Questioning "Nowhere"

"We so seldom understand each other. But if understanding is neither here nor there, and the universe is infinite, then understand that no matter where we go we will always be smack dab in the middle of nowhere. All we can do is share some piece of ourselves, and hope that it’s remembered. Hope that we meant something to someone"

-- Shane Koyczan, poet, writer

(I used this quote by Shane Kayczan because I agree with almost none of it, except, "We so seldom understand each other,"  and, "All we can do is share some piece of ourselves..."   The rest of it, not so much.  Nowhere doesn’t exist. You’re never in the middle of nowhere, you’re always in the middle of somewhere. The two tricks are, to know where you are (look down) and to end up where you want to be. But, depending on how thick you are, you probably won’t know where you want to be, either, until you find yourself there. To quote Buckaroo Banzai, "Where ever you go, there you are."  Such is life.  Learn to be happy always!)

 

Where is nowhere? How do you get to the middle of it?

It doesn’t exist. You’re never in the middle of nowhere, you’re always in the middle of somewhere. The trick is to end up where you want to be. You probably won’t know where that is, either, until you find yourself there. Such is life!

"Better to know a knot and not need it, than need a knot and not know it." Explain what this statement means?

Be prepared.

Are traditions always outdated and modern things always mean progress? Why or why not?

Traditions are a way we remember our past, where we came from. They’re not outdated as long as we take them in context. Are modern things considered progress? Have you ever compared what was once “made to last” to anything we consider “throwaway,” today? We make crap, as far as longevity. Everything seems to be made with an in-built “obsolescence” date. New “revisions” are forced upon us because support for the old revision won’t be there. No, modern certainly does not guarantee progress.

"When we respect our blood ancestors and our spiritual ancestors, we feel rooted. If we find ways to cherish and develop our spiritual heritage, we will avoid the kind of alienation that is destroying society, and we will become whole again. ... Learning to touch deeply the jewels of our own tradition will allow us to understand and appreciate the values of other traditions, and this will benefit everyone."

-- Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk

What is the next best thing in life if you don't have any family, a partner, pet, or friend?

Happiness. Happiness is a choice each of us must make. If you have nothing else, have happiness. The rest of it just might follow.

Who wants me?

Good luck with that. Do you want you? If you do, then realize it’s not always about you. Find someone you want and ask them if they want you. Be happy with yourself and be at peace. Everything else will fall into place, sooner or later. Want other people, first.

How can I be human at work?

You’re already human. Try loosening up a bit and being nice.

Is desire the driving force of life?

I desire to live, so does any life I have heard of, so, yes, this is the driving force of life. Any life that desires to die, I think would be an aberration.

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

-- Epicurus (341 BC-270 BC), philosopher

What is the most important characteristic of an effective manager of 50 to 200 individuals (a middle manager)?

Excellent knowledge of the tasks at hand and good communication skills go hand in hand.

Who said, “Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it”?

I really had no idea Salvadore Dali was plagiarizing me. Great minds really do think alike!

Have you ever found such a superb option?

I was handed several of them by the Air Force for a “job-well-done” on a special project. I was offered Air Force One and Area 51 as assignments. I turned them both down to develop a one-man Intelligence position on an island in the Mediterranean. Without being told, I would discover that one-man shop I developed would brief most aircraft crews going downrange to Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Sometimes the “superb option” isn’t the most meaningful or important.

“Your 'No' might be a far-off option, but remember it still is an option!”

-- Mahendar Singh Jakhar

What if I can never get over my mistakes and bad decisions of the past? I have tried everything.

Let them go, they’re in the past. Learn from what you did, pay attention to now, and prepare to move forward. Failure is the best way we learn lessons and, as such, should not be dwelled on as anything but an opportunity to learn. Pay more attention to being happy always!

How do you assess leadership capability?

Job completion, communication ability, ethics, and the respect of you have of those reporting to you.

Why must you ask to achieve success?

The better question is, why are you asking anyone if you may achieve success? Your failure or success is entirely up to you. There will be those who stand in your way, and you will work to find a route around them. Your success or lack thereof is totally dependent on what desire you bring to the table. If you want success, then failure is not an option. Never ask to succeed. It is a choice you must make.

"If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission."

-- Anonymous

 

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as a chaplain at the regional medical center.