotel played host to a bona fide match made in Heaven as the WAGs trailed journalists pied-piper-like around Baden Baden’s hot spots, handing out tabloid-friendly photo opportunities and faux-shocking examples of ‘scandalous’ behaviour with the generosity of spirit of an anorexic at a soup kitchen. This was truly the blonde leading the bland.
Tabloid journalists, by their very nature, are risky bedfellows who specialise in biting the hand that feeds. That docile, friendly poodle in the lap of the IT girl can turn to a ravening, bloodthirsty pack animal quicker than you can say ‘deviated septum’, and this summer’s WAG-watching exercise saw its fair share of savagery. Like wolves or hyenas, when packs of tabloid journalists select their prey they single out the weakest individuals on the outside of the herd. Top spot on the tabloid maul-o-meter in this case must go to Abigail Clancy, (erstwhile?) girlfriend of Peter Crouch, lambasted not only for having done the dirty on England’s Unlikeliest Athlete but for having come clean to him about it mere hours before England’s game against Trinidad and Tobago in which Crouch scored the opening goal. Whilst we can all appreciate that such news is never good, and few would deny that its delivery could have been better timed, the majority of tabloid umbrage at this fact seems to be drawn from the assumption that the pain of receiving such news might have stymied Crouch’s game. This, of course, quite ignores the fact that until Crouch’s golden moment in the 83rd minute and his subsequent lamentable dance display he was one of the lesser known stars of English football whose very inclusion in the squad was the subject of dark and doubtful mutterings in some quarters. Had Abi Clancy’s relationship misdemeanours indeed put the kybosh on Crouch’s ability to play at top level, the goal would never have gone in and the entire sorry episode would barely have been newsworthy to start with. There again, when did we ever look to the tabloids for logic?
Of course, now that England have returned in ignominious circumstances it’s not just Abi Clancy who has strayed within the tabloid zone of terror. Having made such a towering media edifice of the England team in recent weeks, the hacks of Middle England now balk at the prospect of knocking it down, so instead they cast around for a scapegoat. All accusations seem to slide from erstwhile manager Sven-Goran Eriksson like droplets from a well-oiled silver duck, and in any case what does Sven care? He’s already packed his bags for Sweden and kissed his love affair with English football a fond goodbye. All in all, it looks like the blame for England’s poor performance (it just wouldn’t do to recycle an excuse from the past 40 years) may well be laid at several pairs of immaculately manicured feet in very expensive heels! Come to that, so what? In return for such a lavish existence and a media presence second to none (certainly to none who do so little to warrant it) couldn’t they at least shoulder a little blame now and again? Is that too much to ask?
Kamis, 21 Oktober 2010
Legacies Are Societal Actions
Have you ever thought that you have not done much with your life? During a recent conversation with a very dear friend, she expressed this very same sentiment. I was astounded that this energetic, high family and work ethic person had this negative self-image, but pleased that she felt comfortable sharing this thought.
Quickly, I began to ask her questions about all of the “Legacies” that she had left in this world during the last 60 plus years. Since her retirement, she relocated to be near her daughters, grandchildren and in-laws to support them. This support included taking her grandchildren to necessary school functions, being there for them after school while still being actively involved in her church and local civic organizations. Her high values, unselfish and positive attitudes to overcome life’s challenges became a rock for her family and friends. As we continued to talk, she expressed several times how I made her feel much better. Her honesty provided me with the opportunity to return one of the many legacies that she had shared with me during our 30 plus year friendship.
After our conversation ended, I began to wonder why someone with such incredible gifts and who had personally left countless individual legacies with so many people had such feelings of inadequacy?
Possibly, the presence of the media from local newspapers to television to the Internet may contribute to the development of these feelings. When we hear and see the success of others who have reached high positions whether in business or government, we may start comparing our accomplishments with these high profile media persons. Unfortunately what happens is that many of our “average” citizens fail to understand that it is these average citizens who are the backbone of this country and without their legacies we would not be the country that we are. Plato recognized the importance of citizens over 2000 years ago when he wrote, “ This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.”
Each of us lives a legacy, not when we are gone from this earth, but when we are here. Our legacy may be something as simple as a smile to a complete stranger to taking the time to help a friend or co-worker through a difficult situation.
Just imagine what the world could be like if everyone looked at every interaction as an opportunity to leave a legacy? What would happen to your personal relationships if you intentionally acted with the desired end result to make each and every interchange one in which you left a legacy that the other person could build upon and then later share with another? Or how about at work? What additional heights could your team reach and how much stronger would your organization be by such “Legacy Leaving Actions”?
With the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the fourth anniversary of 9/11 on the horizon, the American public is being reminded of the importance of legacies. Citizens both private and corporate across the country are demonstrating “Legacy Leaving Actions” by donating their time and resources to help those affected by this natural disaster. Through the stories of those who survived 9/11 and those who didn’t, again, American citizens can hear and even see how they, average American citizens, left legacies during that fateful day which changed our country forever.
Legacies are intentional societal choices that we make every day. By being aware of these choices, makes us better citizens, better parents, better friends and ultimately makes for a better world for our children and the next generation. So as you venture forth today or tomorrow, ask yourself “Where can I leave my legacy?” and “How will that legacy benefit another citizen?”
619 Words
Copyright 2005(c) Leanne Hoagland-Smith, www.processspecialist.com
This article may be freely published. Permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, and the article is not changed in any way (grammatical corrections accepted).
Quickly, I began to ask her questions about all of the “Legacies” that she had left in this world during the last 60 plus years. Since her retirement, she relocated to be near her daughters, grandchildren and in-laws to support them. This support included taking her grandchildren to necessary school functions, being there for them after school while still being actively involved in her church and local civic organizations. Her high values, unselfish and positive attitudes to overcome life’s challenges became a rock for her family and friends. As we continued to talk, she expressed several times how I made her feel much better. Her honesty provided me with the opportunity to return one of the many legacies that she had shared with me during our 30 plus year friendship.
After our conversation ended, I began to wonder why someone with such incredible gifts and who had personally left countless individual legacies with so many people had such feelings of inadequacy?
Possibly, the presence of the media from local newspapers to television to the Internet may contribute to the development of these feelings. When we hear and see the success of others who have reached high positions whether in business or government, we may start comparing our accomplishments with these high profile media persons. Unfortunately what happens is that many of our “average” citizens fail to understand that it is these average citizens who are the backbone of this country and without their legacies we would not be the country that we are. Plato recognized the importance of citizens over 2000 years ago when he wrote, “ This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.”
Each of us lives a legacy, not when we are gone from this earth, but when we are here. Our legacy may be something as simple as a smile to a complete stranger to taking the time to help a friend or co-worker through a difficult situation.
Just imagine what the world could be like if everyone looked at every interaction as an opportunity to leave a legacy? What would happen to your personal relationships if you intentionally acted with the desired end result to make each and every interchange one in which you left a legacy that the other person could build upon and then later share with another? Or how about at work? What additional heights could your team reach and how much stronger would your organization be by such “Legacy Leaving Actions”?
With the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the fourth anniversary of 9/11 on the horizon, the American public is being reminded of the importance of legacies. Citizens both private and corporate across the country are demonstrating “Legacy Leaving Actions” by donating their time and resources to help those affected by this natural disaster. Through the stories of those who survived 9/11 and those who didn’t, again, American citizens can hear and even see how they, average American citizens, left legacies during that fateful day which changed our country forever.
Legacies are intentional societal choices that we make every day. By being aware of these choices, makes us better citizens, better parents, better friends and ultimately makes for a better world for our children and the next generation. So as you venture forth today or tomorrow, ask yourself “Where can I leave my legacy?” and “How will that legacy benefit another citizen?”
619 Words
Copyright 2005(c) Leanne Hoagland-Smith, www.processspecialist.com
This article may be freely published. Permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, and the article is not changed in any way (grammatical corrections accepted).
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