This past Saturday I attended a mentoring event in Far Rock Away. I thoroughly inspected the MTA subway map and discovered that it was at the end of the A line. So essentially I was going to be traveling the world. I transferred from the the 2 to the A train and I began reading my book. As the train ride progressed I heard these shrieking sounds that seemed like some type of animal so I look outside the train window and see seagulls. The train was hovering over what seemed to be a bay. I must admit I was quite surprised when I saw the water and became frantic for about two seconds then realized that the train was supposed to go over the water and I wasn't in a near life-death situation lol. I thought to myself this body of water is rather massive are we crossing the Atlantic to go to England lol? I got off on the last stop of the train and took a shuttle bus from Far Rockaway to 44th Beach Street. I reached my destination and walked form 44th to 51st. So I entered the rehabilitation center where the event was held asked the security guard what room we were supposed to meet in.
I walk to the room and all I hear are boisterous sounds of kids screaming and hollering. Amidst all the pandemonium I see Butch (a mentor) who is standing outside and avoiding going inside the room. So I go inside the room but proceed with caution lol. As so as I walk in I see one of the mentors Reggie wrestling with one of the mentees. Right after they fight another one jumps in and tries to gang up on Reggie. I diffuse the tension by breaking it up. So then the biggest kid in the room CJ challenges me to a fight and I accept the offer so we wrestle and I wipe the floor with him. As I parade in victory I see like six more kids headed towards me. I try to get them off but it didn't work but they eventually were broken up. Ade came in at 11:30 although the event started at 9:00.
I saw one kid enter late and he seemed sort of pissed off. I observed his personality and he was very quiet, reserved, and solitary. I asked him why he was so quiet and he replied "im tired". I ask him why and he said he was playing a video game. After, I asked him if he knew anybody in the room. He said he knew some of the other boys but he preferred to be by himself. I ask him "why not" and he said he wants to be more independent. I also asked why this is a desirable trait and he said his father let other people take care of his responsibilities and he was dependent. Then the mentee thought to himself where have you been all these years since he has been absent from his life.
After the discussion they did an exercise where the mentees went for a short run and were timed. I stood on a corner cheering them on outside. My mentee came in 1st. I forgot what got you there in the first place? I told him if he puts his mind to it, anything is possible. He nodded his head in affirmation. I was amazed at how sharp all of them were including the mentee. They have advanced vocabulary and have a lot of potential, the only obstacle is unfolding that secret in order to maximize their potential. Supposedly he was in a gang. I am going to try my best for me to persuade him to make the right decision. This is another blog topic I will address in the future. that must be addressed.
So at the end of the day I asked him what he got out of today. He quietly said NEVER GIVE UP! He won two awards today which may be insignificant but to the mentees it means the world to them. This goes to show each one must teach one and we must stick together and share our resources and experiences. The underclass in America is stepped on, called names, and denigrated. We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and keep on playing!I could have changed a the mentee's life by revolutionizing his old mentality or maybe I'm seeing the changes and they may not see it. But I came to the realization that God's mission is to help and heal. I'm willing to spread the wealth of knowledge and educate my people on several topics. I was blessed with many gifts and resources in my lief so I am just trying to keep the cycle going by mentoring somebody else who seeks guidance.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol allows us to escape the harsh realities of everyday life as well as alter our reality. While under the effects of drugs we have the capability of eluding our true fate. Any drug has the capability of distracting you from the truth. Take alcohol for example, it reduces your inhibition therefore exposing our genuine characteristics but also tends to exaggerate those features. In addition it depresses your nervous system and causes you to lose your memory if used excessively. This all distracts you from the truth. Drugs give us the unique opportunity to cultivate a fantasy realm where anything is possible. Under the effects of drugs and/or alcohol people aren't fully aware of their surroundings. In real life people behave differently when they are inebriated rather than sober. This also distorts reality.
Drugs and alcohol also enable you to create your own safe space. This protects you from any damage that anybody may inflict upon you. Its a paradox, you may prevent yourself from being hurt but you hurt other people instead. Anything in moderation can't be too bad for you but anything in excess can cause problems in the future! Drugs and alcohol enslave you and inhibit you form breaking free of the negative cycle. It controls your emotions, physical urges and limits your mental capacity and coherence. As a result drugs and alcohol can be quite harmful. Furthermore drugs and alcohol make you do things that you would not do in your normal state. These experiences can be quite embarrassing.
In a sense masking the veracity of your character takes away from your genuine traits. These substances inhibit the manifestation of your true characteristics. In life we nay resort to an alternative approach for relief, but i life so may curve balls are thrown at you and you have to be able to tackle them before they become too out of control.! Drugs and alcohol gives you temporary relief. In the long run I believe it to be detrimental to yourself and others. Hopefully abstain form both!
Drugs and alcohol also enable you to create your own safe space. This protects you from any damage that anybody may inflict upon you. Its a paradox, you may prevent yourself from being hurt but you hurt other people instead. Anything in moderation can't be too bad for you but anything in excess can cause problems in the future! Drugs and alcohol enslave you and inhibit you form breaking free of the negative cycle. It controls your emotions, physical urges and limits your mental capacity and coherence. As a result drugs and alcohol can be quite harmful. Furthermore drugs and alcohol make you do things that you would not do in your normal state. These experiences can be quite embarrassing.
In a sense masking the veracity of your character takes away from your genuine traits. These substances inhibit the manifestation of your true characteristics. In life we nay resort to an alternative approach for relief, but i life so may curve balls are thrown at you and you have to be able to tackle them before they become too out of control.! Drugs and alcohol gives you temporary relief. In the long run I believe it to be detrimental to yourself and others. Hopefully abstain form both!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Introvert vs Extrovert
My definition of an introvert is somebody who is shy while keeping their expression, emotions, and thoughts to themselves as well as somebody who maintains an intimate identity. On the other hand an extrovert is an individual who is outgoing, expresses their emotions outwardly, and makes their identity known. Each type of personality has its advantages and disadvantages.
An extrovert is often considered to be the better personality type. Which can be true or false depending on the scenario or situation. It is only the better personality type in a certain kind of setting like a networking event. One of the advantages of being an extrovert is that you will always have acquaintances as society has a strong affinity towards extroverted people. In addition when you are going through struggles in your own life it will be detected easily which allows you to find emotional support easier. As an extrovert your social skills can take you far in life and ultimately lead to your success. I consider myself to be an extrovert and can say that the down side to being an extrovert is that I have more of a tendency to build weak ties with others. To elaborate on this theory, an extrovert meets so many people it becomes challenging to build strong bonds with another person. Another disadvantage is that we are so preoccupied with expressing who we are that we do not observe the world around us.
An introvert is a very delicate individual who lives a very private and closed life, confined to their own intimate world. These individuals have certain advantages. One advantage is that they are usually very perceptive and intuitive. These unique traits allow them to easily distinguish changes in certain people's personalities. In addition they can use their intuition to read people and what they are about. Since they are quiet most of the time they listen more meticulously than the average person which enables them to have a deeper understanding of people in general. In this very complex society an introvert is also very cognizant of the world surrounding them which is critical for survival. Another benefit for introverts is that they are more prone to build strong relationships with people since they usually have few close friends which tend to be their real ones. On the contrary, one disadvantage is that they may have internal problems that they struggle with but they are reticent to express themselves openly. This can lead to further psychological problems and ultimately lead them not to seek help. This trait of shyness can also hinder personal success as they may be to apprehensive in approaching people for a job or possible internship opportunity. Furthermore their social network may be more limited than other people. There is a certain paradox to introverts, while they generate strong bonds with people they also tend to keep their distance and remain detached.
Who knows why people are born into certain personality types, or maybe nurtured to become certain personality types. However, I do know that each personality type makes a positive contribution to society. Extrovert is the ying to the introvert's yang. This healthy balance makes the world a better place.
An extrovert is often considered to be the better personality type. Which can be true or false depending on the scenario or situation. It is only the better personality type in a certain kind of setting like a networking event. One of the advantages of being an extrovert is that you will always have acquaintances as society has a strong affinity towards extroverted people. In addition when you are going through struggles in your own life it will be detected easily which allows you to find emotional support easier. As an extrovert your social skills can take you far in life and ultimately lead to your success. I consider myself to be an extrovert and can say that the down side to being an extrovert is that I have more of a tendency to build weak ties with others. To elaborate on this theory, an extrovert meets so many people it becomes challenging to build strong bonds with another person. Another disadvantage is that we are so preoccupied with expressing who we are that we do not observe the world around us.
An introvert is a very delicate individual who lives a very private and closed life, confined to their own intimate world. These individuals have certain advantages. One advantage is that they are usually very perceptive and intuitive. These unique traits allow them to easily distinguish changes in certain people's personalities. In addition they can use their intuition to read people and what they are about. Since they are quiet most of the time they listen more meticulously than the average person which enables them to have a deeper understanding of people in general. In this very complex society an introvert is also very cognizant of the world surrounding them which is critical for survival. Another benefit for introverts is that they are more prone to build strong relationships with people since they usually have few close friends which tend to be their real ones. On the contrary, one disadvantage is that they may have internal problems that they struggle with but they are reticent to express themselves openly. This can lead to further psychological problems and ultimately lead them not to seek help. This trait of shyness can also hinder personal success as they may be to apprehensive in approaching people for a job or possible internship opportunity. Furthermore their social network may be more limited than other people. There is a certain paradox to introverts, while they generate strong bonds with people they also tend to keep their distance and remain detached.
Who knows why people are born into certain personality types, or maybe nurtured to become certain personality types. However, I do know that each personality type makes a positive contribution to society. Extrovert is the ying to the introvert's yang. This healthy balance makes the world a better place.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Socio-economic segregation vs Racial segregation
For those that may not know me I am fascinated by race, culture, and social class. That being said this weekend I was in Philadelphia this weekend visiting my little brother and on Saturday morning my mom, sister, brother and I and went to IHOP. While at Ihop I saw some white workers and black workers which were from the surrounding area (inner city Philadelphia). Then I compared their working environment to a typical fast food restaurant in New York City. Throughout the city there is a myriad of mcdonalds, Ihops, and kfcs. The only difference is that in New york City the greater majority of the workers are either Black or Latino with the white workers being close to none.
A new part of my consciousness was awakened when I became cognizant of that fact. In Philadelphia there is more of a class distinction rather than an ethnic or racial distinction in the living and working areas. In Philadelphia there is an amalgamation of the black and white community based on socio-economic backgrounds. The lower middle class and lower class lives in the same areas while the upper class and affluent families live in another area regardless of their race. This is why I call Philadelphia economic segregation.
On the other hand in New York City there is a more apparent ethnic distinction in residential areas with varying social classes. In New York City most Dominicans live in a highly concentrated areas such as Washington Heights and the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Just like the Russians who dominate Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn and Albanians who are a densely populated in Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. Despite the difference in economic standing, rich and poor people live in the same areas jsut as long as they share the same race or ethnicity.
In addition The major difference that is seen between New York City and other metropolitan areas is that New York is a melting pot that doesn't mix. What I mean by that is that there is limited cross-cultural and cross-ethnic interaction. Everybody stays with their "own kind" and refuses to expand their horizons and get out of their comfort zones. While it would be an anomaly to find a white female who works at McDonald's in Manhattan it is highly likely to find a white female who works at McDonald's in Philadelphia. New york is one of the most integrated cities with segregated populations. Think about the irony here.
A new part of my consciousness was awakened when I became cognizant of that fact. In Philadelphia there is more of a class distinction rather than an ethnic or racial distinction in the living and working areas. In Philadelphia there is an amalgamation of the black and white community based on socio-economic backgrounds. The lower middle class and lower class lives in the same areas while the upper class and affluent families live in another area regardless of their race. This is why I call Philadelphia economic segregation.
On the other hand in New York City there is a more apparent ethnic distinction in residential areas with varying social classes. In New York City most Dominicans live in a highly concentrated areas such as Washington Heights and the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Just like the Russians who dominate Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn and Albanians who are a densely populated in Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. Despite the difference in economic standing, rich and poor people live in the same areas jsut as long as they share the same race or ethnicity.
In addition The major difference that is seen between New York City and other metropolitan areas is that New York is a melting pot that doesn't mix. What I mean by that is that there is limited cross-cultural and cross-ethnic interaction. Everybody stays with their "own kind" and refuses to expand their horizons and get out of their comfort zones. While it would be an anomaly to find a white female who works at McDonald's in Manhattan it is highly likely to find a white female who works at McDonald's in Philadelphia. New york is one of the most integrated cities with segregated populations. Think about the irony here.
Control of our own destinies.
When it comes down to it whether we take control of our own destinies depends on whether we let the world around us define who we are or whether we define the world around us. I was helping my dad rummage the garage for some tools at around 1 am when I saw some adolescents outside late at night just idling. At that point I asked myself why are these kids out late at night engaging in non-productive behaviors? Then I had an epiphany I thought they have no vision and are living for today not worrying for tomorrow. At the same token a young lady who was raised in the South Bronx became a supreme court justice, how can two people from similar backgrounds raised in the same communities turn out so differently.
The single greatest factor that contributes to our own success is our personal drive. The defining factor is not race, social class, area of residence, schools attended, or resources. While these factors can bring about success they are not the reason why people are successful. What distinguishes successful people from unsuccessful people is motivation and vision or lack there of.
Our backgrounds may be tumultuous and our living conditions harsh but if we believe in ourselves, seek that power, and envision a better future there is no mountain we can't climb. These characteristics will help us defeat the odds. Many adolescents from poor urban communities cease to pursue their education and find themselves dead, in jail, or on the streets while people from rich suburbs who are misled often get involved heavily into drugs and may have other issues that prevent them from becoming successful. Two different socio-economic backgrounds have the potential for the same outcomes: no success.
I can speak from an urban youth perspective and say that there are many factors in an urban environment that can discourage you from having goals and achieving them especially academic goals. Drugs, violence, crime, and single mother households are all negative factors that can debilitate one's sense of hope and vision. But the special individual who is capable of looking beyond her/his circumstances to see themselves in a better place can achieve tremendous deeds. If only we could all discover the SECRET POWER within ourselves, we would all be successful.
THE ONLY THING HOLDING US BACK FROM SUCCESS IS OURSELVES
I will end with a Paul Coelho Quote author of the alchemist: WHEN A PERSON REALLY WANTS SOMETHING ALL THE UNIVERSE CONSPIRES YOU TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE IT.
The single greatest factor that contributes to our own success is our personal drive. The defining factor is not race, social class, area of residence, schools attended, or resources. While these factors can bring about success they are not the reason why people are successful. What distinguishes successful people from unsuccessful people is motivation and vision or lack there of.
Our backgrounds may be tumultuous and our living conditions harsh but if we believe in ourselves, seek that power, and envision a better future there is no mountain we can't climb. These characteristics will help us defeat the odds. Many adolescents from poor urban communities cease to pursue their education and find themselves dead, in jail, or on the streets while people from rich suburbs who are misled often get involved heavily into drugs and may have other issues that prevent them from becoming successful. Two different socio-economic backgrounds have the potential for the same outcomes: no success.
I can speak from an urban youth perspective and say that there are many factors in an urban environment that can discourage you from having goals and achieving them especially academic goals. Drugs, violence, crime, and single mother households are all negative factors that can debilitate one's sense of hope and vision. But the special individual who is capable of looking beyond her/his circumstances to see themselves in a better place can achieve tremendous deeds. If only we could all discover the SECRET POWER within ourselves, we would all be successful.
THE ONLY THING HOLDING US BACK FROM SUCCESS IS OURSELVES
I will end with a Paul Coelho Quote author of the alchemist: WHEN A PERSON REALLY WANTS SOMETHING ALL THE UNIVERSE CONSPIRES YOU TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE IT.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Power of the Mind
Have you ever wondered what the actual metaphysical capabilities of the mid are? did you ever think about somebody and that person has called you? Did you ever envision yourself accomplishing a goal and it has actually happened? These are all concrete examples of the extraordinary capabilities that our minds possess. Through strong intentions, spiritual energy and positive thinking our thoughts can be manifested in reality.
The mind is an element that has befuddled mankind for ages. The mystery of the mind is elusive. While many people have attempted to unlock the secrets of the mind and failed others continue to try to crack the code. There are some individuals who are oblivious to the mind's capacities while others are aware of the capacities but undermine them. There is another population that has heard of the mind's capabilities but are still doubtful.
The power of the mind is infinite. Our minds may even be able to achieve psychokinetic capabilities. Through shared spirituality we can literally read somebody else's mind. This ability may allow us to discover their inner most thoughts and desires. In the book I am reading "Reinventing Medicine" the author explores the concept of the nonlocal mind. The nonlocal mind is described as the mind functioning beyond the boundaries of the body. It also speaks on the mind serving as liaison for different individuals through spirituality. A concrete example of this is praying for a person who is ill and their recuperation process being quicker than the person with the same illness who was not prayed for.
My firm convictions about the untapped potential of the human mind has convinced me that it has capabilities that man cannot fathom. These capabilities may be as extraordinary as time travel or telekinesis. Our mind can also serve as a foreboding tool by sensing danger. So in essence our mind can predict the future; this is amazing.
One of the most well know facets of the mind is that you can attract positive or negative energy. If you can anticipate that bad things will happen on a regular basis then these things will come true. On the contrary if your mind is saturated with good thoughts then an auspicious future awaits you.
The mind is an element that has befuddled mankind for ages. The mystery of the mind is elusive. While many people have attempted to unlock the secrets of the mind and failed others continue to try to crack the code. There are some individuals who are oblivious to the mind's capacities while others are aware of the capacities but undermine them. There is another population that has heard of the mind's capabilities but are still doubtful.
The power of the mind is infinite. Our minds may even be able to achieve psychokinetic capabilities. Through shared spirituality we can literally read somebody else's mind. This ability may allow us to discover their inner most thoughts and desires. In the book I am reading "Reinventing Medicine" the author explores the concept of the nonlocal mind. The nonlocal mind is described as the mind functioning beyond the boundaries of the body. It also speaks on the mind serving as liaison for different individuals through spirituality. A concrete example of this is praying for a person who is ill and their recuperation process being quicker than the person with the same illness who was not prayed for.
My firm convictions about the untapped potential of the human mind has convinced me that it has capabilities that man cannot fathom. These capabilities may be as extraordinary as time travel or telekinesis. Our mind can also serve as a foreboding tool by sensing danger. So in essence our mind can predict the future; this is amazing.
One of the most well know facets of the mind is that you can attract positive or negative energy. If you can anticipate that bad things will happen on a regular basis then these things will come true. On the contrary if your mind is saturated with good thoughts then an auspicious future awaits you.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fear of letting other people get to close
Why does mankind approach intimacy with such trepidation? Shortening our gaps of unfamiliarity should be conducive to the survival of mankind. Most people have their reservations with becoming to close to a person. The reservations may emanate from their fear of rejection and fear of letting other people see them at their most vulnerable points.
While people view vulnerability as a precarious situation others may view it as an opportunity for growth. I believe that at our times of vulnerability we are the most alive. By alive I mean a state of existence where we permit the world to view us as we truly are with all our flaws and insecurities. In addition most individuals rather not foster intimate relationships because they fear being judged or suffering psychological and emotional damage. The underlying reasons for these anxieties may vary. The intentions for impeding the formation of a strong bond may be to protect your ego and/or preserve your pride.
What this boils down to is one rudimentary concept. The concept is viewing the relationship with only self interest and failing to take the other party into consideration. This may sound counter intuitive but let’s briefly analyze this theory from a third person perspective. Why would you deprive somebody else of your beauty and gifts? Running the risk of being betrayed or others seeing you at your darkest hour is worth it because increases our possibilities for a beautiful union. Taking a risk and allowing people to see inside the windows of your soul reveals your true character and is a sign of sincere bravado.
There are times when we must step outside our comfort zone and venture the world of the unknown. Although we may not feel safe exploring the unwarranted territories as we initiate every new human relationship we give ourselves a chance to reach a deeper level of understanding and a higher state of consciousness. Through our relationships we learn so much about ourselves and the other individual. However our potential for growth is maximized exponentially by eliminating any restrictions we may have regarding the relationship. Having restrictions with relationships not only prohibits the relationship's growth but each individual’s growth as well. Ultimately this may lead to the squandering of a unique opportunity to form an incredible bond with another human being. This person may be your future soul mate or lifelong friend. Shall we eradicate all barriers!
While people view vulnerability as a precarious situation others may view it as an opportunity for growth. I believe that at our times of vulnerability we are the most alive. By alive I mean a state of existence where we permit the world to view us as we truly are with all our flaws and insecurities. In addition most individuals rather not foster intimate relationships because they fear being judged or suffering psychological and emotional damage. The underlying reasons for these anxieties may vary. The intentions for impeding the formation of a strong bond may be to protect your ego and/or preserve your pride.
What this boils down to is one rudimentary concept. The concept is viewing the relationship with only self interest and failing to take the other party into consideration. This may sound counter intuitive but let’s briefly analyze this theory from a third person perspective. Why would you deprive somebody else of your beauty and gifts? Running the risk of being betrayed or others seeing you at your darkest hour is worth it because increases our possibilities for a beautiful union. Taking a risk and allowing people to see inside the windows of your soul reveals your true character and is a sign of sincere bravado.
There are times when we must step outside our comfort zone and venture the world of the unknown. Although we may not feel safe exploring the unwarranted territories as we initiate every new human relationship we give ourselves a chance to reach a deeper level of understanding and a higher state of consciousness. Through our relationships we learn so much about ourselves and the other individual. However our potential for growth is maximized exponentially by eliminating any restrictions we may have regarding the relationship. Having restrictions with relationships not only prohibits the relationship's growth but each individual’s growth as well. Ultimately this may lead to the squandering of a unique opportunity to form an incredible bond with another human being. This person may be your future soul mate or lifelong friend. Shall we eradicate all barriers!
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