Skip to main content

Bean Boot Thursday and a Thought for February. . .

 





On a completely different note, here's another thought for 2022 as we move into February. 

    Let’s cultivate the habit of self-reflexivity.  Let’s make an effort to become more introspective and willing to look more closely at our actions, choices, behaviors, and attitudes.  Not to the point of inactive stasis, but let’s  take an occasional a look at ourselves and our approach to life, eh fellas?  

    Doing so more than seems typical in our, at times, appallingly superficial hustle-bustle, digital world of the 21st century might help us recognize certain self-defeating, or even destructive patterns and make concrete changes to smooth the road before us.  Cultivating a habit of self-reflection might also help us to become more considerate of those in our immediate orbits, making us easier to take day to day and, in the process, generally more pleasant to be around.   

    Call me a pie-eyed optimist, but all of this could potentially help make the world a kinder, gentler place.  While there is admittedly much that is good out there, at the same time there is no denying that humanity has also become really ugly in the way we think, speak, and behave toward each other plus the world at large. 

    My late maternal grandmother once observed, when she and I discussed the sociopolitical and cultural upheaval of the late 1960s and early 7os at the kitchen table one evening, that some of what emerged then was really rather dark and unpleasant though couched in the groovy trappings of something else.  While I don't entirely agree with that assessment, she had a point I think.  

    There was some unpleasant stuff in and amongst all of the peace and love idealism that so permeated the era.  People tend to forget Manson, Altamont, and Sterling Hall now.  And we're a half-century deeper into the crevice of social and moral decay.  On both sides of the aisle.

    It’s well past the time for us to take concrete steps toward making some positive and long-lasting changes.  Don't you think?  

    Altering our trajectory though starts with honest, routine introspection, followed by commitment to change for the better, and forward momentum toward that end.  Change is possible but not without self-awareness and consistent efforts to do so.  Finding consensus is probably also necessary.  The looming question is "How?"

    -- Heinz-Ulrich

 


Comments

Popular Posts

Flannel and Suede Tuesday. . .

W hew!  Almost three hours spent reading and providing feedback for 41 self-evaluative reflections submitted by students at the end of last week for one of my two courses this semester/term.  A largely thankless task since most will pay no attention to the probing questions asked  and suggestions made. There are ten such low risk (two points each) formative assignments between Week Two and Week 13 besides three collaborative projects (due at the end of Week Five, Week 10, and Week 14) and a semester capstone that students complete individually (due at the end of Week 15).  The format is similar for all of the courses I teach whether face-to-face, hybrid, or asynchronous online.  So, why spend the time providing feedback for the ether?  To create a paper trail of sorts.  That way, when students come to me with either belligerence or crocodile tears (it rarely varies) and complaints that they won't be able to earn their A+ -- a foregone conclusion out ahead of the invariable medical

Halloween Monday Style. . .

    A dark, wet Halloween today, so time to break out the flannel three-piece, which is one of my favorites during the cooler/colder months.  My sole concession to the day is the orange necktie which is a Brooks Brothers 'Makers' and, in my view, perfect for the fall season given its colors.   The fedora, worn without irony, is a Borsalino 'Noir' model, which works wonderfully well with a trench coat.  Hey, everyday is dress-up day in my little corner of the world.  Here's a tip.  When you dress everyday, and become used to doing so, it ceases to feel like a costume, and you become less self-conscious, eventually forgetting about your clothes all together once they are on your body.  Which is what you want.  Of course, it helps if you observe older male family members doing so routinely during your formative years, but that's not entirely necessary when you have the right approach.  Take a page from Carol Dweck's book and adopt what she has termed a 'g

Fall Break Monday Style. . .

    T he Young Master and I had some fun yesterday (Sunday) afternoon while digging out a few exterior  seasonal decorations from the furnace room.  Enlarge the top photograph to see what Mr. Bones is reading about at my son's suggestion. Personally, I would be happy to skip the Halloween decorations outside beyond a couple of jack-o-lanterns glowing on the front porch for trick-or-treat evening, but The Young Master, who turns 13 this week, still enjoys it, so what are you gonna do?  He will be answering the door this year, however, rather than heading out himself.   But fear not all you advocates of kids hopped up on sugary treats!  His Tae Kwon Do studio has organized a trunk-or-treat for Saturday afternoon, in which our son will indulge following his morning classes toward Black Belt Recommended status (testing in December). Fall Break the first two days of this week, so a bit more work from home since, officially at least, the university is not closed for faculty and staff.  J