Blissful Ignorance
So…this post has a broad variety of applications. The state of blissful ignorance that many of us have become accustomed to relates to anything and everything in everyday life.
An example of blissful ignorance that I have observed is that which relates to death. No matter what, in our current world, it is guaranteed that everyone will die, and many people die on a daily basis. This is an acceptable form of ignorance because the human mind couldn’t take a constant state of looking at everyone as if they are already dead. The only problem is that when those close to us die, this ignorance is shattered for a certain amount of time before and/or after the said death.
The human ability to decide to be ignorant is a “blessing” I will call it. If us fragile humans would fully understand all of the harsh constant truths of reality at all times, our physical bodies wouldn’t be able to handle this burden for long. I fully understand I am blissfully ignorant about many things most of the time, and I am happy because of that. Some are more ignorant than others, and it is sad to say that those that are most ignorant are generally happier with their lives. Reality is a somber thing to think about, so it makes sense that those that never consider anything that doesn’t have to do with what they are doing in that moment would be happier with their lives. I want to have more of the “live in the moment” mentality like these people, but still be able to not be as blissfully ignorant as most. The sad part about this is that I don’t think there is much compromise when it comes to a topic like this. I have always been a “forward” thinker and living with that mentality prevents much blissful “in the moment” ignorance, not saying that it can’t happen, just not too often.
I honestly didn’t even edit anything I just wrote above, so it may not even make sense or follow a simple thought pattern, but I’m going to leave it.
I have another goal for myself:
3. Try to live in the moment.
Need
So, I work at McDonald’s when I home during long breaks because I’m in college and want the extra money. I have noticed as I’m taking orders for the variety of people that exist in our fucked up society (it’s not just because of this, I just think we are all fucked up normally), many of them order by starting is “I need…” and state what they want. NO, YOU DON’T NEED IT!
I understand it has just become part of the human rhetoric in the United States and people don’t think about it, but I feel as this this has a lot to say about us as people. As generations come and go, the newest generations feel as if the comforts brought on by their previous generations are necessities. I will admit, I find myself saying “I need internet access” on a very consistent basis. I grew up with it, so it is part of my everyday life and I feel as if I need it to operate as a normal human being.
I know this won’t change much, but I ask this of anyone who may read this: think about the things you normally say you “need” and truly contemplate if you really need them. This may just be a small step, but instead of saying you “need” anything from now on, try saying “want” (unless it is necessary for the prevention of your death, just sayin’). It doesn’t sound like it will change much, but maybe it will make all of us a little more grateful for the small comforts of our lives. I will add a goal to my ongoing list of goals and ask you a question:
Goal 2: Be more grateful for the comforts in my life.
What small comforts are you grateful for?
Back With a Drive
In recent weeks, I starting thinking about once again writing this blog. From the first time is popped in a head a few times until now, the thought has increased in frequency and so I determined it must mean I should start writing again. I am not one to deny my inner wants, and the fact that I have started constantly thinking about writing, I have finally taken action, which is quite a rare occurrence for me.
This single thought has sparked some deep contemplation on my part oddly enough. I wondered why such a random thought popped into my head. I haven’t even thought about this blog for over a year, then suddenly I can’t get it out of my head. Over time this contemplation contorted itself into a personal theory/practice:
“If my mind wants it bad enough, take action!”
In essence, I will for the most part strive to accomplish whatever my mind comes up with, at least when it comes to short term goals. I feel as if living this way will make me better as a person, and I encourage others to follow suit and see where it leads.
I am going to add to my goal list over time in this blog. And so it begins, my first goal is:
1. “Write in my blog at least once a week.”
Nine Types of Intelligence
I have recently read an article on nine different types of intelligence we, as humans, have. Sure these intelligence types are opinion of the writer of the article, but for the most part I agree with these types of intelligence due to their covering the wide span of human intelligence. I feel like stating what each of these are and try to analyze which of these I have for my own personal reference. I will stop rambling and get straight to the point, here are the nine types of intelligence.
1. Naturalist Intelligence (“Nature Smart”)
This type of intelligence refers to the ability to discern between different plants, animals, minerals, and things that normally exist in nature. Over time, this ability transferred to being able to discern what are surroundings are. In modern times, this intelligence has adapted to the ability of discerning between certain items such as cars, technology, and other modern surroundings.
Personal Analysis: I can honestly say that I have not developed upon this particular type of intelligence. I can say for certain that I have not developed upon this type of intelligence too much in my life. My specific interests and experiences in life have not required me to know my specific surroundings other than “That is a car” or “This is a cell phone.” I will certainly have to develop this intelligence in the technology aspect considering my future career my depend on it, but for now it is unnecessary.
2. Musical Intelligence (“Musical Smart”)
Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. This intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners. Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions; and mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves. They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.
Personal Analysis: No, I do not remotely have much musical intelligence. Yes, I like music, and I have always wanted to understand the finer parts of music, but I just won’t be able to accomplish this without much practice, and I don’t have the time for that at this point in my life. I plan to make a goal to understand some of the finer concepts or music during this coming summer, but for now I am content with my lack of this intelligence. I will accept my blissful ignorance of this for now.
3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (“Number/Reasoning Smart”)
Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations. It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic thought; sequential reasoning skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns. Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives. Young adults with lots of logical intelligence are interested in patterns, categories, and relationships. They are drawn to arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments.
Personal Analysis: This is the mother-load of my intelligence. Math, puzzles, and strategy games have always come easy to me and I seem to always search things like this out. I can definitely agree with the part where is says young adults with this type of intelligence are interested in patters, categories, and relationships. I myself find a special interest in relationships. I am fascinated by determining why certain things may be related to each other and what-not. I certainly have this intelligence locked down for the most part, which sadly leaves me lacking in other types of intelligence.
4. Existential Intelligence
Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.
Personal Analysis: This applies to be greatly. I sit up at night thinking of such questions. I believe one question encompasses this all: Why do we exist? I can’t even begin writing my thoughts on this question, so I will leave it at that.
5. Interpersonal Intelligence (“People Smart”)
Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives. Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians all exhibit interpersonal intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are leaders among their peers, are good at communicating, and seem to understand others’ feelings and motives.
Personal Analysis: OK, this is the type of intelligence I truly lack in. My problem is that I try to keep everybody happy all of the time, and that is just physically impossible, so I just break at some moments. I like to believe I can read people well and I know for a fact that I can become a friend with someone after speaking with them for a few minutes because I can gauge boundaries and other aspects of the person. The problem is that because of that it is hard to develop extremely strong relationships this way just by trying to be everybody’s friend. For this reason, I lack in the “significant other” aspect of life. I will admit at times I can still be quite naive about people, and this irritates me when I realize it, but for now I must deal with it and just work on it.
6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”)
Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence.
Personal Analysis: This isn’t as fun to talk about. All I can say is that I used to have this until I became out of shape…’nuff said.
7. Linguistic Intelligence (“Word Smart”)
Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand the order and meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on our use of language. Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers. Young adults with this kind of intelligence enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles.
Personal Analysis: I love putting this intelligence to use, though I rarely use it for some reason. I keep telling myself I am to busy to write, but I need to stop that. At this moment I am happy because I am expressing myself through words. I also appreciate a good book, but the way my life is I don’t get much reading in. Right now I am going to go off on a tangent because it is somewhat related. The reason I don’t do either of these much anymore is because I am addicted to social contact due to my over-active mind. When I am around people, it prevents me from thinking too much because I am focusing on the people around me. When I read or write, I have time to think, and a lot of those thoughts get me in a down mood. Right now, I am zooming and my mind is focusing on what to write next, but if I hit a wall on what to write, I start thinking of other things and start analyzing my life, and I don’t like what I see. I can analyze and point out my problems, but I lack in actually taking time to better myself. The way my life turned out is due to me and the decisions I have made and will make. I think I might start making a list of goals to accomplish and times to complete them by. Anyway, that is enough of that for now…
8. Intra-personal Intelligence (“Self Smart”)
Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directing one’s life. Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition. It is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers. These young adults may be shy. They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated.
Personal Analysis: I have one half of this intelligence mastered. I know how to discern what I am thinking and feeling and relate it to situations I am in. I know myself and am conscious of myself at all times, but where I lack is the planning and directing my life, my personal life that is. My “public life” is perfectly on track. I go to a great school, have a decent social life, and have a plan for later in life. It is the deeper parts of my social life and my own personal needs to better myself that I lack in planning and direction. I really need to work on this, and this is a type of intelligence that I truly believe everybody should practice upon this intelligence.
9. Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”)
Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination. Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing or daydreaming.
Personal Analysis: I wish I had this intelligence so bad! I have always envied creative and imaginative people. I seemed to be drawn to them because I am fascinated by their skills and I am jealous that they have that which I do not. Having creative friends help be fulfill this need for creativity in my life. I think I am so boring sometimes it is sad at certain points. Over the years I have developed a way to fake this by taking creative ideas that I have been exposed to in the past and applying them to future situations.
All in all, I am OK with the types of intelligences I have now, because I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. I know this is long, but if you made it this far, if you haven’t already, analyze yourself and determine your strongest intelligences!
Time
Is there ever enough time? To me it seems like the answer is a big fat NO! I started thinking about how fast time seems to go when you base it on events. I was reading a few days ago that Steve Jobs had died a year ago. To me it seems like he just died a couple of months ago. There are bigger events in society as well, such as the presidential elections. I have never been one to follow the elections or anything, but Obama was elected about four years ago, when to me it seems only a year or two. I can’t help but to think that eventually entire life will feel like this. I will be at a certain age and realize, “Wow, all of that time seems like nothing.”
I am currently a college student studying Computer Science, and one day I’ll have a job, and one day I’ll retire, and one day…I’ll die. Of course the only certain one is my death, but for the sake of this post lets pretend some freak accident won’t prevent me from living a long life. I realize that in time my closest friends may become distant, and many new friends will be made in my lifetime. When I think of this, I want to make the most of the time I have with my friends. I think this now, but in time will I even think of the people that are currently my friends? Will they think of me? Will they one day just be memories that I haven’t spoken with in several years? Will I eventually go to their funerals? Will they come to mine? All of these questions have no finite answer, unless you believe in predetermined fate. But even then, we still don’t have that answer available to us. Are all of our relationship pointless in the grand scheme of time? Hundreds of years in the future, the relationships we build throughout our lives will have no true meaning…or maybe they will? That again is a question we do not know the answer to.
This makes me think, is there any point to the human race, or living organisms in general? The universe would continue with or without us…so why with us? Why have organisms that live, breath, think, and feel? Is it a cruel experiment?
Why do I say cruel? I say cruel due to the fact that we don’t even matter to the universe. We live our lives where we feel pain, hate, and the worst of all, love. We feel these things. We feel love only to eventually have it torn away whether it be by disagreement or death after time.
I say these things so pessimistically only so I can’t say this with more of an impact. “LIVE YOUR LIFE!!!” So what if in the grand scheme of things we don’t matter? Our own conscience, whatever it may be, cares about these things WE feel. The events going on around us matter to US! Make the most out of this experiment we call life! Don’t let anything hold you back! Don’t be afraid to search for love, and if you think you found it, act on it. If you think you lost love, it’s only a matter of finding it again, that is why “time” is there. I just want to end by saying: “Enjoy yourself!”
Right Ear vs. Left Ear, Right Brain vs. Left Brain
So it has recently caught my attention that which ear you put your phone up to actually may say something about the person you are talking with. This has to do with right vs. left brain theories. As some may know, the left side of the brain is the analytical part of the brain, whereas the right hemisphere is the creative side. Though I am right handed and I usually pick the phone up with my right hand, I often switch to my left to put it up to my left ear. This is most likely because the left side of the brain is preferred when “deciphering” speech and words. Thought the auditory nerves from both ears do connect, when hearing things through the left ear, the left side of the brain is stimulated in processing the information more than the right side of the brain some say. Same for the right ear.
I work at McDonald’s, and I used to put the hearing side of the headset on my right ear, but I switched to putting in on my left ear because I had trouble understanding the customers. After switching, I found I could understand the customers through drive thru much easier. This is good proof for me. I also find this when I listen to music. When I listen to rap or something lyrical, I favor the left ear bud versus the right. On the other hand, when I listen to music with few lyrics or none, I tend to switch to the right ear bud because for some reason I seem to enjoy the music better that way. I actually believe this right ear, left ear; right brain, left brain stuff. Thought there isn’t any concrete proof, I just though this would be interesting bring up.
As for the phone calls I mentioned earlier, generally if you are a caring person you will put the phone to the right ear. Also, generally, when someone gets a call from someone they care about, they will put the phone to the right ear more frequently than the left. As for telemarketer calls, use your left ear…you will think about it rather than getting immediately pissed, haha.
Stress
I probably should wait longer before writing another post, but this topic has been on my mind a lot and I feel I need to write this all down to think it through. Stress is a part of absolutely everyone’s lives. No matter what we all deal with it, some more than others. I believe there are two major types of stress. I will talk about both.
Busy Stress
Busy stress occurs anytime you feel rushed or you feel like you just don’t have enough time. This stress can occur in the short term, like taking a test with time running out. The short-term busy stress passes after the event is done with and doesn’t have much impact on a person. Don’t get me wrong, having a lot of short-term stress moments can affect a person greatly.
Then there is the long-term busy stress. Stress that comes from feeling as if there isn’t enough time in the day to complete all that needs done. I have quite a bit of this with working 30-35 hours a week, going to school, and taking AP classes that require a good amount of homework. Try doing a little exercise. There is 168 hours in a week. Subtract all time for obligations during the week like school, homework, work, activities, sleep, and anything else you can think of. The time you have left is free time you have. What you do with the free time you have can significantly decrease the amount of stress you feel. I surround myself with my few great friends and make good use of my free time. I also write like this during my free time. The problem with free time is sometimes when people have it, they let their emotional stress take over and they do more damage than good. I myself have that problem at times, and it varies in how bad it is depending on what things may be on my mind or what had happened recently.
Emotional Stress
Emotional stress is much, much worse than busy stress. That is because emotional stress can be carried with you wherever you go. Sometimes emotional stress is so bad it makes you sick to your stomach or gives a sinking feeling. Things that can cause this are issues with family, friends, yourself, and girl/boy problems. I would normally give a personal example here, but I keep this part of my life to myself. This is a bad idea, trust me, it does more bad than good. I think having someone to talk to is the best way to deal with emotional stress. I believe the trick is finding someone you know you can trust. For some people it may be a parent, sibling, friend, or “significant other.” Just don’t bottle this stuff up. This is hypocritical on my part, but I planned on writing this to help other people, so I hope it works.
That Little Something
Long time…
I, for some idiotic reason, stopped blogging after only a couple posts. I told myself, “What is the point? Hardly anyone will probably read this.” I now hold this statement to be a mistake. Someone asked me today, “So you don’t have anything else to say?” To be honest I completely forgot about this blog. Completely confused, I asked the person what they were talking about because I was just talking in the group we were in. It turns out she had saw my other post or two I guess and was referring to me not posting at all for a long time. I immediately tried to come up with logical excuses, but the truth is there wasn’t one. I enjoy voicing my thoughts, and with the way my life is, typing here is one of the few ways to accomplish that. Most people probably wouldn’t care what I have to say, but by putting my thoughts down like this, I can hope my thoughts will reach someone that can relate with what I am saying. I need to thank that person for asking me that question. Writing brightens my day, I shouldn’t let anything stop me from doing that. You might not read this, but it’s nice to think you might…
Anyway, I am planning to write down some topics I want to write about and get them organized so I can blog more often. Hey, maybe I can even take suggestions(that is if many people actually read this, ha ha).
Equality
I will just come out and say it, our country is NOT equal. Our country, the one that prides itself on its equality, is lying to itself.
– Race or religion-specific scholarships/schools…NOT EQUAL
– You must hire __ number of people from a minority even though some other people may have better qualifications…NOT EQUAL
– Government-provided housing and maintenance for certain races(Ex. Reservations for Native Americans)…NOT EQUAL
– Getting free money from the government because you are a certain race…NOT EQUAL
– People getting pushed through school even though they deserve to flunk and be held back…NOT EQUAL
I could go on and on, but I see no point. I believe that whenever a form or application is filled out for anything, there should be no space to declare race/religion. When anyone fills a section out like that it deprives people of equality. The fact that race/religion makes a difference is not equal.
Our country should erase this inequality so getting a job is based only on qualifications, experience, and hard-work. The fact that some people get free money for the goverment even though they don’t even try to get a job pisses me off. There are people who deserve the government assistance, don’t get me wrong. If there is a hard-working person down on his luck and is trying to get a job, then he/she deserves the assistance, but it isn’t fair that people who don’t try get the assistance as well.
I wrote these ideas as they popped into my head. If anyone would like clarification on anything just leave a comment.
Lets get equal here people.
I Hate Ignorant People (Political Party Alignments)
So, I was at work one day and a man comes in to order something off the dollar menu. He hands me a dollar as I say “Your total is a dollar seven.” Then, without warning he goes on a rant saying, “I forgot this was a Republican dictatorship, back where I live we have no sales tax.” I kept quiet because I do like my job…kind of. This got me thinking over how ignorant people get after they decide they support one side versus the other and become totally closed minded. I have a point to make here, sorry if I offend anyone. This doesn’t only apply to political party alignments, but it is the biggest and best example in my opinion.
After that event occurred this went through my mind:
So why are Republicans bad? Because they make or raise taxes? You know why they do that? They try to make up for the deficit spending done by Democrats. Trying to balance the country’s budget(though seemingly impossible) is a bad thing? I’m sure the same thing happens oppositely for certain other issues.
All I have to say is that as long as we have political parties that fight so hardly against each other and as long as they have drastically different ways of approaching things, our country will be standing around with its dick in its hand waiting for something good to happen.
Final statements:
– Open your mind to new ideas before it shuts forever.
– Compromise isn’t a bad thing.
– Anyone ever thought of trying to have an even amount of Republicans and Democrats in Congress? Just an idea that might help keep our country more stable rather than being on a political teeter-totter.
Sorry if this post seems spastic, I did this late at night so my line of thought isn’t straightforward. I just wanted to make sure I got most of my thoughts down, whatever the order.