Head-dibs

The first and greatest lesson is less about the literature review, the data or the formation of the project. One learns more about himself, about dealing with presuppositions, adjusting expectations and goals. One learns patience as one learns to think differently, theologically and philosophically. Another lesson in developing the review is the need to temper research. By this is meant that research has changed from using any and all available print resources found in a library (as in days-gone-by) to using the internet in addition to print resources. New material is published daily, weekly and one there runs the risk of information overload. This, in turn, brings constant revision to the outline and direction of the review. On one hand, the strongest section of the outline covers background material; on the other hand, the weakest section is found toward the end where the greatest consideration is given to the gaps in application, the area of greatest development. The review is poin...

“You see this goblet?” asks Achaan Chaa, the Thai meditation master. “For me, this glass is already broken. I enjoy it; I drink out of it. It holds my water admirably, sometimes even reflecting the sun in beautiful patterns. If I should tap it, it has a lovely ring to it. But when I put this glass on the shelf and the wind knocks it over or my elbow brushes it off the table and it falls to the ground and shatters, I say, ‘Of course.’ When I understand that the glass is already broken, every moment with it is precious.” ____________ Epstein, Mark. 2013. Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy From a Buddhist Perspective . Basic Books a Member of Perseus Books Group: New York.

"A good isn’t increased by the addition of time, but if one is wise for even a moment, they will be no less happy than the person who exercises virtue for all time and happily passes their life in it." —Chrysippus Quoted By Plutarch In Moralia: “Against The Stoics On Common Conceptions,” 1062 (LOEB, P.682) Perhaps wisdom and happiness are like winning a medal in the Olympics. It doesn’t matter whether you won a hundred years ago or ten minutes ago, or whether you won just once or in multiple events. It doesn’t matter whether someone beats your time or score down the road, and it doesn’t matter whether you never compete again. You’ll always be a medalist, and you’ll always know what it feels like. No one can take that away—and it would be impossible to feel more of that feeling. The Juilliard-trained actor Even Handler, who not only survived acute myeloid leukemia but also severe depression, has talked about his decision to take antidepressants, which he did for a deliber...

"Whosoever embraces necessity count as wise, skilled in divine matters."  --Euripedes, quoted by Epictetus, Enchiridion , 53

Task:   Identify the gaps identified by reviewing and analyzing the Annotated Bibliography. Additionally, a plan of action needs to be developed that highlights how these gaps in the literature will be addressed via additional research.   Outcome: The background material covers an introduction and considerations of the author of Meditations , as well as provides an overview Stoicism as practiced by him as well. The value for the Christian is suggested through a survey of Roman attitudes, historic practice of persecution and the observed balance of ethical living by Christians that benefited Roman society. This underscores the harmony of biblical ethics and philosophical ethics as practiced by the Stoics. Background material also includes observations regarding literary analysis of the text of Meditations stressing themes, longevity of the text and subsequent impact or legacy.  Gaps become evident when approaching the subject of leadership. There is ...

Here is actual footage of what identifying gaps in the literature have been like so far. The process has taken us through gathering resources, annotating and organizing but there are too many questions, too many gaps, too many choices to make and right now, they all seem legitimate. But which is most important? It might be too early to say that any of them might be “that one question”, the Holy Grail of research. I must choose wisely. “A literature review should demonstrate that it represents the latest work done in the subject area” (Galvin and Galvin, P. 62). As one considers which part of the outline constitutes background material that builds the case for the topic, those gaps are more easily, more readily addressed. Some are simply identified and filled by this or that book from the shelf. Other gaps are filled by looking into unpublished work. Regardless, following the map of the outline toward the application of the topic, textbook instruction becomes more weighty and some areas...

"It was for the best. Nature had to do it."  (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.9)

"Whom the rising sun hath seen high in pride,  him the setting sun hath seen laid low.  Let none be over-confident when fortune smiles;  let none despair of better things when fortune fails.  Clotho blends weal and woe, lets no lot stand,  keeps ever fate a-turning.  No one has found the gods so kind that he may promise to-morrow to himself.  God keeps all mortal things in swift whirl turning." (Seneca, Thyestes )

"Don't waste the rest of your time here worrying about other people--unless it affects the common good. It will keep you from doing anything useful. You'll be too preoccupied with what so-and-so is doing and why, and what they're saying and what they're thinking, and what they're up to and all the other things that throw you off and keep you from focusing on your own mind." (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 3.4)

Skeletons, spirits and haunts, Skeletons, spirits and haunts. It's a halloween sale: A nickel a pail For skeletons, spirits and haunts. Skeletons, spirits and haunts, More than most anyone wants. Will you pay for a shock, 'Cause we're quite overstocked On skeletons, spirits and haunts.