Tuesday, November 19, 2024
OPINION ESSAY - NEWNESS
Early in the beginning hours of a new day, a Monday, the start of OUR working week, it's NOT strange to muse a bit about "newness". Newness can be good, I guess.
What I'm thinking, is that, in today's world we ARE flooded, "inundated" by such a constant and overwhelming stream of "new" information, we sometimes forget what is "new" to us, may have been around for a long time. May already be known to many other people in fact.
Doesn't necessarily lessen the importance of the lesson (Catch that wordplay?).
The fact that we have learned a fact, or been inspired to give thought to a thought, has an importance of its own beyond the value of the information itself.
Years ago, I first read this statement by Francis Bacon (1561-1626) "Reading maketh a full man; conference [discussion or debate] a ready man; and writing an exact man."
The point being, I guess, that, just as with physical fitness, mental exercise is of value in keeping a healthy mind.
The body doesn't care how old the barbells are that it lifts, and responds to.
Lifting, moving, and examining the thoughts of others, can help make OUR minds stronger and better prepared to live in this often contradictory world.
Exercising, even with old thoughts, might just give us new strengths.
Labels: donovan baldwin, essay, opinion, thinking, thoughts
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
OPINION - THOUGHTS, PERCEPTIONS, AND INSIGHTS
Interesting where thoughts, perceptions and insights, come from, and, how altering one can change an entire outlook.
Despite years of studying human nature, trying to be mature and reasonable things, and learning several methods of "letting go", including meditation (which I first began practicing in high school), I used to take a lot of things personally.Somebody would say or do something, not even directed at me, or arising out of my actions, and I would feel personally involved... in a bad way. Even just "events" pushed personal buttons.
This created a lot of unnecessary frustration, anger, and just plain unsettled feelings within me.
One day, while driving a big truck through the mountains, coming from Oregon into California, I became upset with another driver. I would pass him, and, a while later, he would pass me, then, after a while, he would lose speed, and I would have to pass him again.
I became more and more angry, at him, a total stranger, because of his inconsistency, which was causing me to have to keep passing him whenever I could.
Since there was a lot of traffic around us, and this stretch of road was tricky, this was more work for me.
Suddenly, for some reason, in my growing anger and frustration, it dawned on me.
My trailer was nearly empty, though my truck's speed was governed so that I could not go at a high speed under the best conditions.
He had a bigger, stronger truck, but, apparently, I realized, was probably heavily loaded. So, going uphill, I was able to catch and pass him. On the downhills and flatter stretches, he was able to speed up and pass me.
I was actually the one in HIS way.
Still, we were each doing our personal best, just trying to move our loads forward, operating with the equipment we had to work with.
Nothing personal is involved.
Big change in my outlook after that, not just there and then, but, I've tried to carry that lesson through as I lived my life since then... sometimes, we're just doing our best, with the equipment we have to work with.
Labels: donovan baldwin, essay, insights, opinion, perceptions, thoughts
Thursday, August 16, 2018
As I Read Through Social Media Comments I Start To Feel Bad
By: Donovan Baldwin
Sometimes as I read through comments on social media sites, I start to feel bad. So many other people are posting comments that offer deep and important thoughts on life, business, politics, religion, the economy... etc.
Here I sit, chatting about climbing trees and swimming in Pensacola Bay as a boy.
I could get a feeling of value if I was an "entertainer", someone who could make people laugh and forget their troubles... or a Will Rogers kind of guy who poked humorous holes in the conceits of the rich, famous, and powerful.
Bothered me for a while.
Then, I came to realize something. Perhaps there was a niche, a need, for someone who thought the simple things were important enough to talk about, think about. Someone who thought that thoughts did not always have to start at the highest levels and tackle the toughest problems... answering the most burning questions... or even the simple little day to day ones.
So, that's who I am... old guy who still enjoys climbing trees (in his mind), walking the shore by the bay, feeling the wind, listening to the birds, and wondering what's for dinner.
I figure THAT'S important too... just being human... being A human.
Plenty of people taking on the tough questions, and plenty of entertainers... BUT, there's only ONE of me!
Sometimes as I read through comments on social media sites, I start to feel bad. So many other people are posting comments that offer deep and important thoughts on life, business, politics, religion, the economy... etc.
Here I sit, chatting about climbing trees and swimming in Pensacola Bay as a boy.
I could get a feeling of value if I was an "entertainer", someone who could make people laugh and forget their troubles... or a Will Rogers kind of guy who poked humorous holes in the conceits of the rich, famous, and powerful.
Bothered me for a while.
Then, I came to realize something. Perhaps there was a niche, a need, for someone who thought the simple things were important enough to talk about, think about. Someone who thought that thoughts did not always have to start at the highest levels and tackle the toughest problems... answering the most burning questions... or even the simple little day to day ones.
So, that's who I am... old guy who still enjoys climbing trees (in his mind), walking the shore by the bay, feeling the wind, listening to the birds, and wondering what's for dinner.
I figure THAT'S important too... just being human... being A human.
Plenty of people taking on the tough questions, and plenty of entertainers... BUT, there's only ONE of me!
Labels: climbing trees, donovan baldwin, Pensacola Bay, simple things, social media, thoughts, Will Rogers
Saturday, June 02, 2018
Today's Thoughts - The Stupid Things Our Enemies Say... And What I Think About Them
By Donovan Baldwin
I just saw a post somewhere else, where a thought was taken out of context and presented, loudly and with fanfare, if you will, as the central core of an opponent's belief.
When we are thinking about problems, we often meander down several paths, turning back, sometimes with bloody noses, before we reach a sane conclusion, decide to put it aside and try again later, or just give up.
Still, it's those dead end, or t-intersection paths, that somehow often become part of the journey to a sensible solution. It's how we think a problem through... at least, it's how I do it.
This is why I try to control myself and not jump on headlines, sound bites; playing in the dirt with the tantalizing foibles of my "opponents", as a kitten plays with a piece of string... to roughly the same end. If I play with it long enough, I may get enough of the game, even believing I've "won", but, I still haven't solved anything.
Things, events, thoughts, ideas, possible solutions, and just plain apparent stupid meanderings of mouth and mind need context before we can truly consider them to be representative of another's thoughts... even our enemy's.
Sometimes, the "context" is that they know more about the subject than we do.
I try to keep THAT in mind too.
I just saw a post somewhere else, where a thought was taken out of context and presented, loudly and with fanfare, if you will, as the central core of an opponent's belief.
When we are thinking about problems, we often meander down several paths, turning back, sometimes with bloody noses, before we reach a sane conclusion, decide to put it aside and try again later, or just give up.
Still, it's those dead end, or t-intersection paths, that somehow often become part of the journey to a sensible solution. It's how we think a problem through... at least, it's how I do it.
This is why I try to control myself and not jump on headlines, sound bites; playing in the dirt with the tantalizing foibles of my "opponents", as a kitten plays with a piece of string... to roughly the same end. If I play with it long enough, I may get enough of the game, even believing I've "won", but, I still haven't solved anything.
Things, events, thoughts, ideas, possible solutions, and just plain apparent stupid meanderings of mouth and mind need context before we can truly consider them to be representative of another's thoughts... even our enemy's.
Sometimes, the "context" is that they know more about the subject than we do.
I try to keep THAT in mind too.
Labels: donovan baldwin, enemy, problem solving, putting things in context, solving problems, thoughts
Thursday, January 11, 2018
The Thoughts of Great Thinkers
By: Donovan Baldwin
I have, over my 72 years, read the thoughts of many "great thinkers".
I have found one thing common to many of their "great thoughts".
Often they do not contain "answers" per se. Often, what they do is cause the reader, listener, to look within themselves, and, at the world around them, and...think.
That's why there are more works interpreting the thoughts of great thinkers, than books BY great thinkers.
Maybe they are great thinkers, NOT because they think great thoughts, but, because they realize that there are more questions than answer.
One person cannot have all the answers for everyone, and the task assigned them in the Universe is to encourage us to think for ourselves.
I have found one thing common to many of their "great thoughts".
Often they do not contain "answers" per se. Often, what they do is cause the reader, listener, to look within themselves, and, at the world around them, and...think.
That's why there are more works interpreting the thoughts of great thinkers, than books BY great thinkers.
Maybe they are great thinkers, NOT because they think great thoughts, but, because they realize that there are more questions than answer.
One person cannot have all the answers for everyone, and the task assigned them in the Universe is to encourage us to think for ourselves.
Labels: donovan baldwin, great thinkers, reading, thought, thoughts
Monday, December 18, 2017
Errant Thoughts On Errant Thoughts
By: Donovan Baldwin
I sometimes post on LinkedIn odd things that pop into my mind. I call these little ramblings, "Errant Thoughts". Some even wind up being re-posted here, after they roll off my LinkedIn feed.
A definition of "errant" reads, "erring or straying from the proper course or standards".
Another definition is, "traveling in search of adventure", as in "knight errant".
My errant thoughts, usually of the first definition, are that, in more ways than one. Not only do they wander off the beaten path, but, they dodge in and out of the underbrush within my brain.
I can be thinking about eggs, and write a commentary on paper airplanes without the foggiest clue how I got there.
This is NOT a problem in these little comments of mine. In fact, this can be fun.
However, uncontrolled swerves and bumps in dealing with life, and solving problems, especially if the boss is waiting for a solution, can be problematic in itself.
On the other hand, the ability to stray "from the proper course or standards" has resulted in some awesome discoveries and advances.
Sometimes these are referred to as "accidents".
I prefer to think of them as errant thoughts, in the mind of some "knight errant" of progress.
Most people will just call it daydreaming, and the boss will be here any second, so, quick, make it look like we're really doing something, and not just saving the world.
Still, I wonder if you could make an airplane out of egg shells, or a make a plastic like egg shells. What if you used the egg's structural properties for passenger protection?
Hmmm. Another errant path to follow.
A definition of "errant" reads, "erring or straying from the proper course or standards".
Another definition is, "traveling in search of adventure", as in "knight errant".
My errant thoughts, usually of the first definition, are that, in more ways than one. Not only do they wander off the beaten path, but, they dodge in and out of the underbrush within my brain.
I can be thinking about eggs, and write a commentary on paper airplanes without the foggiest clue how I got there.
This is NOT a problem in these little comments of mine. In fact, this can be fun.
However, uncontrolled swerves and bumps in dealing with life, and solving problems, especially if the boss is waiting for a solution, can be problematic in itself.
On the other hand, the ability to stray "from the proper course or standards" has resulted in some awesome discoveries and advances.
Sometimes these are referred to as "accidents".
I prefer to think of them as errant thoughts, in the mind of some "knight errant" of progress.
Most people will just call it daydreaming, and the boss will be here any second, so, quick, make it look like we're really doing something, and not just saving the world.
Still, I wonder if you could make an airplane out of egg shells, or a make a plastic like egg shells. What if you used the egg's structural properties for passenger protection?
Hmmm. Another errant path to follow.
Labels: donovan baldwin, errant, knight errant, LinkedIn, solving problems, thoughts
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Sharing A Picture Of Me
By: Donovan Baldwin
When we meet people on social media, it can be difficult to actually, and honestly, know and understand them.
The few words and thoughts that show up here, and other places online, are not only few, but chosen.
That's why, sometimes, I like to reference things I have done or experienced.
That gives a more complete picture of "me" to you. Sure, like many of us, I like to talk about myself, but, I enjoy sharing who I am with all of you readers...well, most, anyway.
That's also why I sometimes write about playing with the dog, having a cold, hanging curtains, or having a flat tire.
I have noticed that many of my readers often add little snippets of "you".
Not just your thoughts or responses, but, something you have done or experienced yourself. I like that. Makes my online "contact" more of a person.
An added note is that I am retired, not hiring for anything, so, many people eventually figure out that they can be themselves with me and not have to put on some professional veneer.
Of course, since my timeline or feed, on many social media sites, is pretty much accessible by anybody who wants to look, I would suggest keeping the really weird stuff private.
C'mon. Fess up. You've got a little "weird" in ya. Wouldn't be reading my stuff if you didn't...and still have to walk the dog, hang curtains, wash the car, etc.
"Normal" stuff.
Keeps us real.
The few words and thoughts that show up here, and other places online, are not only few, but chosen.
That's why, sometimes, I like to reference things I have done or experienced.
That gives a more complete picture of "me" to you. Sure, like many of us, I like to talk about myself, but, I enjoy sharing who I am with all of you readers...well, most, anyway.
That's also why I sometimes write about playing with the dog, having a cold, hanging curtains, or having a flat tire.
I have noticed that many of my readers often add little snippets of "you".
Not just your thoughts or responses, but, something you have done or experienced yourself. I like that. Makes my online "contact" more of a person.
An added note is that I am retired, not hiring for anything, so, many people eventually figure out that they can be themselves with me and not have to put on some professional veneer.
Of course, since my timeline or feed, on many social media sites, is pretty much accessible by anybody who wants to look, I would suggest keeping the really weird stuff private.
C'mon. Fess up. You've got a little "weird" in ya. Wouldn't be reading my stuff if you didn't...and still have to walk the dog, hang curtains, wash the car, etc.
"Normal" stuff.
Keeps us real.
Labels: comments, donovan baldwin, experience, social media, thoughts
Friday, October 13, 2017
My Words Are Fair Game...
By: Donovan Baldwin
Got slightly "bummed out" earlier this morning reading some responses to a couple of my recent ramblings on a social media site.
Chose "bummed out" as a play on one of the discussions since it dealt with hobos, bums, and tramps.
That choice means I'm reaching the point where I can laugh and joke about it.
Point is, when people go in a negative direction after one of my posts, I feel badly. But, that's part of the deal.
I publish MY thoughts, which are not always going to be everybody else's thoughts. Once I put my thoughts "out there", using the words that make sense to me at the time of writing (i.e. before fully awake, or on a flood of emotion), they are fair game.
Part of what I do when I write is expose myself, at least some of my thoughts, hoping that, while people may be amused, they will also think.
If they think they have other opinions, I welcome that, and respect it.
I usually welcome active discussion, even if it deviates from my original narrative or thoughts...which, sometimes, IS just a story.
However, if I write about having ice cream after having my tonsils out, someone who doesn't like doctors, or ice cream, or tonsils, may say something that I feel is negative.
Well, I'm the one who chose to set up the situation in the first place. I did it because I am who I am. How can I stay mad at them for being who they are? N
ot everybody likes rainbows and unicorns ALL the time.
Okay, where's the leprechaun with my coffee?
Chose "bummed out" as a play on one of the discussions since it dealt with hobos, bums, and tramps.
That choice means I'm reaching the point where I can laugh and joke about it.
Point is, when people go in a negative direction after one of my posts, I feel badly. But, that's part of the deal.
I publish MY thoughts, which are not always going to be everybody else's thoughts. Once I put my thoughts "out there", using the words that make sense to me at the time of writing (i.e. before fully awake, or on a flood of emotion), they are fair game.
Part of what I do when I write is expose myself, at least some of my thoughts, hoping that, while people may be amused, they will also think.
If they think they have other opinions, I welcome that, and respect it.
I usually welcome active discussion, even if it deviates from my original narrative or thoughts...which, sometimes, IS just a story.
However, if I write about having ice cream after having my tonsils out, someone who doesn't like doctors, or ice cream, or tonsils, may say something that I feel is negative.
Well, I'm the one who chose to set up the situation in the first place. I did it because I am who I am. How can I stay mad at them for being who they are? N
ot everybody likes rainbows and unicorns ALL the time.
Okay, where's the leprechaun with my coffee?
Labels: discussions, donovan baldwin, life lesson, thoughts, writing
