Even though science has never established evidence to support the correlation between pain and growth, there were many nights in my youth that I suffered from awful pain in my legs. Even if science does not acknowledge its existence, both of my parents did. Those nights during which the backs of my legs were tight and sore, I was experiencing growing pains. Growth, apparently, is sometime accompanied by pain. It makes complete sense to me that growing to the incredible height of 5’2” would be brutal. All great feats are achieved with some struggle and suffering, after all.
And so it is in my 20’s. I continue to experience growing pains. Only these pains no longer pull at the muscle tissue of my legs, rather at the muscle tissue of my heart. These are the growing pains of turning a 5’2” girl into an adult. Had I known that I would come to experience aches such as these, I probably would have resigned myself to stay a child forever. I guess that’s why life does not come with a warning label; it would discourage participation.
This last week has forced me to face truths in others and myself. Greed, insecurity, self-centeredness, untrustworthiness, indiscretion, while my companions and I are all recognized as being laudable people, we are not perfect. Although this conclusion would not surprise most, it does pain me. In spite of the worldly, erudite persona I project, I am naïve and foolish. I assume a level of infallibility in all of my friends. We are human and young and so imperfect, and yet, I have always clung to the belief that my friends are mostly without flaws. I have mistakenly always seen the goodness in my peers without seeing any of the attributes that make them more human, their flaws and weaknesses.
My growth this week has been twofold. Firstly, I have had to face the imperfections in my friends. Secondly, I have had to reevaluate myself and how I respond to their humanness. Instead of allowing errors to mar my vision of my friends, I am working on myself so that I can see both flaw and finery concurrently in the same individuals.
Growing hurts. But like stature, great relationships are borne out of struggles and suffering. And like height, maturation is worth the pain.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Dragons and Rainbows
Historians write that during medieval times, people looked at the world as though it had messages for them. Clinging to myths and legends, people faced the feared darkness of a confounding world, hoping that these myths and stories would shine a glimmer of light in the dark abyss of their world. Myths enabled people with a finite understanding of the world to find both a semblance of reason in a confusing world and sense of purpose. In fact, looking to find reason and purpose drew people to the idea of transcendence, most commonly referred to as spirituality and religion.
Joseph Campbell, renowned scholar and lecturer on mythology, explained that the quest for transcendence was the impetus for the creation of the dragon. According to Campbell, the dragon is the amalgamation of an eagle and serpent. Similar to the Chinese image of Tao, a yang and yin relationship of opposites fusing together to form a complete whole, the dragon is the synthesis of a boundless eagle, always soaring in the spiritual heights, and the serpent, always grounded and bound to the earth. The dragon is a serpent with wings; an earthly being that has transcended the confines of its carnal and temporal state. The dragon is revered because it is a metaphorical representation of the spiritual potentiality of humanity.
While not nearly as popular in mythology and poetry as dragons, the rainbow is an equally transcendent image. Like Campbell, scholar and Kabbalist, Rabbi Abraham Kook, believed in the metaphoric power of images. He wrote about the rainbow, first used as a symbol for God’s covenant with man in the Old Testament following the flood that destroyed the entire world. “I will make My covenant with you, and all flesh will never again be cut off by the waters of a flood. This the sign of the covenant that I am placing between Me, you, and ever living creature....I have set My rainbow in the clouds…The rainbow will be in the clouds, and I will see it to recall the eternal covenant” (Gen. 9:11-16). To Rabbi Kook, the rainbow in the Old Testament is a metaphor for the awareness of God. In response to mankind’s failed connection with spirituality and devoutness, God infused the world with His ethical guidance; the refraction of light in the rainbow representing the refraction of God’s light in the physical world. In his writing, Kook continues to explain that just as the light of the rainbow could be seen in the clouds, the light of the Divine could be seen in the material and corporal world.
William Wordsworth, in his poem “The Rainbow” also employs the rainbow as a metaphor for transcendence. “My heart leaps when I behold a rainbow in the sky: so was it when my life began…I could wish my days to be bound each to each by natural piety.” Wordsworth expresses that we are brought into this world with a reverence for God. When seeing a rainbow, that piety is rekindled. Wordsworth’s hope for himself and mankind is that each day should be infused with this same state of veneration.
Whether inclined to believe in God or a more Kantian transcendence of something beyond the earthly, the lesson of both dragons and rainbows is that humanity needs to strive toward a higher integrity. By attempting to infuse our lives with righteousness, we will be able to give our lives purpose in spite of circumstance-- meaning and worth in spite of situation.
May we be blessed to see many rainbows through the clouds, guiding our transcendental journey toward meaning.
Joseph Campbell, renowned scholar and lecturer on mythology, explained that the quest for transcendence was the impetus for the creation of the dragon. According to Campbell, the dragon is the amalgamation of an eagle and serpent. Similar to the Chinese image of Tao, a yang and yin relationship of opposites fusing together to form a complete whole, the dragon is the synthesis of a boundless eagle, always soaring in the spiritual heights, and the serpent, always grounded and bound to the earth. The dragon is a serpent with wings; an earthly being that has transcended the confines of its carnal and temporal state. The dragon is revered because it is a metaphorical representation of the spiritual potentiality of humanity.
While not nearly as popular in mythology and poetry as dragons, the rainbow is an equally transcendent image. Like Campbell, scholar and Kabbalist, Rabbi Abraham Kook, believed in the metaphoric power of images. He wrote about the rainbow, first used as a symbol for God’s covenant with man in the Old Testament following the flood that destroyed the entire world. “I will make My covenant with you, and all flesh will never again be cut off by the waters of a flood. This the sign of the covenant that I am placing between Me, you, and ever living creature....I have set My rainbow in the clouds…The rainbow will be in the clouds, and I will see it to recall the eternal covenant” (Gen. 9:11-16). To Rabbi Kook, the rainbow in the Old Testament is a metaphor for the awareness of God. In response to mankind’s failed connection with spirituality and devoutness, God infused the world with His ethical guidance; the refraction of light in the rainbow representing the refraction of God’s light in the physical world. In his writing, Kook continues to explain that just as the light of the rainbow could be seen in the clouds, the light of the Divine could be seen in the material and corporal world.
William Wordsworth, in his poem “The Rainbow” also employs the rainbow as a metaphor for transcendence. “My heart leaps when I behold a rainbow in the sky: so was it when my life began…I could wish my days to be bound each to each by natural piety.” Wordsworth expresses that we are brought into this world with a reverence for God. When seeing a rainbow, that piety is rekindled. Wordsworth’s hope for himself and mankind is that each day should be infused with this same state of veneration.
Whether inclined to believe in God or a more Kantian transcendence of something beyond the earthly, the lesson of both dragons and rainbows is that humanity needs to strive toward a higher integrity. By attempting to infuse our lives with righteousness, we will be able to give our lives purpose in spite of circumstance-- meaning and worth in spite of situation.
May we be blessed to see many rainbows through the clouds, guiding our transcendental journey toward meaning.
Friends and Finance
My life has been blessed with a myriad of wonderful opportunities and experiences. At the core of many of these amazing encounters has been the presence of incredible people, people that I am lucky to call my friends. Most of my friends fall between the ages of 23 and 27. We are relatively new to the workforce or finishing up our education. We are optimists. Being raised in times of relative prosperity and comfort has made us soft and naïve and very unprepared for our current economic climate. We all assumed that upon entering the workforce we would be overnight successes. Armed with our often expensive, and equally often mediocre educations, we took on the job market and the world.
This last year, and last few months in particular, has been disarming for us all. This dose of reality, known in the media as the economic crisis, has changed our concept of reality. We are not nearly as assured in our ability to conquer the workforce as we had been. Instead, we consider ourselves lucky to be employed. A number of people in my group of friends are now unemployed. We have also learned that we cannot depend on the government. Because of the government, we will probably never see social security and we are becoming further entrenched in debt with every passing day. The one thing that has become apparent during this difficult period is that we can depend on each other.
I do not know if psychological or sociological studies exist studying the impact recessions have on social structures, but I speculate that any such study would reflect that during periods of recession, people become closer and more dependent. Merely as a means of developing connections and pursuing fiscal opportunities, networking becomes increasingly important during more challenging times. Having emotional support during these periods is also a necessity; people need each other. We bolster one another when the economy’s infrastructure bows under the weight of a strained market. In some ways, this is the silver thread that lines all periods of distress.
Especially of late, when so many of us are guilty of distancing ourselves from our surroundings through the use of i-pods and cell phones, the revival of human connection is powerful. When we are forced to cut back on our spending, we exchange new gadgets for picnics with friends, people over property.
Hopefully, as we rejoin humanity on a more personal level, we will exchange ideas, giving rise to a new generation of products and innovations that will generate a rebirth of our economy. Through conversations and relationships we will create a world rich in funds and equally rich in friends.
This last year, and last few months in particular, has been disarming for us all. This dose of reality, known in the media as the economic crisis, has changed our concept of reality. We are not nearly as assured in our ability to conquer the workforce as we had been. Instead, we consider ourselves lucky to be employed. A number of people in my group of friends are now unemployed. We have also learned that we cannot depend on the government. Because of the government, we will probably never see social security and we are becoming further entrenched in debt with every passing day. The one thing that has become apparent during this difficult period is that we can depend on each other.
I do not know if psychological or sociological studies exist studying the impact recessions have on social structures, but I speculate that any such study would reflect that during periods of recession, people become closer and more dependent. Merely as a means of developing connections and pursuing fiscal opportunities, networking becomes increasingly important during more challenging times. Having emotional support during these periods is also a necessity; people need each other. We bolster one another when the economy’s infrastructure bows under the weight of a strained market. In some ways, this is the silver thread that lines all periods of distress.
Especially of late, when so many of us are guilty of distancing ourselves from our surroundings through the use of i-pods and cell phones, the revival of human connection is powerful. When we are forced to cut back on our spending, we exchange new gadgets for picnics with friends, people over property.
Hopefully, as we rejoin humanity on a more personal level, we will exchange ideas, giving rise to a new generation of products and innovations that will generate a rebirth of our economy. Through conversations and relationships we will create a world rich in funds and equally rich in friends.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Advancement of Anti-Semitism
I remember a debate I had about four years ago with a friend of mine. I saw anti-Israel sentiments as being akin to anti-Semitism. He challenged me saying anti-Israel inclinations are a response to political affiliations and opinions. Conversely, anti-Semitism is flagrant bigotry. I understood his slant, but could not get myself to agree with him that anti-Israel sentiments are valid. To me, anti-Israel persuasions would inevitably lead to anti-Semitism, so how could I sanction his belief?
Recently, anti-Semitism and religious intolerance have become increasingly pervasive across the globe, infiltrating societies in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s survey, released 2/10/2009, nearly a third of the European population blames Jews for the global economic crisis. Currently topping China’s best-seller list is The Currency War, a book describing how the Jews are planning to take over the world by controlling and manipulating the global financial system. In Argentina, anti-Semitic incidences have increased by over 35% since 2006. Even the world’s leaders are promoting intolerance. Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, in today’s Washington Post, is being accused of advancing anti-Semitism in Venezuela by continuously singling out the Jews. On a government website, Venezuelans are even told to boycott Jewish owned businesses and seize Jewish-owned property. Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamed has said, “The Jews rule the world by proxy.” And just today, UK foreign office diplomat, Rowan Laxton, was arrested for his public anti-Semitic tirade, during which he was heard shouting, “F-king Israelis, f-king Jews.” Some witnesses have claimed that Laxton also lashed out, saying that Israeli soldiers should be wiped off the face of the earth.
I did not want to be right; I wish had I been proved wrong. But now, four years following our friendly debate, the unfolding of history has validated my postulation. Hugo Chavez has incited anti-Semitism through his anti-Israel propaganda. Chavez has assaulted Israel’s reputation with a barrage of incendiary statements, forcing the Israeli ambassador to Venezuela out of the country. The 1/30/2009 attack on the Tiferet Israel Synagogue in Caracas, is said to be a result of Chavez’ anti-Israel doctrine. Similarly, UK diplomat Laxton was incited by his abhorrence of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Hate is festering and proliferating under the guise of anti-Israel, political affiliations. And for the first time in my life, I fear for the safety of Jews throughout the world. As a hub of tolerance and a pillar of humanitarian consciousness, I encourage Americans to get involved and help fight the brewing anti-Semitism. Encourage your friends to look beyond the political climate in the Middle East, and recognize the challenges facing the Jews throughout the world.
In our recent landslide presidential elections, the American people showed that we are ready for change. In that vein, let us work together to change the way that Jews are perceived and treated. Let us affect the world’s conscience because we can!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Senate Approves Stimulus Plan for Squanderers
Great news for the US! The government is going to save and create a combined 4 million jobs through its new stimulus plan. Our economy can undoubtedly benefit from this influx of job opportunities, seeing as how unemployment rates are reaching startling highs. And with the government’s smart spending habits, these 4 million jobs can be guaranteed for the low price of $838 billion!
I’m no expert, but this does not seem to be a good deal for taxpayers. While I acknowledge that the US is in dire need of some economic stimulation, how can the government continue to generate imprudent spending packages? As a country we are already steeped in incredible debt, with the government having incurred nearly $11 trillion in debt as of 2/10/09, about 5.5 times greater than our GDP. Dividing the public debt among all US citizens, each citizen shares in approximately $35,000 of the government’s debt. As a country, we are already facing nearly $3 trillion in personal, consumer debt. It would be irresponsible of the government to continue spending existing and imaginary tax dollars even in a burgeoning economy. But during an economic recession, when an increasing number of taxpayers are finding themselves unemployed and are reducing their spending, there is no excuse for uneconomical and unreasonable spending.
I appreciate that Obama and his administration speak of ensuring full government disclosure and bringing an end to business as usual. But business is as usual on Capitol Hill. We are all witnessing Congress’ continued pork barrel spending and deficient decision-making. How can the Senate justify its actions?
Is the government really blind to their errors? Do they not recognize that with the auto bailout, for example, they virtually threw away $17.4 billion? The government could have allocated that money to fund low interest loans for people looking to finance the purchase of a Ford, GM, or Chevrolet. These low interest loans would have encouraged the purchase of US cars and would have helped the US auto industry generate a positive cash flow. Instead, potential buyers are still unable to finance the purchase of vehicles; US auto manufacturers continue to experience a negative cash flow, and taxpayers owe another $17.4 billion.
Spending money does not solve anything. Spending wisely however, can help stabilize the economy. Too bad no one on the hill seems to be sensible enough to recognize the value of smart spending.
I’m no expert, but this does not seem to be a good deal for taxpayers. While I acknowledge that the US is in dire need of some economic stimulation, how can the government continue to generate imprudent spending packages? As a country we are already steeped in incredible debt, with the government having incurred nearly $11 trillion in debt as of 2/10/09, about 5.5 times greater than our GDP. Dividing the public debt among all US citizens, each citizen shares in approximately $35,000 of the government’s debt. As a country, we are already facing nearly $3 trillion in personal, consumer debt. It would be irresponsible of the government to continue spending existing and imaginary tax dollars even in a burgeoning economy. But during an economic recession, when an increasing number of taxpayers are finding themselves unemployed and are reducing their spending, there is no excuse for uneconomical and unreasonable spending.
I appreciate that Obama and his administration speak of ensuring full government disclosure and bringing an end to business as usual. But business is as usual on Capitol Hill. We are all witnessing Congress’ continued pork barrel spending and deficient decision-making. How can the Senate justify its actions?
Is the government really blind to their errors? Do they not recognize that with the auto bailout, for example, they virtually threw away $17.4 billion? The government could have allocated that money to fund low interest loans for people looking to finance the purchase of a Ford, GM, or Chevrolet. These low interest loans would have encouraged the purchase of US cars and would have helped the US auto industry generate a positive cash flow. Instead, potential buyers are still unable to finance the purchase of vehicles; US auto manufacturers continue to experience a negative cash flow, and taxpayers owe another $17.4 billion.
Spending money does not solve anything. Spending wisely however, can help stabilize the economy. Too bad no one on the hill seems to be sensible enough to recognize the value of smart spending.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Hello World Wide Web
For years my parents have encouraged me to keep a diary. Neither the sparkly, pastel Lisa Frank diary I received as a seven year old nor the pedantic, leather bound volume I received as I entered adulthood caught my fancy. The idea of concretizing my thoughts in written form has always seemed incredibly daunting and awfully enduring. The pressure of having something more profound to record than how I feel and a list of my daily activities has always been overwhelming. Consequently, I have never kept a diary, but I am able to observe my maturation through the varying styles of journals I keep stashed under my bed.
Over the past few years however, I have found myself attempting to relay my thoughts on current events and contemporary issues to any audience, whether or not the individuals present care to know my opinions on health care reform, Twilight, or the brilliance of the Blackberry. Instead of continuing to express myself to small and sometimes unwilling crowds, I have decided to overcome my fear and put my thoughts into writing.
In blogging, my goals are twofold. Firstly, I hope that by forcing myself to organize my thoughts into comprehensive compositions, I will become better informed and more precise in my beliefs. I also hope that in releasing my thoughts into the vast and global reaches of the internet I can challenge others with my assessments and valuations and perhaps succeed in having some mildly profound influence on the way others view the world.
My successes today are relatively basic: With the help of friends, I have succeeding in formatting my first blog. I have introduced myself to the World Wide Web and I am one post away from sharing my thoughts and contemplations with the world.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to sharing many thoughtemplations with you in the future.
thoughtemplation@gmail.com
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