by Rupe | May 8, 2018 | Health-Wellness-Sex, Reflections
A young, but earnest, martial arts student asked his new teacher: “I am devoted to studying your martial system. How long will it take me to master it?”
The teacher replied casually: “Ten years.”
The student wanted to learn faster: “But what if I really, really work hard at it? How long will it take then?”
The teacher thought for a moment. “20 years,” he finally replied
Source: Why Training Your Mind Is the Most Important Priority in Life
My Comments: Really good piece on mind training.
by Rupe | Mar 30, 2018 | Deep Thoughts, Reflections
Memento mori – invitations to reflect on our own mortality – have been common throughout history. Two ancient traditions that made reflection on death central to their paths are Buddhism and Stoicism. For both, the starting point is the fact that our normal perceptions of value are deeply flawed, as we are constantly craving or loathing things that in reality are unimportant.
Source: Is meditating on death like putting on a fur coat in summer? | Aeon Ideas
My Comments: This is one of the most interesting if not important piece that I read at Aeon.
by Rupe | Feb 21, 2018 | Deep Thoughts, philosophy-religion, Reflections
One morning, my father died at home. I awoke to a call for help – my name shouted once, loudly, desperately, fearfully, by my mother – ran into my parents’ bedroom, and found my father convulsing in the throes of a massive heart attack. His body bucked on a deadly trampoline, his chest heaved, spittle flecked his lips and the sides of his mouth as he desperately sought to fill his lungs with air.
Source: Dread accompanies me through life but it is not without consolation
My Comments: A really good exploration of in the inner self.
by Rupe | Jan 24, 2018 | Reflections
I have far more I’d like to say on this topic than can be contained in a single post. So I will summarize my top five here and do follow-up articles on each of the five in the future series, What To Do When A Loved One Is Dying: Parts 1-5.
1. Don’t assume you are supposed to know what to do.
We live in a death-denying culture that has a hard time even saying the word “death.” Needless to say, we are not taught how to face our own death or that of a loved one, and are likely to panic in death’s presence. Or at the very least, we’re likely to be ill at ease because we don’t know what to do or not do. So start by recognizing this state of affairs, and don’t pressure yourself to “do it right.” When someone you love is dying, it’s okay to be a mess — just try not to dump y
Source: Zarni Shaban’s answer to As a dying person, what is your advice to the living? – Quora
My Comments: After reading the book titled – “The Five Invitations” I find myself fascinated by the what people on the verge of passing go through. This has me reading Quora’s answers and searching around. This answer by Zarni I liked a lot.
by Rupe | Jan 12, 2017 | Deep Thoughts, Reflections
Raising a family is the most important duty a man has. Without children the state has no future, and if those children are not brought up properly then that future is bleak. When there is so much at stake it is vital to get it right, and in this article I will explain how to make sure your family is a source of great pride to you…
Source: Lessons in family management from a Roman of noble birth
My Comments: Might be a bit strange or even course for some, but I like the prescriptive nature of this piece. Also, remember it was from another time.
by Rupe | Dec 25, 2016 | Deep Thoughts, Inspiration, Reflections
There’s no emotion we ought to think harder and more clearly about than anger. Anger greets most of us every day – in our personal relationships, in the workplace, on the highway, on airline trips – and, often, in our political lives as well. Anger is both poisonous and popular.
Source: There’s no emotion we ought to think harder about than anger.
My Comments: Excellent essay…
