I was randomly wasting my time on the internet, as I find myself doing a lot, when I found something truly marveling and eye-opening. (it's so amazing the things you can discover when you're randomly surfing) If you will, please spare a moment of your time and give this a think as well.
For the longest time, I was certain that complex mammals were the only beings capable of cognition, with the simplest life-form capable of serious learning (not just conditioning) being the cat/dog/dolphin. Well, I was proven wrong- something I'm glad happens quite a bit- on the 36th birthday of a deceased parrot.
Avian Language EXperiment - "ALEX"
Alex the Parrot was an African Gray Parrot purchased at a plain old pet store in Chicago. Despite all the things he would eventually learn, flying was not one of them. (His wings were clipped). He was trained and managed by animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg, and lived to be 31 years old, rather young for a species with a life expectancy of 60 years. More on that later.
For a bird, Alex was rather amazing, and unheard of at the time. He is a prime example of the power of perspective; to a hardcore fact-based analyzer, he became rather skilled in two-way communications with humans through learning words, and combining them into phrases. To others, though, he used the English language to establish a real working relationship with human beings, perhaps even associating emotions with words. His vocabulary eventually expanded to include around 150 words, and he was even able to do basic addition. Comparing his development to that of children, he had the skills and personality of a typical 5 year old. He recognized that objects were permanent and that they don't stop existing just because they're out of sight, a lesson even newborn humans have to learn.
One of the biggest arguments for the existence of a personality was the way he approached Pepperberg's experiments. For example, he answered 80% of all the test questions correctly, but more interesting was that were his reactions to the questions. Sometimes, when asked a question that seemed very mundane to him (i.e. "count the number of red objects here"), he would purposefully shout out the wrong answer in defiance of the exam (e.g. answering 17 when only 10 objects, 3 of which were red, were present). Furthermore, he would also communicate his preference for certain locations by saying "Wanna go ___" When he wasn't taken to his destination of choice, he would sometimes complain and repeat again where he wished to go. He once asked what color he was, and learned "gray" after being told six times, and this demonstrates that he might have possessed curiosity.
September 6th, 2007
Representin'.
Alex the Parrot passed away at the age of 31 rotations around the Earth, doing a great job in advancing the field of animal psychology, something that hardly anyone believed in for birds. The pathology, posted on October 4th, stated:
Alex died quickly. He had a sudden, unexpected catastrophic event associated with arteriosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"). It was either a fatal arrhythmia, heart attack or stroke, which caused him to die suddenly with no suffering. There was no way to predict his demise. All of his tests, including his cholesterol level and asper levels, came back normal earlier that week. His death could not be connected to his current diet or his age; our veterinarian said that she has seen similar events in young (less than 10 year old) birds on healthy diets. Most likely, genetics or the same kind of low-level (impossible to detect in birds as yet) inflammatory disease that is related to heart disease in humans was responsible.
All in all, Alex possessed a lot of the behavior of a child. He threw a lot of fits, and conveyed annoyance and bad temperament often. He could get bored, and liked to play a lot more than he did work. But for a parrot, he sure was impressive, and the other two birds that continued Pepperberg's research were not quite up to his level. And the saddest part was his last words to Pepperberg: "You be good, see you tomorrow. I love you."
For the most part, I am a devoted follower of science and its principles, but in this case, it's difficult not to want to have a little faith that maybe there was something that simply couldn't be explained by a law or a theory. Just a thought for your Hump Day.
Imagine that it's the big football game. The last game of the playoffs, of the season. Win this, and your team members are the county champs. Lose, and, well, there's always next year - but you'd rather not think about that. Too bad you had a sloppy first half and you're down by 5 points exactly. There's only a few precious seconds left on the clock, and your team's mood is getting desperate and bleak. The home crowd is hungry for a win, and the quarterback just let you know a second ago that you're going to be making the last play. "What? The last play? Oh shit!" you say. By the time you get around to your starting position and stare down the 40-or-so yards remaining, your mind has had just enough time to process the words and make you dizzy as a result. Frantically, you scan your thoughts for what to do, how to do it, and where to go. At this time, the long hours on the field, on the track, in the gym, it all comes back to you. You remember how much you've prepared for this moment, and in the split seconds before the play begins, you analyze the situation. You remember that when it all comes down to it, beyond all the strategy and tactics, football is a simple game. Important, but simple.
Before you know it, the ball ends up in your hands. A shred of self-doubt enters your mind, as your feet forget how to move. But then, the crowd decides to spare you. A startling roar from the audience shifts your body into gear, and you realize what they're all rooting for. They want you to dodge this guy, run past this one, and fight through this one; and you listen. One moment, you're battling for every yard, the fight of your life. The next, you've won. You've done it. The fame, the glory, the bitches, it's all yours. But: could you have done it without that little bit of help from the crowd?
Maybe not, says psychology.
Social Facilitation and You
Social facilitation is a complicated term for a sensation most anyone can relate to. Simply put, it states that what we do well, we are likely to do even better in front of an audience, especially a friendly one; what you normally find difficult may seem all but impossible when you are being watched. This only further emphasizes the importance of practice and preparation. Plenty of people will tell you that they don't work well under pressure, but oftentimes the problem is that they procrastinated far too long and aren't ready when the situation demands. A criminal who hot-wires cars on a regular basis is far more lucky to successfully steal one when being chased by the police than the average layman.
Possibly, you feel as though you knew this all along (this could be the hindsight bias). That our performance is not based solely on our abilities, but also our internal awareness, is not an unheard of, or even uncommon, notion. So how can one use this knowledge to their advantage?
Not that kind of arousal, buddy.
1. Imagine an audience, or imagine that there isn't one.
Some people focus on internalizing and think about nothing but themselves when the moment of truth comes. Others imagine familiar faces, or a mass of onlookers to rally themselves up in a situation. These are both effective strategies, but only in certain cases. For example, if your job requires you to cut boxes for an extended amount of time, and you wish to finish more quickly, you can use your imagination to bring about grandiosity and your own form of arousal. If you're on the Hunger Games and you've got to terminate someone with a weapon you've never seen before, it might be advisable to ignore the millions that are watching you and hoping that you fail (hypothetically, of course). Thankfully, the power of the mind can also be used to trick itself.
2. Always come prepared, never not.
As far as I know, Martin Luther King Jr. didn't wing "I Have a Dream". A solid preparation goes a long way in how you perform. Michael Phelps was probably super-engaged by the nearly global support he received in his conquest for numerous golds, but every interview involving his coach reveals brutal and painful dedication, practice, and preparation. If you've ever delivered a pre-written speech without rehearsal, you know how bad nerves can get in front of an audience. On the other hand, not much feels better than a well-executed talk that gets a great crowd response. 3. Help diminish the effect of social influence when the effect is negative. While the researchers studying this material decided that there was a certain limit where facilitation went from bad to good, they also agreed that an individual's response to peers affected this limit. Although there are many models as to how social facilitation works, almost all agree that a person is only as affected as much as they care. And while this goes against nearly everything I stand for, it may be better sometimes to simply not care about the outcome and what anyone thinks.
I've heard too often the complaints and stories of those who wish they had their teenageship back. There is also an exorbitantly large number of adults who wish to completely put their youth behind them, and for the wrong reasons. So let's do something about it! Today, I'll walk you through a little tutorial on how and why to live like adolescents, otherwise known as open-minded and free-spirited individuals who behave rashly, sometimes immaturely, and are still trying to find their place in this world.
1. Forget everything that you think you know.
It's time to pop the bubble (or the zit, haha punny?) of the limited field of vision and knowledge that you've become comfortable with for so long. As a teenager, you have to get used to the fact that Santa Claus is probably nonexistent, and that people tend to lie about what they want when they want something. You've got to be a completely dry sponge before you can hope to soak in the realities and truths of the new world and...
2. Become your own individual.
Maybe in middle school (or in the workplace) you can get away with the "being a part of the pack mentality", and know that behaving just like everyone else will help you keep your status, whether it be work or cool-related. That may have worked before, but this is high school, son! Being the optimal teenager involves realizing that not many people really care about the little, or even the big things that you do or accomplish. In fact, you might even want to
3. Quit worrying about status
Because that will get you nowhere, and that's what little people do. It doesn't pay to follow where others tell you to go, or do what others suggest you should do.
4. Think about life a lot.
Because you don't know much about it, no matter how old you are. But maybe if you think really hard, the answer will come to you in a flash of inspiration, kind of like an mind-gasm. You've always been very talented at problem solving; I mean, that's what you have to do at school, right? Life could just philosophically be a final exam that you need to study up for. But maybe you should
5. Talk to others and refine your ideas
Since that's what science is about, isn't it? If you find the teenagers that stand out from the crowd, the ones that have started their metamorphosis already, you'll find much brilliant insight that you can use to clarify your thoughts on where you're headed, and where humanity is headed.
6134^%&084k. Break the rules, and question everything?
You may have been raised in a family of order. Perhaps you were raised in a family of chaos and entropy. Probably your house was some of both. Maybe you were raised 40 years ago, but you were still raised, even if by yourself. By now, it's time to figure out who raised you right, and what you should have known all along. Rules exist for a reason, but that reason is a lot deeper than "to prevent bad behavior". Go out and break some rules, despite what your mother, brother, sister, boss, father, or best friend told you. It's imperative that you
7. Act stupid. At least once in your life, but hopefully many, many times.
How are you supposed to know what's dumb if you haven't lived it? The best way to look really ridiculous is to...
8. Try new things. All the time.
Remember the time your friend Jimmy dared you to eat a frogs' leg and you chickened out? You're pretty sure you never wanted to feel that regret again, so you realize that you need to be bold. Your (insert sport here) team's motto is "if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten". So you'll reach for the new, throw out the ancient, try new methods and practices, and it's all because you...
9. Want things. Want them badly.
And not just the silly, immature things. You want more than a skateboard, or a new pair of shoes, maybe even more than a brand new car. You want opportunity, freedom, and the world. Idealism floods your veins, and your parents' words about "thinking about the future" are starting to really hit you. From this day forth, this world is yours for the taking. But only if you...
10. Work hard towards your goals.
Teenagers sometimes get a bad rap for being lazy or unmotivated, but those are only the ones that lack self-actualization and just haven't fully gotten there yet. The better examples to look at are those that run on the track before school, those that lock themselves in their rooms at night to study, and those who paint the school's murals. Personally, I would consider the 16-year-old gymnasts at the Olympics at least a little actualized.
11. Sleep. Eat. Repeat.
Your body and mind are still growing, so who can blame you for taking care of the simple things? Too often I see older people sacrifice one or the other because of a short-sighted goal, and they wonder how they end up so cranky sometimes.
12. Make mistachesmistkes mistakes. And learn from them.
As many people believe, wisdom is earned through experience, and teenagers frankly don't have enough of it. Or sometimes, they just don't respond to the negative areas of their life except with complaints, and then wonder why their lives are stagnant. There was a motto printed on the shirts of a sports team that said "if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten." Truth.
13. Feel the whole range of emotion.
Let's face it. Teenagers are emotional! Hormones raging, lives changing, plenty of first experiences, pressures from all angles, interacting with all sorts of people, it's a lot to take on in a few years. Emotions are often discarded, believed by many to be useless and a hindrance. However, emotion is deeply rooted in the subconscious, limbic brain, and it's a huge part of what makes us human. Note: does not apply if you're a robot who's reading this in the distant future.
14. Get frustrated at the way things are. Be aware!
After you've been around something for so long, it's easy to start thinking that it's normal. Take this interesting experiment with corporate monkeys, for example. (What they didn't include was that the banana was removed in step 5.)
Young adults are notorious for being inquisitive, and sometimes rowdy when they see something they don't like. They're less likely to fall for the "that's how things are done around here" mentality, and that's partly because they're still children who are new to the world on the inside. Hopefully, they do something about it when they feel something is wrong.
15. Be curious, adventurous, amused, and like a big child.
This is something anyone and everyone should do, at any age. A few of the other things I've listed are unreachable at a later stage in life, (unless you plan on taking steroids to increase hormone production) but this is a mentality that simply belongs in your life. A big notion with teenagers is that life is short, and therefore should be lived to the fullest and its funnest. Every day is the first day of the rest of your life, so why not try living the next day like a teen (again)?
We've all heard that old saying for when somebody is in a bad situation: "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade." Some of us might have heard it a bit differently. If you were a fan of the Andy Milonakis Show or if you just liked the theme song (like me), you may remember the line that goes, "When life gives me lemons I make beef stew." Andy Milonakis actually threw away the lemon, radically changed his perspective, and started making beef stew instead. You can see what I mean here. I'm not saying you should give up and move on that easily, by any means. However, I think it is wise to explore the unconventional solutions to your problems.
Lemonade
You kids get off my lawn!
Let's take a sec and think about the associations we have with lemonade. You think of lemonade and you might just picture the exact same thing I do: kids at a table in their front yard, on a sweltering hot day, yelling at passing cars, possibly with a sign posted, and a pitcher of mediocre "I've had better from a Kool-Aid packet" lemonade. Yet, somehow these children find a way to guilt you into spending a quarter or two on a cup, anyway.
Some kid years ago probably had nothing better to do one summer day, so he or she looked around the kitchen and saw some lemons. They then proceeded to find sugar and tap water, and Viola! they thought of the simplest thing to make to pass the time and even make a bit of money. An instant classic, I think you'd agree.
Well, that is how I see the whole business (no pun intended) of making lemonade: childish. It's like grasping for the simplest solution. The sad thing is that the quick fix is usually only a temporary one. Something else will go wrong after a short time. Imagine if this child saw the lemons and sugar and made lemon squares or lemon cookies; hey, they could have capitalized on that before the girl scouts did! Instead, they made an easily replicable lemonade stand.
Beef Stew
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of soup or beef, but I do enjoy beef stew, every so often. My mom always knows how the weather will be the next day, so she plans dinner accordingly. On a cold, winter, possibly snowy night she will make beef stew. It is a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Beef is the protein. My mom adds carrots and tomatoes for vegetables (yeah, I know tomato is a fruit, but does "fruity beef stew" sound appealing to you?). Potatoes supply the starch in it to make it filling. Beef stew is comfortable and cozy.
"Yummm". - Brook
It is great to come home to a pot of beef stew cooking, knowing it will be done in time for dinner. The savory smell permeates the whole house. What is even greater than eating beef stew is cooking it. Nobody is going to argue that it's the most sophisticated food; it's just good and simple. I told you what my mom puts in it, but there are so many other ways to make it. You can add almost anything you think would taste good. You just put it all together and let it cook for a few hours. Allow the flavors to mingle and the textures to get just right. Lemons are certainly not a traditional ingredient in beef stew, but I think some lemon juice could be a tasty addition.
The only real trick to beef stew is timing. Give it too little time, and the vegetables are raw and crunchy. Give it too much time to cook, and you'll be left with a mushy blob of food. If you just absolutely forget about it and leave it to cook for much too long, it'll dry out and burn.
If you have a bit of time and some lemons, why not make beef stew? It won't be the first idea that comes to mind, but it could turn out quite well in the end.
Next time life gives you lemons, first, be glad for free lemons! Second, take a step back, look around you, and think of all the possibilities: ranging from the most obvious to the extremely abstract. Relax and give yourself and your problem a bit of time to work out. Maybe you could even make some beef stew and tell me how it turns out.
P.S. You can watch Andy Milonakis getting high here (0:57) :P
After living for so long, we can forget that there was ever a time in which we didn't live. We can get so caught up in our goals that we might neglect or impair others to complete them. We can get so consumed in them that once we reach them, we don't know where to go. And so we shoot higher, and larger, and grander, and bigger. But then we reach the moon, and once we get there, we take a step back and look at how far we've come. This is an awesome illustration of a wonderful quote by an amazing person who was...
... just one, single human.
As humans, we think we're a big deal. We think that we're *the* deal. Until we realize that we're not. That in the grand scheme of the universe, we're not much at all. That all of our individual struggles, achievements, and possessions are not much, and even our joint accomplishments don't cause the universe to change much. We could reach another galaxy (something many, many years off) and still be: very, very small- there are 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe alone. Because we come from a very small place. So if something's really stressing you out this week, take a step back and realize that it's really nothing much at all.
People often connect having a job
with having a life. This is wrong in so many ways that I’m (insert metaphor
here). We’ve been raised from birth to believe that trading your time for money
is a smart investment, but considering how limited your time on Earth is, it
could be the worst financial decision you make. As with anything there are
notable exceptions, but you will sacrifice so much by spending 40
hours a week for 40 years pushing pencils. Money makes your time more enjoyable, but this is of no use if it consumes all of your time! This is the 21st century,
and there are plenty of other ways to generate income. Granted, it takes determination, but that’s 83,200 hours that can be put into something better
in the long run. 83,200 hours that can turn you into a golf champ, card shark, or top notch chef. Check out this blogger for some advice on how to get started.
You were most definitely also told that being
married equaled having a successful life. But 3 in 5 marriages collapse, which
is more than it has ever been before. Many more people simply stay together for
the kids. What happened? Are people marrying for the wrong reasons? Are people
more fighty than they were before? Marriage is an institution, both a religious
and a legal one, and never before in history has it been the social norm to
marry solely based on feelings. Kings and queens married for power and military
alliances, after all. People are extremely demanding on their romantic
fantasies, and hold their partners up to such high expectations without ever
putting in the effort themselves. Romance revolves around the concept of being
able to lose just as fast as (or faster than) one can gain. Partners can grow
complacent, and what happens then? Relationships
grow boring, abusive, or superficial. I’m not saying marriages or long-term
relationships are a bad idea, or superfluous, but your personal relationships themselves should not consume your entire life.
Many take pride on the things they
do, the places they’ve been, the people they know, etc. That's a step closer to success, but it's still idiotic. Don’t
be an idiot.Travel
locations can be great to brag about, but they’re just places after all, and
the best we can do is save them as memories. People often are stuck on the idea that the past defines what we are, but they tend to forget to accept the fact that life constantly changes and molds us.
I could list a million other things
that don’t contribute to the meaning of living, and I will. But I’ve
rambled on enough, I'm sorry, and I am ready as well for the positive outlook
I promised earlier.
So who lives their life the best,
then? The President, the ground-breaking inventor, the full-time traveler? Ask
a four-year-old, and they might just refer you to one of their favorite cartoon heroes. And it’d be best not to dismiss little Sally’s opinion here.
But what do you have to gain from Clifford the Big Red Dog?
Spends 90% of his life working. Likes it.
It’s easy to forget that we’re
finite beings. The Internet and other modern innovations make instant
gratification too readily obtainable. It’s become more of a mainstream belief
that we should live each day as our last, but how about taking that one step
further and living it like our first, as well? Fresh eyes open up more easily. Cartoon protagonists never
remember their last adventure, and though their travels may not always be the
grandest, they grow a little bit each episode. They remind us that it’s not
what we have, or what we do, but our internal perspective on the world. Live your life like
the childhood hero who only lives and exists in 30 minute intervals, who doesn’t
regret the past episode, and who doesn’t fear the next one.
How do you feel life should be lived? Let me know at
Chinesefriday@gmail.com.
This commercial is one that I've known about for a while. I hope it doesn't depress you right before the weekend, but it really is one of the most beautiful ones I've seen. It's not in English, I apologize, but its content is relate-able enough that all of us can understand it (along with some help from subtitles). We all have wished we had more time at some point in our lives, but time is non-refundable. What we can do, though, is make the most of the time we have left.
Thanks for watching. Make the most of your weekend!
This morning as I woke up, I came to the realization that I was happy. This wasn't particularly due to any event, or the anticipation of anything. It wasn't due to some job promotion, or the new Diablo III, or the aching soreness of progress in my muscles. I think it just dawned on me that I should be happy, and so I was. Not to be confused with being content, because I believe that being content can lead to complacency. I think it was more the sensation of being grateful. After asking myself why and how I should be grateful, this is what I came up with. With luck, you'll be able to find some common truths in here to appreciate too:
1. Look around!
Even being extremely nearsighted and requiring glasses, I've always had the habit of taking my eyes for granted. I'm assuming if you're reading this sight, then you have functional eyes as well. (We have so much in common, we should be friends!) But try walking around your own house, a place where you've spent countless nights, blindfolded, and think about how it'd feel to wake up one day completely blind.
Remy knows what I'm talkin' 'bout.
2. Enjoy the sights!
We've come to depend on our eyes in order to get around, and sometimes it's easy to forget that there are so many lovely sights to see. If your surroundings have gotten too predictable and familiar, then take a walk down that street you always cut around, or take the exit that your friend said "goes nowhere". Who knows what you may discover?
3. Eat something!
No matter where you live on this planet, there is food. And the best part is, there are tons of varieties, and so many possibilities. Even if you only like a select group of flavors, as long as you keep an open mind, you'll be able to find an infinite number of dishes you like. Eating is a necessity for life, but try consciously thinking about every bite as you chew on something good, and you'll see why you should appreciate it. Personally I love food, and I have trouble understanding people who disagree with that.
4. Listen to the music!
I think it's simply the darned-est thing how amidst all of the plain tick-tocks, click-clacks (i.e. this keyboard), and chirp-chirps there is also an endless combination of pleasant tunes for humanity to enjoy. Humans enjoy a wider array of senses than most animals, and they more than readily taken advantage of that when they create music. Scientific research shows that music can affect the same parts of the brain as sex, as I'm sure you can relate to when you hear your favorite song on the radio. :)
5. Take a break! (and enjoy the leisure)
In today's world, it's easy to get carried away with the idea of progress, and goals, and everything. Check out this article for what I mean, since I'd rather not type it twice.
6. Talk to a friend!
Humans are social creatures; I'm sure you've heard that before. Even the most introverted can delight in the company of a friend or family member. It's fun to revel in the idea that simply being around others can make you happier, and plus, you can share valuable insights and laughs with them. Life would not be nearly as fun a game if it were single player.
7. Talk to a family member!
While we might not like to admit it, sometimes friends come and go out of our lives. However, family tends to stick around longer, and family tends to be who ends up telling you when something you're doing is out of whack. They're the ones more likely to ground you when you've overstepped your bounds, and give you a (#15) when you don't feel like you deserve it. Call your mom, bud.
8. Talk to a stranger!
Try something new, choose from 7 billion people and learn a little from the experiences of others. You never know what people will tell/give you, and how you might be able to help them (#14). You can even talk to people online through websites like Chat-roulette and Oovoo (watch out for creeps, though).
Marilyn Monroe = idol.
9. Read/Watch something funny!
Laughing is a fantastic ability we humans have. We laugh not only because something is funny, but because we all speak the internal language of laughter. It is such a part of our daily lives, but we often forget about its significance. Imagine if you didn't have laughter to melt the ice when you met someone, or if you had to communicate without laughing ever. Laughing is not always the result of humor, but it usually is. Sometimes, when all else seems to be dragging us down, a good joke, sarcastic comment, or meme can be just what we need to refresh our perspective. 10. Play a game!
Humans are programmed with the innate ability to have fun. We're competitive, enthusiastic, and strategic, and we love to play games. Find a friend (or #8) and play one of your old favorites. Or, if you want to try something new, find a new puzzle or card game.
11. Bask in the sun!
It's pretty safe to assume that, if you are living on earth, there is at least some sun at some point in each day (weather permitting). For most of us it is around for about half of each day, so why not appreciate it before it goes away for the night? Sun helps our bodies produce vitamin D and makes us feel happy by promoting serotonin, the happy hormone.*
Rain has a way of intensifying things.
12. Play in the rain!
What's that? It's raining outside? Get outside anyway! People often forget to credit rain as what keeps the cycle of life going (no metaphysical). I don't know about you, but there's just something exhilarating about pouring rain and booming thunder. Something that feels almost primal...
13. Watch the sunset/sunrise!
As a child, the simplest things were the purest joy to us. But all is not lost, if we simply change our perspectives to not expect anything. Imagine looking at the sun rise as if it were the first sunrise in history, with all of the wonder and spectacle of a newborn. And then think about it; think deep.
14. Lend someone a hand!
Buy a load of groceries for someone else. Help someone whose car is pulled over alongside the road. Mend a broken heart. They'll appreciate the gesture, and you'll appreciate their gratitude. There's an insurance company commercial that hits the nail on the head: humans are imperfect, but they are at their best when they help each other.
15. Hug someone!
A hug is one of the most powerful kinds of empathy that you can give someone, and it costs both of you nothing! (except maybe one calorie) A hug can brighten your day, squeeze away your anxiety, and melt away your fears. As stated earlier, humans are social creatures, and life is so much better with positive interaction from those around you. Science shows that hugs can lower blood pressure, reduce stress in women, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
16. Smell a flower!
If you don't like flowers (I won't judge you) then simply smell your favorite smell, whether that be a gas station, basement, restaurant, etc. As you (probably) know by now, I am a huge nerd who loves when science proves a long-held belief. You can smell over 10,000 odors; no matter who you are, that is rather impressive. We detect bad odors to alert when situations get dangerous, and we inhale great odors when we truly enjoy ourselves. Just try eating a slice of pizza while pinching your nose shut. It's not nearly as fun.
17. Take a walk!
Whenever I go walking for a while, I feel like I'm making progress, going from one place to another. Even if I have no idea where I'm heading, it feels good to be going somewhere. Whenever burdened with a dilemma or situation, it might be a good idea to get away from it all for a bit. Furthermore, I've had some of my best ideas and conversations on relaxing strolls.
18. Take a run!
Many people will roll their eyes at this, but yes, I'm serious. What's your excuse? Take it easy at first and build up to it if necessary. Not enough time? If you can find leisure time to go look at new blogs, then you've got time to run. Too boring? Listen to music, or try out one of these apps designed specifically against boredom. Either way, run until you've got nothing left in the tank, and then kick back and appreciate your runner's high. Also, appreciate that humans don't have to run everywhere they go any more!
19. Take a nap.
No matter how little or how much you do it, sleep makes you feel good! Your body does not fail to reward a good night's sleep, or a good afternoon's sleep. The midday siesta has been shown to increase positive mood, energy, awareness, and productivity. Reset your mood, and appreciate that you have the ability to.
20. Switch it up!
Everyone has some kind of routine, whether it is what time they wake up to having a complete hour nighttime ritual. Sometimes the best way to appreciate something is to go without it. Let's say you always go to the same restaurant every Friday for lunch; maybe you'll enjoy the new place better or come to just take pleasure in trying different things each time. Variety can be found in the smallest things. There are so many things to do with the smallest amount of time, and *that* is something to be grateful for.
21. Give a gift! TED Speaker Michael Norton explains that money can buy happiness: when we don't spend it on ourselves. Giving the simplest gift to someone in need can brighten up both your day, and theirs. It can remind us of the only lasting impact we can have throughout our lives: the effect we have on others. What do you have to lose besides a bit of time and a smidge of money?
22. Give your time! What's even better than donating your money to someone who could use it? How about donating your time, instead? After all, it's the most valuable thing we can give, regardless of who we are. Resources are replaceable and optional, but time and effort are universal constants. It seems like people are only considerate when disaster falls upon them, but why should that stop people like us from standing out?
23. Get clean!
Warm showers are a good place to get hit with inspiration, and at the same time are a good place to practice being present. Plus, it helps to realize that we're lucky that it's that easy to get squeaky clean and lavender-scented. Even better if you take a shower with someone else. ;)
24. Get in touch with nature!
Going on a long hike with friends or even by yourself is a great way to relax, get a bit of exercise, as well as either a bonding experience or an opportunity to look inwards. This experience is intensified by hugging trees and rolling in flower patches. Eat wild berries and try your hand at impromptu bird calling. Get excited at each bunny that hops past, I know i do. You may be surprised at what you see in the wilderness, but if you're not then just cherish it as it is. I think it is more beautiful than anything man-made.* 25. Realize that you're probably not the first.
Hey man, take it easy. This has been done before, and I know you can, too. Billions of people have existed before you, and I'm sure at least one of them has something you need, whether you know it then or not. But it's alright, because they'll always be waiting for you. Appreciate that you're not on this crazy journey of life by yourself; you're accompanied by dead people! Please report to your psychiatrist if you see them, though.
26. Create something!
The impact that we make on our old lives is due to be erased in 100 years, and the impact we make on others' lives might not last 100 generations, but the works we create can outlive 100 lifetimes. Wow, that sounds really sappy, but it's every bit true. Everything that we consider a convenience today had to be invented by someone, and all of the art that we enjoy today had to have an artist. Be a true human and make something that will outlast yourself.
27. Take public transportation!
Now, most of you will think I'm crazy, stupid, or somewhere in-between. Not entirely denying these adjectives, public transportation is a unique way to explore an area you may or not be familiar with in a new way from a different perspective. Another advantage to taking the bus/train/subway/elephant carriage is being able to partake in my favorite sport: people watching, the wonderful art of really opening your eyes to those more interesting characters. Take for example a man I encountered in Switzerland. He was an older gentleman who, in order to divert attention away from his exceptionally large bald spot, dyed his shoulder-length hair purple. Now keep in mind, we were in the Alps. He was wearing a pink belly shirt and skin-tight short shorts. With the addition of his visible nipple piercings, this may have been the most interesting man I have ever met. If you can't find anyone interesting, you are most likely the one being watched. Then, take a step back and appreciate how individual some individuals can be.
28. Go on an adventure!
I'm a huge fan of the Disney movie Up. If you have a problem with that, you can take it up with my fist. The phrase "Adventure is out there!" gets me every time, and it's really so true. The protagonist's first adventure is an antique, broken-down wooden house, and look where he goes from there! There are so many little joys to observe and partake in in life, and they can sometimes be right in front of your nose. In my opinion, there's no such thing as a 'little adventure'. Any true adventure is life-changing in its own regard.
29. Think about THIS. We live on a planet, that, so far, is the only planet we know of that has complex life. We are one in over hundreds of billions of observable star systems, and we are special. You, you are special as well! You beat out millions of other sperm, so since before you were born, you were a winner. You are the result of amazing love stories and passionate ancestors. You are set, you have defied all the odds already. So why not defy them again? This time, by your own will.
30. Watch this! You don't have to watch the whole thing to get a sense of respect for speaker Randy Pausch. It's best to watch the whole thing, though, to fully understand how he can manage to have the positive attitude he does. It seems almost fitting that a brilliant lecture on life is coming from a man whose time on Earth is almost up, and yet is as happy as can be.
31. Grab a camera!
Go out and take a few shots of anything, literally anything. New photographers often think that you need something spectacular, a once-in-a-lifetime view or opportunity, but that is far from true. Photography has a lot to do with perspective, and there are unlimited examples of everyday, ordinary objects looking spectacular under a certain lighting and camera angle. But you don't need any of that either! Take photos for the memories, and appreciate that we can save memories indefinitely in solid form, as opposed to relying on our bendable mental abilities.
32. Spend time with kids!
Children *are* our future, no metaphor about it. I mean, I'm 20 and I already feel like I'm falling behind of the newest generation. Pretty soon I'll be referring to them as "whippersnappers". It's so important, though, that we influence them in a positive way, because they'll be filling our spots when we're gone, and they'll be the greatest someday. Buy lemonade from them, babysit them, or instruct them, and then appreciate the unrestrained creativity that they possess. If you keep an open mind to them, it's amazing what they can come up with.
33. Get in shape!
Your body is more than a mode of transportation for your head. It is a part of you, connected with your mind in an infinitely complex way. If you don't believe me, just eat a fast food burger and tell me how you feel mentally within an hour. There are so many physical activities to enjoy, some requiring more people, and some that can be played by yourself. Work hard, and then kick back and take pride in your abilities.
34. Spend time alone!
Time with others can be golden in learning about the truths in life, but time by yourself can be just as valuable. Our subconscious (the part of us responsible for everything from emotions to bodily functions) is roughly 90% of our minds, and a lot of people agree that we could teach ourselves a lot. This might sound crazy to some people, but there could be advantages to relaxing at home on a Saturday night, even if all you do is watch TV. Now, obviously, don't overdo that last clause; it might be even more productive if you spend some time meditating or reading.
35. Spend some time with your pet!
Let's face it: human love sometimes falters. Even self-love may falter once in a while. But seldom ever does canine love fail us when we need it the most. Dogs love us unconditionally, and that can be just what we need when we're feeling muggy and depressed. Petting your dog has been shown to reduce blood pressure and stress levels. Appreciate your animal allies.
36. Teach someone a lesson!
Note: this does not have to be done through physical assault. Instead, try using words and teaching in a constructive tone. When we help others learn, we help them for life. That is a fantastic cost to rewards ratio, and it's relatively easy. Just think about all of the teachers and lessons you've had throughout your life, and try not to be appreciative of at least one of them. Plus, you might just learn something about yourself when you help someone else out.
37. Root for someone!
For two weeks, the Olympic Games steal tons of viewership from other TV shows and even online streaming as people around the world take time from their daily lives to turn into crazed sports fans. One recurring theme is present here: pride. Viewers take pride in their nations, companies take pride in their contributions, and athletes take pride in their abilities. We put our hopes into someone else, and even if we can't actually be there, we take joy out of watching whoever we support try their absolute hardest and best in a global event. And you don't have to root for your own country! Sydney likes to go for Lesotho. No matter the event, appreciate that you are capable of celebrating others' achievements, and that others are capable of celebrating yours.
38. Go to a museum!
What, not exciting enough for you? If you're looking for thrill, go skydiving or do #46. But if you're looking to learn loads about one aspect of history, check one of these out. It doesn't have to be the Smithsonian, or the Louvre; there's plenty to gain from any museum of any type. Appreciate the content of the museum, and that it's presented in a much more bearable way than a typical college lecture.
39. Sing/dance your heart out!
Passion is a huge part of what makes us human. When we truly express ourselves, we feel the energy of the entire universe empower us, and we are the most alive that we can be. When we are not afraid of what others may think, we are free to be 100% ourselves, not society's expectations. Whether your moment is on the glamorous American Idol stage, or in the comfort of your own kitchen, just don't hold back until all of your drawn-back energy is spent.
40. Clean up!
It's undeniable that your surroundings have an effect on your mood. Cleaning your room or house can be like cleaning your mind. I don't know anyone who doesn't have a place they throw their mail or other papers when they don't have time to look at it all. Eventually the junk piles up and it can become overwhelming, but if you take a deep breath and proceed calmly, you can get through it. Even if you don't like cleaning, you'll feel so liberated and more easily appreciate what's in front of you once it's a fresh yet familiar sight.*
41. Learn something new!
I 'm not sure if you liked it that much in school, but we all know that satisfying feeling when we have just the right piece of information for the situation. It'd be simply ignorant to say that we know everything there is to know, but there's been simply an explosion in what our species as a whole has learned. And dude, it's no longer uncool to be knowledgeable. Plus, there are some pretty helpful mentors out there. Try out Khanacademy or TED, or that one friend who knows it all and find something that works for you.
42. Find beauty!
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," some say. Others claim that beauty is in the eye of society. Regardless of what you believe, you know what beauty is and what beauty feels like. Things that are truly marvelous, unique, and spectacular hold our attention, and inspire us to be our best selves. Whether you think a flower, song, gymnast, photo, person, artwork, sports play, firework, or other performance is beautiful, taking the time to find it can remind you of what you love about life.
Won award for doing nothing.
43. Win at something!
Anything, really! Beat your brother at chess, finish a game on Kongregate, or top your own personal record in the pool. Take no prisoners! Winning a competition (even against yourself) feel good, and shows the progress we make in our pasttimes. No matter what you say, I'm sure you're the best at something. Be proud of that!
44. Lose at something (to another person)!
You can't win everything, right? Well you can't lose everything either, so take time to cherish your losses. Okay, maybe not, but keep in mind that in order for you to be 1st, someone else must be 2nd, and someone else probably is 3rd, etc. Learn from your mistakes, grow from them, and in the meanwhile take legitimate joy in others' accomplishments. Appreciate that humanity as a whole has so many talents.
45. Go to camp!
No I'm not joking you, no matter how old you are. Ideally a whole summer, but if you can only spare a week or two, then go with that! Of course there are children's camps, but you can also check out adult camps here and here. There's WAY more than the typical outdoors-nature kind of camp nowadays. The point is to leave your comfort zone, make new friends, learn more about yourself, and discover new facts, ideas, and opinions. If you're like me and missed out on this opportunity as a kid, this is definitely worth a shot.
Woah woah, it's always a good time.
46. Light some fireworks!
No matter how great a live or televised fireworks show can be, I promise nothing quite matches the thrill of actually lighting a mortar yourself. Now, make sure to obey your local laws on fireworks, obey what nature is dishing out, and above all, be safe and reasonable when doing this. Keeping that in mind, let loose and grab a lighter!
47. Take it to the beach!
Science has proven what you already know: the beach is great for destressing! Researchers deem the water "blue space" - a term I think is awesome - and it has been shown to de-clutter your thoughts and bolster calmness levels. A clear and simple mind focuses more easily and makes better decisions. Plus, if you take photos, it'll be easier to bring back that clarity when reminiscing about your trip. If you've never been there, the beach is an absolutely fantastic place, a land with its own smells, sights, and sounds.
48. Bury a time capsule!
What better way is there to appreciate life than to think about how it will be in the future and how it will touch someone else's life. While burying some of your small treasures, you'll have time to reflect on the memories they bring back. You can even invite friends and family members to join you in reminiscing. Buring a time capsule is like sending your memories into the future in hopes of creating new memories. It creates a feeling of generativity, and contributing to future generations is a great way to leave your mark on the world.*
49. Make a bucket list!
Well first off, if you haven't seen the movie, here you go. I'm not sure where the term "bucket list" exactly came from, but I love the idea behind it (a list of things you'd like to do before you 'kick the bucket'). All of us have places we want to be, things we want to do, that most would just dismiss as impossible. But as far as we're sure (not trying to start religious debates here), there's only one life to live, so why not actually plan these goals out? You can't help but be reminded that you've only a single lifetime as you write this, and that can help you appreciate it.
50. Write a blog!
If you're reading this, I'm assuming you have the capacity to do this. This, so far, has been such an eye-opening experience for me, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon. Over the past few years, I've taken so much out of blogs, and it's so great to see it from the other side. I'm learning so much so quickly, and I encourage you to try it out as well.
"Olympic" is a term that's a little overused nowadays, but often has nothing to do with the original tradition of nude athletes lathered in olive oil performing at Olympia, Greece in honor of Zeus. I've heard people refer to their appetites as Olympic. (again... no.) Modern Olympians, though, are definitely Olympic. If you're empirical over evidence (like me), look no farther than "the fastest man on no legs."
Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius was born with fibular hemimelia, resulting in two incomplete legs. He received a double leg amputation when he was only 11 months old, and, after receiving prosthetic legs, decided to start playing the South African test of manhood, rugby. After playing for multiple years, he suffered a knee injury, and starting running as rehabilitation. Unbeknownst to him, his coach did not intend for Pistorius to return to rugby. Soon they realized that there was no turning back.
The "Blade Runner" in his element.
Pistorius, a 400m runner from South Africa, is (at this point in time) the only double leg amputee ever to participate in the Olympic Games. He had already won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and the 400m runs in the Paralympics, but didn't settle there. He had failed to qualify for Beijing in 2008, but came back with determination to achieve a time of 45.07 seconds in 2011, making him eligible to compete in London. It almost did not happen, though, as the International Association of Athletics Federations banned him under concerns that his leg springs gave him an unfair advantage. It took a revision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (man, these titles!) in order for him to be able to participate in the 2012 Olympics. In London, he made it as far as the semifinals, but by then had earned the support and respect of the entire world. To the world, he has this to say: "You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have."
So what does this mean for the rest of us? It's easy to dismiss this as some story about a guy who is unlike the rest of us, who does not stand on equal footing, or who just doesn't have anything to teach us. But Pistorius, just like plenty of other athletes who compete in the Olympics, reminds us that a) we can go anywhere from any beginning, and that b) dedication is what gets us there. All of us, with a little bit of inspiration and bucket-loads of perspiration, can hit our goals. No one would've thought of Pistorius achieving what he did. My mom, as she was watching one of his races, stated that the "Blade Runner" shamed the others who weren't handicapped; in my opinion, I believe he inspired them to push harder.
Growing up in various public schools, I've had my fair share of ups and downs, bests and worsts with bus drivers and their behavior. There were the shouty ones, the stand-uppy ones, and the call-your-parents-over-nothing sort. I'm not saying that I'm some guru here who's ridden every bus on the Western side of the world (though that would be fun), but I'm hoping y'all can relate here. One thing that I've always had trouble doing since I was 5 has been dealing empathy to the bus driver.
A few days ago, I was waiting for a bus on a route I hadn't taken before. I was sitting indoors in a Boscov's, and I happened to be the only one at the stop. Two minutes behind schedule, I noticed the characteristic engine noises and waited for the bus to come to a stop and check for any passengers. It did not stop. I went outside, thinking it would just readjust somewhere more convenient, but even after noticing me flail my arms around, it kept making its way out of the parking lot. In the end, I flagged down the bus and got into it a little out of breath, and a little ticked. The driver made no acknowledgement of me, and when I asked what the fare was he only made a subtle gesture to the post. I was not aware the machine did not give change (in my defense, I felt a little rushed), so I lost an extra $3.30 that the bus company probably appreciated. As I went to take my seat, all I received from the bus pilot was a dirty, unforgiving stare.
So, not that pleasant an experience. But later on, I saw the bus driver conversing with a mentally retarded passenger about sports, after receiving a very pleasant "good day, how are you?" Then, I noticed him lower the bus elevation in order to accommodate an elderly lady. In retrospect, I had been more at fault here than I realized. As human beings, it can be very easy for us to only consider ourselves when we feel like we've been wronged by others. But there's true practice in compassion when we stop to consider how it all feels from the perspective of the waitress, the custodian, the bus driver.
Bus drivers have to go through a lot. First of all, they get stress out the bum, just considering:
Constant pressure to be on time
Traffic, and of course assholes
Asshole passengers
Hardly any assistance from the assholes up top
Physical assault and crime (by assholes)
Being, essentially, isolated and alone on the job
Something like this?
Now for the physical perks of being a bus driver:
A hunch that rivals that of the Hunchback if you're tall
A pedal or two that are awkwardly tucked away from you
Minimal calorie expenditure from sitting down all day
Very few, short breaks
The childhood lesson of "taking a walk in someone else's shoes" is so applicable here. When we're not put under the same circumstances as the driver, it's easy to be cold, judging, and inconsiderate. But the easiest way to forgive your bus driver of their transgressions is to simply love them. Love them for getting you where you need to go, for being reliable and cheap, and just for being them! So take a second to understand them, and quit being an asshole and have a nice conversation with them. We all have our good and bad days, and sometimes we could use a little boost from a stranger.
My bus driver's name was James. He has a wife and two kids, and the older can kick a soccer ball like it's his job. He's been obsessed with the Olympics recently, is voting for Obama, and has been having lumbar pains a lot recently. He plays a mean game of gin rummy. I think you'd like him, and who knows? One day, you might meet him. So will you remember who he is, or will you just pay attention to whathe is?
P.S. Bus drivers are damn good at what they do. I can't even begin to count the number of close turns and snap decisions I've seen them make.
Have any stories, jobs, or people to contribute? Please do.
Humans are bad at multitasking. I still find myself attempting to do twenty things at once, though, and to no avail. If you're crazy like me, you strive to knock out too many goals at one time, and usually make little to no progress in all of them. At times like this, it's important to remember that focus is an essential tool to productivity. Many things can distract us from our goals, such as jobs, occupations, errant thoughts, illnesses, etc. but luckily, we can do something about it. Let me show you what I mean:
Sorry, junk food bouquets don't count.
1. Eat! (Easy enough, right?)
Price-worthy and effective brain foods are simply too abundant to not take advantage of. As long as you know where to look. Research shows that fish, nuts, caffeine, blueberries, and other foods are all good for mental health in their own ways (just check out what the professionals say).
2. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
Nothing fancy or quantitatively scientific here, just plain determination and willpower at work. When you are constantly reminded of your intentions, it becomes easier to invest more energy into them. It's usually not enough to just think about them, however. Stating your plans for the day again and again as soon as you wake up can help drill you into the driven mood, and writing your ambitions and your reasons down where you know you'll see them often (on your door, desk, car) will help to steer you back on track should you become distracted. You'll find that motivation and inspiration come more readily when you solidly know what you want, and why you want it.
3. Narrow your field of view (literally!)
When staring down a single task at hand, it can be useful to physically stare at it and only it. Use your hands to block off some of your field of vision. This works since your brain and eyes are so interconnected. Also, over time your mind will associate your hands blocking your peripheral vision to your desire for sharper focus (the Pavlov effect).
Feel the invisible block of wood...
4. Meditate
Focus follows awareness, and meditation is all about awareness. Meditation has been around for thousands of years, and it's proven to heighten mental function. Plus, it has a way of simply making you feel refreshed and ready for more. Take as few as ten or so minutes and zone out everything in your head. If you can't exactly meditate, or would rather just calm yourself, sites like Calm.com are great! (The page even comes in different versions, and guidance; I thought that was pretty nifty.)
5. Get away from your distractions
While this may seem like common sense, far too many people (including myself) have issues concentrating when around electronics or noisy people. Just being around a computer or TV, without paying much attention to it, can have detrimental effects on your productivity. Think of the high school student who takes six hours to finish a 15 minute assignment because they were popping in and out of Facebook. The solution for some may be as easy as turning electronics off, but for others it may be necessary to be isolated in an outlet-less room. Figure out what works for you, and stick with it despite the temptations of the modern world.
6. Take a break!
Sometimes, the best way to increase performance is to stop performing for a little while! According to the Pomodoro Technique, we perform our best in 25-minute intervals, so try taking a relaxing 25-minute bath, engaging in a little walk, or playing Chinese Poker with a few friends, and get back to work later. Just make sure not to slack off for too long. ;)
It's easy to let a bad experience or unfortunate situation get the best of us, but freeing your mind of constraints is essential to getting shit progress in your avocations and priorities done. I find that whenever I need to make a serious decision (Pizza Hut or Dominoes?), or whenever I need some serious motivation, there's a quote serendipitously there for me. Hopefully, this will be just what you need.
1. "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
-Chinese Proverb
2. "It is a risk to love. What if it doesn't work out? Ah, but what if it does?"
-Peter McWilliams
Physicist, life master, and sexy beach babe.
3. "A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."
-Grace Murray Hopper
4. "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
-Albert Einstein
5. "If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have gotten anywhere."
-Marilyn Monroe
6. "Amateurs started Google and Apple. Professionals built the titanic."
7. "All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come out of it.”
-Matt Damon
8. "Between saying and doing many a pair of shoes are worn out."
- Indian Proverb
9. "You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
- Dr. Seuss
10. "You've got to dance like nobody's watching and love like it's never going to hurt."
-Ann Wells
11. "Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt."
-African saying
12. “I failed in some subjects in exam, but my friend passed in all. Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft.”
-Bill Gates
13.“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
14. "You can do anything, but not everything."
-David Allen
15. "The most important actions are never comfortable."
-T. Ferriss
16. "If you love two people at the same time, choose the second one because if you really loved the first one you wouldn't have fallen for the second."
-Johnny Depp
17. "I don't want to make money. I just want to be wonderful."
-Marilyn Monroe
18. “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use
long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like 'What about
lunch?'”
-Winnie the Pooh
19. "If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologize."
-Muhammad Ali
20. "My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever."
-Bob Marley
21."Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you
concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have
enough."
-Oprah Winfrey
22. "Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity. Reduce selfishness, have few desires."
-Lao Tzu
23. "Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working."
-Pablo Picasso
24. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
-Mahatma Ghandi
25. "In three words I can sum up everything I know about life: it goes on."
