Random Thoughts II

Over time we tend to develop a body of beliefs that define the foundation of our character. I humbly share my thoughts with the hope those struggling with life may find some comfort in knowing living each day is a gift and the struggle to grow, improve, and succeed is what makes life worth the battle to continue. If upon reading anything I post, one gains an appreciation for just a small understanding of what I have said, then, I stand accomplished, and at ease. If I can arouse your curiosity, prompt you to think beyond just the mediocre process of daily life accepting the feeling of being comfortable numb, and perhaps share with you my thoughts, experiences, visions, and beliefs, then once again I stand at ease. Thank you for acknowledging and taking the time.

The next set of comments, observations, and musings are somewhat thematic, and deal with the general behavioral nature of our species that is defined by a number of descriptive characteristics. Some of these characteristics may be referred to as acquired/taught social graces, while others have evolved presumably as we have advanced to a more civilized (?) society.

? We are nothing more than accumulated cosmic dust assembled and fused together through a continuum of time with no accurately established beginning, nor an absolute final conclusion. How is it that we have become an organism, a species that possesses an ability to adapt and survive? What is conscious awareness, and is everyone in the human family cognizant of it? Are we the only functioning organism that can demonstrate this ability? Is what we do not know, what we do not know knowledge lost, or does it even exist? Are we as a species compatible with the natural ecosystem, the planet, the universe?

? When Hominoids began to develop a cerebral ability for self-awareness around the beginning of the Pleistocene Epoch; human behavior evolved leading to conscious thought, abstract reasoning, logic, prudent choice, inventiveness, language, and a realization for space and time. It is unfortunate that what has also evolved in human behavior is a propensity to control, dominate, and rule which could be our ultimate demise.

? How is it that I have been provided a conscious self-awareness to life, yet I struggle to understand, how I arrived beyond the biologic explanation?

? We seem to be acutely fearful of revealing our true identity to anyone, and the fragile harmony of our existence is often obscured by an outward posture designed to confuse rather than clarify.

? What we see, what we sense, is a mere perception, a fantasy, a hallucination. Here's to enjoying the sensory experiences to their fullest. Here's looking into the mirror and discovering the truth of what may have become an obscured self-identity.

? A reflection cast from a mirror reveals an accurate portrait of its viewer; however, there are those who are so blinded by a cloud of deception and denial that their true portrait remains obscured from reality.

? When you look into a mirror, ask yourself, what do I see staring back at me? Then ask yourself three fundamental questions that should define the foundation of your identity. 1. Do I like what I see staring back at me? 2. Do I respect what I see? 3. What can I do to improve?

? Two of the most important phrases you can speak are 'thank you' and I am sorry.

? If you have failed to be honest with yourself, how can you possibly hope to be honest with the world?

? The common threads of honesty, morality, and ethical fortitude should form a fabric that enables the human form to weather world social, political, and economic conflicts. The real problem lies in our inability to effectively communicate for the good and welfare of a world community, rather than for self-serving reasons.

? Integrity – n. noun, from the Latin adjective, integer, meaning whole (inner context) or complete. Possessing an uncompromising, strict moral or ethical code with a steadfast adherence to a sound, unimpaired internal condition of incorruptibility. In a true ethical sense, integrity is regarded as practicing honesty, truthfulness, and complete accuracy in one’s actions. A person’s actions are directed by their moral compass that do not waver from a wholeness of character.

? Questions for thought –

? At what point in one’s life do the basic lessons of morality, honesty, justice, truthfulness, incorruptibility, and an uncompromising code of ethics presumably taught by one’s parents or guardians become clouded in the quest to advance in stature?

? When is it acceptable to lie, steal, cheat, deceive, and otherwise misrepresent the veracity of an event for personal gain?

? What is a ‘white lie’ and is it really any different than any other statement of untruth?

? Is it acceptable to lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings?

? Does it matter if you never get caught in an action that is immoral, dishonest, or illegal since no one will ever know the real truth?

? If one can advance themselves at the expense of others, is that a bad thing to do?

? Is the old adage, ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ a justifiable action in the context of sound ethical judgment?

? What we hear and see are not always objectively processed. A disparity of truth is often clouded by limited information, deception, partial truths taken out of context, and personal biases; however, the truth should not be compromised when supported by facts and evidence gathered and reported by men and women of honor and integrity. Lead by example.

? That homeless person you turned your head away from while walking down the street is someone's son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister; at least say hello as you pass by. It will probably be met with a friendly return reply and most likely make their day.

? When your sense of judgment is clouded by an inability to properly evaluate an issue due to lies, deception, and misdirected ideals, uncertainty and insecurity replaces confidence.

? When you are resigned to always tell the truth, you never have to remember what you said that was a lie.

? The expression of a single tear or a friendly smile is cathartic. Sensitivity is not a weakness, rather a healthy and necessary emotion for our personal well-being.

? It is more important to be humane, then to think of oneself as important.

? Stare into the eyes of a lone wolf, alone, three miles into the backcountry and discover your vulnerability; it is truly a humbling experience.

? Alone, the silence of the desert was deafening and the darkness blinding - it was an unimaginable lifetime experience of self-reflections.

? He walked into the silence and tranquility of the desert, alone, with an intent to discover an inner sense of calm, to temper the chaos inflicted by the tribulations of life, but what he learned was how to survive with the pain and appreciate every day of being alive.

? They sat on the edge of oblivion fondling the wealth their plutocracy raped from the masses.? As the remaining survivors inhaled the last of the oxygen canisters and drank from the remaining bottled water, an epiphany overcame their senses – they were alone on the planet with their wealth.? They cried as it was apparent that they had forgotten how to be human.

? Focus your eyes on the movements of the world to see, open your ears and listen to the sounds of the world to hear, smell the fragrances of the world to discover a living, breathing organism, close your mouth and you will be amazed at what you can learn.

? Moderation, Wisdom, Justice, and Fortitude. These words have vast applicability in a world Hell bent on anger and blame towards everyone except a self-identity that dictates our behavior.

? Eye to eye contact, a firm handshake, and an honest smile is in my mind a reasonable measure of someone worthy of my time.

? What I have come to realize is there are no absolute answers to life; and there will never be an ideal life form or a society that is in keeping with a single doctrine everyone aspires to believe. This is the beauty of a diversified and free-thinking society. Each inhabitant of the planet is provided the miracle of life, and how we choose to live our lives is the spirit of our journey. No ideology, yours, mine, the Popes, Buddha, politicians, it does not matter; can dictate an absolute lease on the progression of a world society; and it is arrogant, narrow minded, and ultimately flawed to think any single philosophy or controlling entity (religious, political, or societal) can prevail. All we can do is continue to communicate in as honest and forthright manner as our intellect will allow; and recognize that no one governing or religious body has ever got it completely right, nor will it ever happen.

? We have many chances to attempt to get it right throughout life’s journey, but we have only one mortal life to live. Our self-worth and outward significance to society does not lie with individual accomplishments we make to foster our personal careers; rather it is in the contributions we make to our fellow inhabitants. I think some folks have forgotten or never learned what it means to contribute.

? The limits of endurance, and by extension one's successes, are driven by a constant challenge to continue to advance. Witnessing a rising sun is testament to another day to live and get it right with the world.

? I believe being humane is noble, honorable, shows true compassion, and deeply satisfies an inner thirst to be important on a much larger scale. It is the true testimony of our life’s existence.

? What distinguishes us from other less intelligent species is in our ability to listen, learn, reason, and summarize information through oral and written language.

? If you are asked to serve your country, you should step forward and make the sacrifice as a matter of duty, respect, and honor to those who stood their post before you; and to continue a cause that enables you and your loved ones to enjoy the quality of life this nation provides. We are not a perfect country, but it is far better than most. Ask any veteran who has served. They are the true patriots.

? Smiling paints, a translucent mask temporarily blocking one's frustration, anger, and hate; yet if a smile is repeated enough, perhaps its impact will promote an intense flame that will destroy the inner pain and illuminate a happier soul.

? When in the course of human evolution did we decide what is best for the planet; and who/what gave us permission to take these actions? We teach our children social graces, yet most people would rather ask forgiveness rather than ask permission. Once the threshold of stability throughout the natural environment is exceeded, forgiveness will go by the way of extinction.

? Words are nebulous utterances just words until they are assembled in some orderly arrangement. Then they either become the wisdom that advances human intellect or the mere utterances of shallow thought.

? Arguing a position using the doctrines of a specific religion is too often hypocritical, biased, bigoted, and often does not render any more credibility than other positions taken by any cultural/social group founded on their own social principles. As an example, (although this also holds true for Mormons, Baptists, etc.) the Catholic Church has a long, dark history of persecution against anyone who does not subscribe to their beliefs, well documented incestuous behavior (outside and inside church documents), and an arrogant attitude that the 'Church' is somehow 'above the law by some undefended divine proclamation. The idea of self-policing their sins by centuries of cover up renders any church no less sinful than a population of citizens with self-serving ideologies. A belief in a higher order within the universe should not reside in any one religion, rather in the foundations taught and set forth by a legion of higher order intelligence that frankly would not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, or personal religious faith, if it even exists!

? The entire human species is between 99.5-99.9 genetically identical. Would it not be a novel exercise to begin to consider ourselves and fellow planetary inhabitants through a lens that focuses on the many qualities that we share, rather than continuing to attempt to remake the world through self-absorbed political, cultural, and religious biases that only serve to divide us?

? My mother often remarked, ‘if you earn the true friendship of just one person in your lifetime, consider yourself blessed.’ I recently lost one of my oldest childhood friends, and while I could write volumes about our lifetime of conversations and adventures, what sticks out most is we never uttered a cross word to each other in over forty-five years. Can you imagine a world population with that kind of relationship?

? Kindness, generosity, compassion, forgiveness, respect, Honesty, integrity, truthfulness, responsibility – these are behavioral traits that are developed as we begin to realize that the journey of one’s life possesses value only when our contributions are reinforced by the manner in which we practice these qualities. They are the fabric that binds the human element together, and should distinguish us as an intelligent, rational species.

? Open the door for that person who arrives at the door at the same time as you; Give up your seat for that elderly woman standing in the waiting room; Contemplate how fortunate you are for what you have, not for what you desire. There is often a distinct difference between what is socially acceptable and what is, in fact, the correct thing to do. Grey areas aside, the basic foundations of a civilized society really have not changed in 1,000's of years. We just keep making compromises that are adjustments in whatever the controlling factions feel are pertinent to their own selfish needs.

? A digital camera captures light energy and it is processed into a photograph which is an image of what was measured and transformed from a light sensitive sensor. The human mind processes a visual sensory experience in a similar fashion, and summarizes its image through language and verbal appreciation. The fractional instance in time that is required to register an image onto a camera’s sensing instrument becomes a stored memory on print or digital media. That same captured image is also stored in the memory of a witness who experienced this visual instance in time. The concern I have for our species is whether we possess the desire, sensitivity, appreciation, and value in allowing our senses to capture the many examples of life in its organic and inorganic configurations as a true measure of what surrounds us as every day phenomena. The human species seems to be preoccupied with arguing one’s ideology as a means of control and domination which in the context of the planet’s evolution will be yet another occurrence of an organism that came and left in the blink of time.

? I am sorry, pardon me, I made a mistake, I am wrong, you are correct, I apologize for my inconsiderate behavior, rudeness, lack of finesse, poor judgment, ignorance, thank you, congratulations, I am happy for you. While these expressions apparently do not appear to be enthusiastically practiced by many in today’s congress, they do qualify as proper social graces among the majority of the world’s educated and intelligent citizens. The language spoken may differ, but the expressions are universal.

? I cherish the solitude of the woods, hiking a mountain trail, wading through a stream in the slot canyons of southern Utah, being alone within, and discussing the miracle of my life with the wind. I ask the questions: why I am here, how is it that my physical being and inner self exists to witness being alive? I have no answer to these questions, no other recourse but to continue the journey. Every breath I take as I walk the pathways of existence, every stroke I swim sensitive to the movement of water passing over me, every creak in my bones, and the persistent pain endured in these old muscles reminds me of being alive and well. While walking the streets of Boston and New York City I was struck at the number of folks scurrying about with their headsets and ear buds blasting who knows what into their heads, while the sounds of the city seemed to be more an annoyance than the product of their lives. As I passed through each neighborhood, I was reminded of so many experiences I have had throughout my life. The sounds of cars, buses, trains, street venders, construction workers rebuilding the area around ‘Ground Zero,’ and the heartbreaking reminder of the loss of life as I walked around the footprints of the World Trade Center - life/death. I suppose one who spends their daily lives in this Urban Forest ultimately become anesthetized to all of the clutter, yet I found a certain measure of peace and security in observing people going about their daily activities, living out their lives as best they could. As I was walking along the shoreline of Boston Harbor on the final day of my trip, I encountered an older man doing push-ups on the parkway. I stopped to say hello, and commend him on his fitness, and he replied it is getting harder to complete his work out these days as he is now in his ninth decade of life and can only do sets of ten to fifteen totaling one-hundred. His parting comment to me was indelible – ‘I was given the miracle of life and I intend to hold on to it as long as possible.’ Another pathway taken, another contact with a fellow survivor, another chapter in life.

? I am OK, how are You?

? When you come upon someone that does not appear to be dressed the same as you, it is OK to mentally note this. When you observe their hair style or color differs from yours, you may make a mental note of this as well. When you notice they do not possess the same color of skin as you, it is OK to also make a mental note of this. When it becomes apparent, they are from a different country as you, this too is notable. When after having a brief conversation with this ‘different’ person, you note they are not of the same religious belief as you, note this as well. Upon a discussion of political beliefs, you also note they do not agree with yours; it is acceptable to agree to disagree and make a mental note of the conversation. During the conversation, you recognize they talk with an accent, a lisp, a higher voice than yours, in short, they speak differently than you – it is OK to note this too. When you come upon a homeless person on the street, you may observe their unfortunate condition, and perhaps say, ‘hello’ as you are passing. Make a mental note of this encounter. When you come to the realization that all of these differences are what make us unique in personality, physical appearance, beliefs, cultural life styles, and most certainly our behaviors, recognize these unique qualities of the human race should illuminate our senses of curiosity, wonder, and appreciation for these variations in our species. It is not OK when you forcibly impose your will, arrogance, and condescending attitude towards them suggesting that your beliefs are the only ones that are correct, and they are basically flawed because they do not agree with you. This is a fundamental problem with the manner in which we perceive those who are different than us.

? I am often reminded of the analogy of one's quest to become a complete person, and the comment by a sculptor when asked how he created his masterpiece. He replied, the sculpture is never complete, I just keep chipping away at all the rough edges until it's true beauty is revealed. We are each a work in progress. Some folks continue to make improvements in their lives to spite the many falls they take. Others simply cannot seem to see and learn from their errors. We are truly an imperfect species.

? Individual journeys form the fabric of our life’s identity which are the riches that cannot be truly assessed in monetary value alone. To be cognizant of the trials and tribulations of one's experiences is both a curse and a gift. We each carry a full measure of excess baggage acquired from a lifetime of accumulated poor judgments, stupid decisions, and careless actions, but to deny oneself of these past experiences in their entirety would be likened to weakening the very fabric of our identity, and by extension, advancing a maturely evolving human society.

? I wonder if on our journey to evolve into a more peaceful, intelligible species, will we ultimately be the creator of our own demise? Will we be destroyed by the very brilliance of our accomplishments?

? A Window into Self-Identity – If one lives long enough, and is sensitive to listen and observe the elements of life's journey, one begins to become enlightened to the inner fabric of their true identity striped of the facade built throughout one's life as an attempt to mask the inner strength and insecurities that make us human. I always thought it was better to have tried and to pick myself up off the floor whenever I fell short of my goals and continue the effort to succeed, rather than to resign myself in defeat, which would be clearly a signal of failure, and that was never an option. If you can view yourself in the mirror and honestly say you did the very best you could, then you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about, but the difference between those who succeed and those who do not is in whether that person staring back at you can convince you that the goals are still worth pursuing, no matter how small or insurmountable they may initially appear. The events that we experience throughout our lives do not shape who we are; what defines us are how we respond to them by the choices and decisions we make.

? My life has been reduced to my wife, children, grandchildren, personal library, on-line literature, hiking shoes, snow shoes, swimming trunks, two bicycles, loads of camera gear, wat too many maps, camping gear, and a very active imagination. It really does not get any better than that!

? A refreshing visit back to a time when kids learned how to be kids, and conflicts were resolved within seconds because play time was more important than arguing or fighting!

? When you bring another life into the relationship, many things change. You are now responsible for the welfare of a defenseless child that enters the world through your love and mutual respect for each other. Your behavior, habits, and actions from the first day of the child’s birth will be observed and recorded in that child’s mind. Whatever you ingest into your body throughout pregnancy; smoke, drugs, food will ultimately find their way into the fatty tissue of a baby’s brain and have an indelible impact on its ultimate health and future physical, mental, emotional growth and overall well-being. When you opt to have a baby, you are taking on a responsibility for their welfare for the rest of their live, including well into adulthood. That is the responsibility you must assume.

? A Lifetime Responsibility – When you bring a child into the world it should immediately become apparent what real life is all about. Everything you did in the past, your dreams, efforts, mistakes, successes, essentially who you have become in the present will be forever tested and altered for the rest of your life. Your responsibility is to be a solid role model for the little people brought into the world. It will be your legacy; it will ultimately become a journey that should culminate in one of the greatest accomplishments of your life. It will also mean you must live each day ensuring and demonstrating your actions are in keeping with the behavior you want to instill in the children you raise. Everything you say and do will be closely examined and recorded in their little minds. You cannot fool them, you cannot deceive them, you cannot lie to them. They will know. They are also your responsibility for life, and this follows even when they become adults. They will always be your children. The responsibilities I undertook in raising my two children will once again become apparent as I bear witness to the next generation entering the world for the first time… and so it begins once again with grandchildren, life continues to evolve within and throughout.

? We should all agree, our children and grandchildren are what make us proud to be parents/grandparents. They represent the seeds of innocence that are the hope for future generations. They are a constant reminder of what should be a reflection of youth, vitality, and the incipient stages of healthy development. They prompt us to be honorable role models, better citizens, since what they observe in our behavior are their first lessons in formulating their behavior. We should not forget the lessons that brought us to our present stages in life. These reflections can be of regret and pride, but they do need to be recognized if for no other reason than to impart our successes, failures, and mistakes to them with the hope their lives will be better for lessons and wisdom we share.

? When we have children, we are their stable post for life. It is called parenting. We cry when they leave to embark on the world, and rejoice when they return, however temporary, for a visit. We agonize when they suffer, but beam with pride as they succeed in whatever their pursuits. We are proud parents, and savor the day they were gifted to us as their temporary caretakers.

? Everything you do from this point forward will be reflected in the child you are raising, yet with every effort to do things right by redirecting them when they go astray, that child has and will continue to develop a mind of its own. You must learn to respect that, redirect them when appropriate, but not be overly dictatorial as they will resent you for this as well. There will be times when you are successful and others when you fail miserably, I know from experience. Try to couch your wisdom and knowledge of life’s trials and tribulations in a way that provides them with a positive learning experience, and always be honest with them. They will know when you are not, resent and mistrust you when they feel they are being deceived or lied to. While they may be angry with you at times, you need to always recall what you were like at that stage of your life. It is critical that you can revisit your past in order to provide apathy and structure in your parenting skills. The mistakes your child makes should not be acted upon in anger or as a consequence to the same mistakes you made throughout your impetuous youth. How you address them will ultimately be the difference between whether you can openly and honestly discuss issues with your child, or whether they close you out. There will be times when they do just that, push you away, and it will be among most frustrating times in your life. You may not be able to reach them at a time when they really need your honest, clearly stated reasons for concern. Never give up on them.

? As I age, I note an apparent awareness both for the joy of an enhanced, sensory acuteness for the gift and privilege of my life, and a gradual dulling of my memory. It scares me to the bone as I vividly recall with haunting fears of my mother's last few years as an Alzheimer's victim; and how this brilliant, well-read, gentle woman failed ultimately into a total loss of her memories. Such is the consequence of a biologic organism; the other side of life, death, is inevitable for all of us. I spent decades as a university professor nurturing, advising, and guiding students towards their professional careers. It was their successes that enriched my life more than any paper I ever published, grant, or award received. I no longer have that captive audience, although many of my students still occasionally send me a note of thanks for my meager efforts to keep them on tract. I now have a chance to help mold my grandson and granddaughter from the most incipient stages of their young lives. It is with sincere hope that whatever good I have done in the past, mistakes I have made, errors in judgment, and fundamental flaws in my character will actually guide me towards ensuring I provide these grandchildren every opportunity to capitalize on the very best that I can offer as long as I am able to contribute. They are truly my new heroes.

? We enter the world alone and we leave the physical world alone. We spend a lifetime seeking to discover our inner self which is far more important than attempting to please others who frankly should also be in search of life and its meaning. You are never alone as long as you continue to be curious, to explore, question, analyze and search for answers to your quest. Happy living.

? I walked three miles in the rain one afternoon while in Washington D.C. to visit and pay respects to the Holocaust Memorial and Museum. I started tearing up the minute I walked in the door. Tears flowed down my face even as I walked back to my hotel room with the afternoon sun setting. The piles of personal items, shoes, teeth, hand bags, the barbed wire, the dreary lighting left an indelible impression on me. I never looked at the human condition the same since that brief experience.

? A Search for Solitude – Driving twenty-five miles from the nearest small town on a two-lane desert back road. Continuing another 45 minutes into the desert on a cow trail, followed by a two-mile hike to the lip of the canyon. At this point the venture into the depths of the entrenched canyon of the San Juan River begins. Standing on a bedrock bench jutting out into the canyon about half way down a 1,000-foot drop in elevation, alone with only the will to survive is a rush that can only be appreciated if one is in residence. Sun-beaten, age-worn, tattered, and tired, but alive and well. Wish you were here. One is never more alive than when faced with the possibility of death.

? Of the many questions I have asked throughout my life, two questions have remained unanswered: How do I possess a conscience sense of awareness to life? Are we the only species that has the ability to self-actualize and advance in intelligence? It is this curiosity to learn that drives me to continue to observe, formulate questions, search for answers, and analyze the world beyond materialistic values.

? A continuous journey forms the fabric of our life's identity. It is a conscious richness that cannot be assessed in monetary value. To be cognizant of the trials and tribulations of one's experiences is both a curse and a gift. To deny oneself of these visions in their entirety would be likened to weakening the very fabric that binds one together. Denial weakens an ability to see the world clearly and ultimately clouds judgment. When one’s eyes are clear, vision straight, and spirit free, life’s value becomes a self-fulfilling venture that no one can remove from you.

? Frankly, it would be selfish to simply keep one's experiences to oneself. We grow in appreciation for life when we share our experiences with the world. It is what binds the human spirit together. Civilization as we envision it is fast approaching a threshold of survival. Even the most primitive animals do not destroy their homes for the sake of self-gratification.

? The threads of one’s individual behavior that divide us are the very particles that are necessary to bind us as a complete human fabric. We just need to come to that realization and act upon it accordingly.

? No one that I know has gotten through their lives unscathed. When I look back upon my journey, there are significant thresholds that enabled me to make decisions that have resulted in my present form. I can also clearly identify several instances in which I should have died, yet I did not. I cannot explain these events nor is it possible for me to fully understand why I was spared and many of my friends taken out of the game. I do know the trials and tribulations I have endured have tempered my will to survive and hopefully made me a better man. My sins are many, but I do believe redemption comes with a willingness to evolve to become a better citizen of the world. I love being in the desert because it enables me to think clearly about being alive. I am able to prioritize the human qualities of life above the material. The tranquility of silence cleanses me of the vitriolic behavior of our species, including a present society of selfish, self-centered, bigoted individuals. Sadly, I am more at peace in the natural realm, than with the general population. I have become selective of whom I desire to share my time and story with.

? The world is a better place when we recognize our shortcomings, admit our faults, and strive to be better in spirit and behavior.

? As I continue to age, I find myself constantly searching for simplicity in the world. It has become less important to strive for importance, rather more important to strive for a deep understanding and appreciation for just being alive and exercising a pronounced quality of life.

? One of the most painful realities about friendships can develop when time and geography separates the relationship, and one or both parties fail to continue to actively communicate.

? The true soul of a man is demonstrated by his egalitarian mannerisms.

? When I was experiencing my darkest days, consumed with guilt, shame, and self-pity, it was the constant voice of confidence from my mother that continued to support me. She never abandoned me, and to this day I owe much of my successes to her guidance. Had I listened to her more growing up, it would not have taken me so long to come to my senses and pursue higher education sooner. No regrets, so now I assist others in their journey because I have learned what it is like to reach the bottom of a self-inflicted hole, and to possess the discipline and desire to crawl out of it.

? I think we as a world society would be well-served if more people took the time to read, respond, and write their thoughts in an honest, non-threatening manner. There is an old proverb I once read on the wall of a famous Irish pub back in Indiana that says: An Irishman can tell a person to go to Hell in such a manner that they would look forward to the journey. Being critical to the extent of being caustic, rude, crude, and fundamentally socially unacceptable has become all too common these days. It is much more difficult to write/respond in a manner that takes tact and diplomacy, but far more effective.

? When another person can reflect on their personal experiences through what I have written, then I have succeeded in reaching out and touching the unvarnished inner conscience of human emotion.

? The quest to touch another free spirit is infinite in its challenge, but contact evades those unwilling to participate. Communication requires breaking down the walls of self-guilt, insecurity, and close-mindedness.

?? I once hiked across the Grand Canyon from the South Rim to the North Rim. I spent 4 days in the canyon and you really cannot fully understand or appreciate the magnitude of being alone and miles away from any form of civilization until there is not another human presence for miles. Your senses are enhanced and the most mundane sounds are amplified. Vision becomes more acute as you begin to focus on everything within sight, sand grains cascading along a slope, insects scurrying about in search of that next meal, the feeling of the wind striking your face, the smells of the desert. I never felt so alone yet so in touch with being alive is in that experience. As I stood over the South Rim last summer (2023) at 75, I marveled at the thought of once again crossing it.

? One cannot truly understand the spiritual and cathartic power of hiking the mountains, alone and without cause, snowshoeing the back country, or simply sitting passively near a flowing stream unless it is actually experienced. Reading descriptions and viewing photographs is the next best thing, but standing alone, far removed from any human occurrence, is among the most primitive, exposed experiences one can witness in the presence of the divine creator. A realization of tranquility and inner catharsis actually develops when one enters into the wilderness, alone.

? As I stood silent, alone in the open meadow of the Lamar Valley, I was witness to the pack from a distance, yet knowing well the alpha male was acutely aware of my presence. Even at over 500 yards it was humbling to understand I could be run down in a matter of a few minutes if he decided to charge; but he did not. He gave me a pass, and for that I was honored to be in the distant presence of among the most intelligent, family-oriented animals on the planet.

? Watch a chipmunk scamper from one location to another in a matter of seconds, and note a ratio to the size of the animal to the distance traveled. Observe the same activity with a hummingbird. A bear can out run the fastest human sprinter. I have observed moose scrambling up a forty-degree slope in deep snow covering a hundred yards in a matter of a seconds. Compare a newborn horse's ability to stand and walk within minutes with the time it takes a human baby to do the same. We are in many ways an inferior species poorly designed to survive in the natural environment. Our only saving grace is in an ability to think, reason, make adjustments, and hopefully learn from our mistakes. I question whether we will be successful in accomplishing this last statement.

? Cold air flows down slope and settles in depressions and valleys. A clear, winter night with a shallow layer of moist air near the ground is overlain by drier air. The air in contact with the snow-covered ground cools more rapidly than the air directly above it creating a slight temperature inversion. The dew point temperature is reached within the moist air in contact with the ground, saturation develops, and fog in the form of a stratiform cloud forms. As the morning progresses, sunlight warms the ground and as the warmer air parcels rise, it mixes with the fog (Radiation fog), and evaporation of the water (fog) droplets ensues. The hike began just after sunrise with a starting temperature of 12 degrees. A total of 3.9 miles was snowshoed through an alpine forest, mountain meadows, and ridges overlooking a classic western valley. It was the beginning a another good day alive and well.

? If more people were inclined to share their experiences and personal accomplishments, the world population would be more informed and human conditions understandable. The uncertainty and first impression of a stranger too often results in a blind, indefensible bias which as it follows, prejudice. ?

? I am reminded of a quote I often read on my mother's desk: "I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet." If you have food on the table, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and are reasonably healthy, consider yourself blessed. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/overview .

? Perhaps we should reexamine ourselves beyond our self-image.

? A measure of a person's self-worth is a comprehensive history of their successes and failures. An inability to recognize both would be a tragedy since self-actualization would not have been learned, acknowledged, and respected as the true measure of one’s identity.

? We are but a mere composite of cosmic particulates fused together as a poorly equipped biologic organism with a finite life span floating about in the infinite ether of space. Our presence is but a mere fraction of a second in the scope of the universe, yet we seem to think we can control the symbiotic systems operating to sustain this inhabited island planet, Earth. The limited extent of human's control over the planet should become apparent when witnessing the power of tornadoes, hurricanes, Earthquakes, flooding, and an infinite assemblage of other natural occurring events that have been going on since the inception of the planet. We are quite frankly, significantly deficient in our powers to control energy exchanges and natural process of change when viewed in the infinite scope of the universe. Our extinction is preordained, in part, as a result of the careless mannerisms we exhibit in our personal lifestyles, our collective violent tendencies, and profound disrespect for the natural environment. We have the capacity to change, to adjust; the question is will it be in time? Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

? At what point in one's life do love, compassion, integrity, tolerance, human decency, and truth become unpracticed principles that give way to hatred, intolerance, homophobia, and prejudice? At what point does peer pressure begin to control one's basic foundations for human decency? At what point does that reflection staring back at one in the mirror cast an illusion that deviates from the truth? At what point does one fail to recognize the metamorphosis within oneself?? It has become clear to me that there are people who are without a conscience, and are too self-centered to understand the real principles of humanity. We are seeing this illuminated daily, although truth be exposed, it has been going on since the incipient stages of this country's development.

? Visual images are captured and stored in one’s memory as a single instance in time, but the actual experience lives on within one's collective memories as a motion picture show and another page in a volume of life's journey. I actually view the planet as one continuous motion picture show moving in slow motion. It makes perfect sense to me.

? I always thought folks were faster that I, stronger than I, smarter than I, wiser than I, better than I; but what I realized with time was these feelings were all in my head, and a mere figment of my profoundly insecure imagination.

? The more I read, the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know.

? What makes life worth living is not all the successes, rather the ups and downs, the battles, and how we adjust to them. The journey is worthwhile when we can accept the things we cannot change, but continue to work through with an exuberant attitude that each day is a challenge, and some are better than others. Family is everything, and it remains the plexus of chords that bind our souls together. The fabric of our existence is constructed by each thread of experience over time. We do have control over how we weave those threads together to form the cloth of our identity.

? We are what we have become through the trials and events of a lifetime of experiences. Good, bad, sad, and happy times co-exist. As we reflect back at the journey from our well-earned position in the autumn of life, we should take stock in our longevity because many never have the opportunity to see themselves from that vantage point.

? At what point in the evolution of the human species did we stop being human?