The Mayonnaise Jar (An oldie but a goodie) When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, When 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded With an unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for the things that are important to you. So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. 'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.' Please share this with other "Golf Balls"
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In the thorns and the cross-hairs: Liberation movements – strange thing about them – labelled outlaws, terrorists, revolutionaries, enemies of the state…. Ideals change, men change, so do politics and thence, perhaps most of all, people… people are the most fickle. “I choose God before man” – Rev. Beyers Naude People are complex, forever in a struggle to find out who we are, what we’re here for. And so now, in the modern quest for globalization – although it has been an idea for quite some time now, since the inception of colonialism – making the world one country, seeking integration, unity, solidarity, love and all that good stuff, in a world getting ever ‘smaller’ – are we not discarding ourselves? We constantly (without reward) seem to be seeking answers in each other. I made an earlier post about heritage, and remembering where we all came from; to not discard our past and to preserve our culture, yet this means to oppose the concept on globalization on some level. Of course a part of the concept of the global village is to accept each and all equally, flaws and imperfections included, and unite under the banner of humanity. However, as is very easy to surmise and gather when looking at the world today; things are becoming ever more superficial, run by capitalistic ideas and motives. Thankfully, certainly from my perspective, the larger portion of society is waking up to see that ideals are not as black and white as they assumed it was – there was never the simple ‘good guy bad guy’ complex in world politics – we were just led to side with certain nations over others, when in fact guilt can be laid equally on all sides. Propaganda. Humanity. Opinion. Belief. Strange hey? Although it is our differences that make us unique – through all the beauty – it is those same differences that has been the cause for so much conflict. Many would support the idea of maintaining traditions – the good ones at least – to retain some notes of cultures from all corners of the globe, for it is that which weaves such a colorful and diverse tapestry. As we move headlong and with gaining momentum into an uncertain future, we should always reflect, remember, pause and breathe new and perhaps better life into one of the few certainties of this life – our past. To briefly shed the complexities and distractions of today. I had such a moment a few weeks back while visiting Freedom Park in Pretoria. The center piece of the park is the wall of names (S'khumbuto - meaning, among other things "place of remembrance") with all those who died in the eight major conflicts that shaped the nation, with particular emphasis on honoring those who died in the name of peace, human rights and the freedom and liberation of South Africa. Those conflicts are:
In total, up until 1994, the nation of South Africa had been at war for over 500 years. However, it’s not just about recognizing those souls, but also laying them to rest. Something which should be mimicked in every country, in some way, is the concept of Isivivane (derived from the word “viva” – in this instance carrying the meaning of “commitment to solidarity”, “unity of purpose” and “coming together”) – the place of healing and rest. This is the symbolic burial ground for all those who died. Isivivane is crucial to Freedom park, built to enhance awareness and inspire commemoration. Arriving at the site, one is required to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. This was also the site where a host of religious leaders held ceremonies and rituals to lay to rest those fallen heroes. No matter your belief, it is hard not to be moved by this experience which is concluded (after receiving an in depth explanation as to the relevance and meaning of the surrounds) by washing your hands and face in a rock pool of fresh water. Everything here holds some meaning; even the type of trees planted, and the method for entering and exiting (through separate pathways). The actual burial ground – some would liken it to the tombstone of the site – is the ring of boulders. In addition to the two boulders denoting National government and the International community, there are 9 other boulders from the 9 provinces in South Africa, all with Historical significance. For example, the boulder from the Limpopo province is from a site once ruled by one of the earliest kingdoms on the sub-continent who traded gold with India and Egypt. The boulder from the Western Cape is from the Table Mountain range – one of the oldest mountains in the world. The biggest rock is from Mpumalanga province, a piece of green Verdite from the recorded 3.5 million year old Barberton Green-stone belt (yes, one side of the rock really does have a green hue to it). If you ever get the chance, I recommend visiting this rich place, to get away from our usual everyday ebb and flow. For those unable to visit the park, feel free to visit the website at Freedom Park.
A quick shift in content, away from humans - because sometimes we do get kind of boring or tiresome. For all those animal lovers (and fans of photography), I do prescribe some much needed fuzz therapy - always a great distraction. These pics are from the website/blog "beautiful-animals.com" brought to me by Stumbleupon! Enjoy.
Awakening - [*provisional title*] -- (by Steven Benjamin, 2012 )
… Linda’s mouth hung open. “Jeremy” he said it again, as if tasting the words for the first time. “Oh. Yes. I remember.” His head tilted back as he looked skywards. “What?” Linda heard herself say. “What does that mean?” His attentions found her again, but not for long. He glanced around as if in mild panic, slowly rubbing his fingers together. “You were sleeping.” “Y-yes…” “I was away.” “No. You were driving the car. There, look!” “I was away for a while… saw this, this bridge. There was something I had to get. Something hidden.” “Jeremy you’re scaring me. Let’s just go to the car. Do you want me to drive?” “Shh.” Linda took a step back trying to recover. She was blinking profusely, her hands clutched to her chest as she attempted to formulate some kind of response. “I came here. I came back here… there’s something I need to do. I just need to,” He glanced toward the car again and then back to Linda. “Can you get something for me?” “Hm? You mean…” “Here.” He pulled the keys from his pocket. “Go home. I need something from my lock-box.” “Wh-what? Are you kidding? NO! We’re going home together, stop this, and get in the car.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him closer but he didn’t move. Linda staggered. He was looking at her in a way he’d never before. “You said my name is Jeremy.” She opened her mouth to speak, noticing then that she hadn’t seen him blink. “It isn’t.” His voice was a whisper. “Not remotely.” Her breathing was quicker now, “… Jay. You’re scaring me.” “I know. I was too at first… years ago. Course, I was unaccustomed to it then.” Too much Chocolate Is there such a thing? Ever had an Italian hot chocolate? There’s a restaurant/Deli here in SA/Cape Town called Limno’s who serve this drink. Be aware though to specify, because if you don’t and just ask for “hot chocolate”, you’ll probably get an ordinary milk and chocolate powder concoction – not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it is some way short of the real thing… The Italian hot chocolate I speak of is simply a ‘bowl’ – a large cup (I had the “large” size) – with melted chocolate that will ooze down your throat in a warm sensual embrace. I’m not sure if this actually originated in Italy, but that’s of little import. Things tend to get out of hand if you decide to have a slice of chocolate mousse cake directly after lining your insides with the dark delight. You probably feel a little bit sick, bloated and maybe even dizzy, in desperate need of a timeout, much akin (I imagine) to an alcoholic hangover, only this time you’ll remember every sweet lick of it. Today I stared contemplatively at several slabs of chocolate, a chocolate energy bar (already devoured by the time I wrote this), a jar of Nutella chocolate spread and a fresh batch of chocolate cupcakes – leftovers from a friend’s birthday party… is this chocolate overload? Oh yeah, did I mention the vanilla, caramel and chocolate flavored Ice cream (a bowl of which I also devoured by the time this went to press) in the freezer? Why do I bring all this up; I hear you ask. Simple: INDULGENCE and above all, DISTRACTION. We all need a bit of it every now and then. As we enter spring, thawing from our wrapped up winter days (Southern Hemisphere of course), it is imperative that we indulge in some of life’s little pleasure’s. Timing though needs to be just right so that the guilt you will inevitably feel, will be outweighed because you’ve saved yourself, elevating yourself to a new level – you are now worthy! So in the current international climate (politics, crime, global warming, wars et al.), make sure you preserve yourself by nourishing your soul with some sweet dark chocolate love, and have a quiet smile to yourself… -- Okay so technically I wasn't referring specifically to Dark chocolate, but this part is still relevant! -->
Heart Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are:
Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate: Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart:
Thanks to Nicole for sending me this. It ties in nicely with an earlier post. The other is just a writer's quote, which just so happens to apply to everyday life.
Stay lovely all, and may your day be delightful! Part 2: Fish River Canyon The Edge of the World...All photos by Steven Benjamin A daunting awe overcomes all and a prayer is said, just before taking the plunge. “To trudge: the slow, weary, depressing yet determined walk of a man…” Geoffrey Chaucer said that – or at least his character did in A Knight’s Tale. I believe we all have an experience sometime in life where it requires you to simply put your head down, ignore the pain, discomfort and heat… and just trudge on.
It must be said that from a personal stand point, I’m quite accustomed to blisters, even big juicy blood blisters right in the sweet spot of where my rock climbing shoes presses hardest against my toe… So anything the Fish River Canyon threw my way I was well prepared for. Nevertheless, it is what it is, an irritation; and when they all mount, trouble emerges. Just like the millions of grains of sand which poured from our shoes at every rest point… but alas, this is what we signed up (and paid!) for. I can honestly say I hit a very low point during night 2 – as did we all – but I clung to that Bible verse in Corinthians, so eloquently highlighted for me by Mark Lowry in one of his messages: “This too shall pass”. Suffice is to say, prayers were said, whispered, moaned and mumbled through much of the windy and sandy night, where sleep seemed to escape most. (Some definitely got a few winks – you could always tell by the differing pitch of the snoring pattern emanating from a few sleeping bags) But why did I entitle this Inconsequential? This was a mighty feat, a triumph of human spirit long to be remembered by a tired few; it’s certainly not something to be scoffed at. However, there are so many instances where ‘inconsequential’ would be a perfectly appropriate term – consider the blisters I spoke of, and then the sand, the heat, the pain… in the end, if you overcome them, they may seem of little consequence. Then consider the footprints, those you tread in, and those you leave behind… nature will inevitably claim all those back, and no trace will be left to mark where you’ve been. Lying snug in my sleeping bag, listening to the wildlife – mostly birds with an occasional grunt from a Baboon – then waking the next morning to find animal tracks just a few meters from where you slept, be they baboon or leopard; it certainly gets the mind working. Not to get too deep here but, noticing the small effect we had on the Canyon and its Eco system (which is how it should be), and then returning home to settle into the old routines again (Ricky likening it to plugging back into The Matrix), there seems to be a common theme here. Barring a few memorable pictures to keep record of the accomplishment, there’s little else but the knowledge each hiker shares. And yet, there’s nothing new in this apparent revelation. Life goes on, the amazing personal feats; just like those that are being achieved in the Olympics, will only be remembered by a concerned few, and forgotten or ignored by another few. So that’s it, in the greater scheme of things, our footprints will be blown or washed away in time… and yet, and yet we trudge. This wasn’t meant to be a post about life and the passing winds of time, but while walking in the midday heat or lying in the cool dark, staring up at the bright stars and full moon, you can’t help but be aware of your inherent connectivity with the surroundings. The subtle breath of life, the morning rays of sunshine, a gentle stream of flowing water to quench your thirst… and perhaps even a friendly helping hand just when you need it most. Life in the Canyon helps you realize, or reminds you of what is inconsequential – and to help you let go of it. What makes you linger to take a closer look, and what really truly matters in life, especially when it feels like you’re treading, the edge of the world. God Bless |
[Banner illustration by Joel Kanar]
WRITING
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