Head-dibs

Where were you on January 1, 1985? It's a far reach back, but that's the date this song was released: "Kyrie" (or in the Greek, Κύριε, from Κύριος) means "Lord," so the phrase means "Lord have mercy." The phrase harkens back to prayers in the 1st Century, A.D.  The song came back to my memory while shopping, as I reflecting on the recent changes in our lives. And the song seemed fitting.  First, I started work last week at a True Value Hardware store. The short version is that I am being groomed to be assistant manager of the that location (in workload, but not in title). Things are moving quickly there. Of course, it's a far cry from what I was doing before, at least I'm working. I lost 6 pound the first week, so that's a thing too.  Second, just before I started my new job, I got a tick bite. I am presently resting and waiting for test results for Lyme disease, although symptoms are now leaning more toward Rocky Mounta...

“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.” — Søren Kierkegaard

“What madness this is, to punish one’s self because one is unfortunate, and not to lessen, but to increase one’s ills!" Seneca To Marcia, On Consolation, III

"The person who strives to reason and act correctly is doing philosophy. The person who reasons with care thereby takes care of his country, father, brothers, and friends — in a word, everybody." - Musonius Rufus, Letter to Pankratides, 8 Happy and safe 4th! 

Across the front of my rolltop desk, in front of pictures of my mother and step-mother and a sundry other items, one finds eight medallions on display. The first medallion is the "keystone", if you will, that unlocks the meaning of the other seven . These days of uncertainty and upheaval, both personally and worldwide, have driven me to meditate on that first medallion. It reminds me that when one acts according to wisdom (truth), one is emboldened with courage and self-control to do what is right (justice). It is not my intent to debate the number of virtues or begin some deep discussion of ethics or the nature of "good." I intend to stress that living in pursuit of these four virtues while job hunting, while grandbaby sitting, while thinking as I mow the lawn, as I try to maintain the six-foot rule at Walmart, good occurs and I am content and find peace. One would be hard-pressed to find anything better than wisdom (truth), self-control, courage and ...

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” ― Fred Rogers

Harvested our first cabbage from the Cabbage Patch Sure was good! I love cooking this dish. Special recipe. Here's something cool: when you harvest one cabbage, five more heads form from the same stalk. Here's a family picture of the next batch to come, taken three days after harvesting the main head (above). Four of the five newbies are easily seen.  Look what else we found in the cabbage patch!

“If someone succeeds in provoking you,” Epictetus said, “realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation.” He meant that whatever the other person did is on them. Whatever your reaction is to their remark or action, that’s on you. No one can make you angry, only you have that power. Someone can certainly say something offensive or stupid or mean, but no one can make you upset—that’s a choice.  " —from Daily Stoic's Wednesday email, " No One Can MAKE You Upset "

One reason I find Stoicism so captivating is because they don't waste time with deep or wandering explanations. Stoic philosophy is put forth in "fortune cookie" sayings--short and to the point. Emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote this note to himself in his journal.  “Today I escaped anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions—not outside.” Take whatever it is that troubles you and put in in the blank. Stress, fear, intimidation, hate . . .  “Today I escaped ________. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions—not outside.” Interesting how that works, eh?