In this regular Sunday post, I welcome discussion of traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within their succinct words. Not only do they have an ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age, they may also impart knowledge; a knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way relay runners might pass a baton. Once it’s handed over, it is up to us to interpret it how we see fit and how we pass it on.
Weekly Proverb
Caution minimizes loss
– Filipino proverb
Fake news has been systemic for several years now, and the pandemic has seen masses of digital misinformation, from conspiracy theories to suggestions that only old people are affected. Social media is one of the usual protoganists.
So it begs the question:
Will history books be the only truth-tellers of our time?
Weekly Quotes
I think we risk becoming the best informed society that has ever died of ignorance.”
-Reuben Blades
The great enemy of communication… is the illusion of it.
— William H. Whyte
Where do you get your information from and how is it communicated?
Do you know much about the people behind the company who conveys your news? Their agenda or background?
Confident people have it easy in life. At least they appear to. Nothing seems to be much of a problem or obstacle to them. But is that self-assurance always confidence or is it a little more complicated than that?
Having confidence is not
“They will like me”
Confidence is
I will be Fine if They Don’t”
Princess Marthe Louise of Norway
Eleanor Roosevelt seemed to think so too.
You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Confidence comes from the certainty of being able to confide and trust in someone. Having the self-assurity that you are right, morally and personally or functionally.
Remember this advert?
We might feel confident in our skills. We don’t think about them, if we are confident. We just get on and do them.
Confidence is defined as:
‘the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something or,
the telling of private matters or secrets with mutual trust.’
A big smile and a calm unflappable nature exudes confidence by others.
They trust that you can handle yourself. People glean much more body language than they realize, by reading other people’s state of mind through the way they carry themselves or their own unique body language.
The meaning of confidence seems to have morphed into something more like what could be described as over confidence, an ability to handle multiple social situations. Depending on the tone of the conversation, it might even mean:
Cockiness
Hidden insecurities behind bravado
Natural interpersonal skills
How would you describe someone who has confidence?
A child is like an axe; even if it hurts, you still carry them on your shoulders.
Finnish Proverb
Several years ago, I created ‘Proverbial Friday’ on my blog, now ‘Sunday Sayings.‘ I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within just a few, succinct words. I marveled at their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age.
These wise words offer us knowledge; knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way relay runners might pass a baton. Once it’s handed over, it is up to us what we do with it and how we pass it on.
“The unhappiest people in this world are the people who care the most about what everyone else thinks.”
Unknown
Many of us want to be right!
We think we are right.
We try to be right.
We even try to convince others that we are right. It may be because it elevates our social status, or own our self-esteem, or because we are perfectionistic and being wrong is equated to being bad.
It is our desire to want to be right that might be the reason we subconsciously choose negative thinking.
There is a huge amount of freedom that comes to you when you take nothing personally.
‘Some day the negative voice inside you will have nothing left to say.’
Unknown
Positive thinking isn’t about expecting the best to always happen, but accepting that whatever happens is the best for the moment.
Can ‘change’ be a cyclic force, or is it more linear, with a beginning and an end?
Weekly Quotes
“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”
-Ben Franklin
Confucius
“The superior man governs men, according to their nature, with what is proper to them,
and as soon as they change what is wrong,
he stops.”
― Confucius
What is your take on these sayings?
Do you agree with them?
Do you think change is always cyclic or linear, with a beginning and end?
Was Ben Franklin right? Or blind to contentment?
Everyone’s opinion is important. What is yours?
Join in the discussion by leaving a comment.
Background to Sunday Sayings
Several years ago, I created ‘Proverbial Friday’ on my blog. This morphed into Sunday Sayings.
I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within just a few, succinct words. I marveled at their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age.
Mostly anonymous, proverbs are a portal through time to generations past and echo a diverse range of cultures.
Several years ago, I created ‘Proverbial Friday’ on my blog, which morphed into Sunday Sayings.
I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within just a few, succinct words. I marveled at their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age.
Mostly anonymous, proverbs are a portal through time to generations past and echo a diverse range of cultures.
They speak of the experiences of many lessons learned and the wisdom from thousands of lives already lived.
They offer us knowledge; knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way relay runners might pass a baton. Once it’s handed over, it is up to us what we do with it and how we pass it on.
“A donkey carrying a pile of holy books is still a donkey.”
Zen Proverb
There are many paths to enlightenment.
Be sure to take the one with a heart.
Lao Tzu
What we get out of life is not determined by the good feelings we desire but by what bad feelings we’re willing and able to sustain to get us to those good feelings.
This is the most simple and basic component of life: our struggles determine our successes. So choose your struggles wisely, my friend.
Mark Manson
Do you agree with the words shared today? Do they resonate for you?
What is your opinion of them?
Join in on the discussion. Everyone’s opinion is valid.
– to combine or unite a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit.
Allies or Friends can come in many forms. They might support you at the end of the phone, in person, or just by you knowing that they have your back. They make life easier and more pleasant.
You don’t need an abundance of allies, even one or two makes life bearable. Maybe your best ally could be your own self.
Today’s Sunday Sayings focuses on Allies.
Weekly proverb
“Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief” -Swedish Proverb
Swedish friends
Weekly Quotes
“Friends ask you questions; enemies question you.” Criss Jami, (Healology)
“Dude. Every mom is the most annoying human in the universe, but most of them, besides the super-abusive genuinely bad ones, are in your corner.” ― Mary H.K. Choi
Who is your ally?
How do they support you?
Everyone’s opinion is important. What do you have to say?
Something to Ponder About
Several years ago, I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and
sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different
interpretations found within those succinct few words. I marveled at
their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age.
Mostly anonymous, they are a portal through time to generations past and
echo a diverse range of cultures, and the experiences of many lessons
learned and the wisdom from thousands of lives already lived. They
offer us knowledge; knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way
relay runners might pass a baton. Once it’s handed over, it is up to us
what we do with it and how we pass it on.
Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers in Australia for today. I also wish a Happy Mothers Day to those who wanted to be Mothers and couldn’t and all those who have strained Mother – child relationships.
Often it is Mothers or Motherly figures, who have plenty of experience in maintaining perspective as well as minimizing negative emotions. The Dalai Lama does as well.
Perspective
“Disregard small issues.
The most important skill in staying calm is not to lose sleep over small issues. The second most important skill is to be able to view all issues as small issues.”
The Dalai Lama
Negative Emotions
“Anger, jealousy, impatience and hatred are the real troublemakers and with them, problems cannot be solved. Though one may have temporary success, ultimately one’s hatred or anger will create further difficulties.”
“Negativity is never the solution.”
The Dalai Lama
Is it Mother’s Day in your part of the World?
Several years ago, I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within those succinct few words. I marveled at their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age. Mostly anonymous, they are a portal through time to generations past and echo a diverse range of cultures, and the experiences of many lessons learned and the wisdom from thousands of lives already lived. They offer us knowledge; knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way relay runners might pass a baton. Once it’s handed over, it is up to us what we do with it and how we pass it on.
This is particularly pertinent to Climate Change Problems
We have to change our thinking in order to find the solution.
I hear lots of criticism of student protests for Global Change, mainly folks blaming them for highlighting a problem without suggesting answers, but if we think about Albert Einstein’s quote, is this not so surprising?
Swedish school student and advocate for Global change, Greta Thunberg suggests we must work collaboratively to find new answers to the world’s problems.
“Many don’t listen to the science of climate change because they are only interested in solutions that will enable them to carry on like before. Those solutions don’t exist anymore because [you] did not act in time. “
Greta Thunberg
Similarly, we have to invent new way to create our own happiness – if you listen to the Dalai Lama –
Happiness is not something ready made.
It comes from your own actions
~Dalai Lama
We alone are responsible for our happiness.
Others may influence us, but ultimately it is our choice how we react to any given situation or event.
Several years ago, I created ‘Proverbial Friday’ on my blog. I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within just a few, succinct words. I marveled at their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age. Mostly anonymous, proverbs are a portal through time to generations past and echo a diverse range of cultures. They speak of the experiences of many lessons learned and the wisdom from thousands of lives already lived. They offer us knowledge; knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way relay runners might pass a baton. Once it’s handed over, it is up to us what we do with it and how we pass it on.
Christchurch has had more than its fair share of tragedy in recent years.
I could this week have written about hate crimes. I could this week have written about prejudice or racism, or vile acts of terror,such as we have seen close to home. There has been much of this already in the media, and to write more is to give voice to those who espouse these inhuman views.
Instead, this week, I chose to write about an opposing emotion of courage. It is those that show courage in the face of abhorrent adversity that we should acknowledge louder.
Pic credit: kassiisaac
We must generate courage equal to the size of the difficulties we face.
Dalai Lama
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
– Mary Anne Radmacher
Our morbid interest in these dark events is biological in basis. We are programmed to pay attention to that which we perceive is the greatest threat to us.
This quote is worth remembering:
Perhaps strength doesn’t reside in never having been broken, but in the courage required to grow strong in the broken places.
~Unknown
I find there to be profound wisdom in proverbs, sayings and quotes and I marvel at the way they are so succinct in communicating messages to the reader.
Mostly anonymous, they come to us from past generations and from across cultures. They speak of the experiences of lives lived and lessons learned.
Quotes, like proverbs, make us think more deeply about something.
“Happiness is a quality of the soul…not a function of one’s material circumstances.”
~Aristotle
Several years ago, I created ‘Proverbial Friday’ on my blog.
I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within just a few, succinct words. I marveled at their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age.
Mostly anonymous, proverbs are a portal through time to generations past and echo a diverse range of cultures.
They speak of the experiences of many lessons learned and the wisdom from thousands of lives already lived.
They offer us knowledge; knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way relay runners might pass a baton. Once it’s handed over, it is up to us what we do with it and how we pass it on.
Quotes, like proverbs, make us think more deeply about something. This week we are examining the concept of being happy.
Do you agree with Aristotle or the Polish proverb?
Is attitude, in itself, integral to feeling happy?
Charles Swindoll seems to think so.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of Attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.
The remarkable thing is that we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our Attitudes.”
~ Charles R. Swindoll
I invite you to join in the discussion by leaving a comment.
This prompt is merely a suggestion and you may choose a topic of your liking and still be included in the challenge.
Remember to add the tag A and I Poetry Challenge, to your post, so that I can link to your blog in the final end of month round up of contributors.
FINAL MONTH FOR THE POETRY CHALLENGE
POST BEFORE 31ST OCTOBER to be INCLUDED in the CHALLENGE ROUND UP POST.
The challenge is open to everyone, from complete beginners to advanced writers or aspiring poets. The challenge will include writing tips and link backs for contributors. Beginner poet, hobbyist or Advanced writer We hope you will join in.
You can write in either language, however, please post a link back, and comment at both WordPress blogs to indicate your interest and include the tag A and I Poetry Challenge.
In this way, we can find you and read your poetry.
Freedom is a need. I have a cat. People feed this cat; they pet this cat; they give the cat everything he needs. But every time the window is open just a little, he runs away.
Freedom is a fundamental need for humans; and controversial in terms of geopolitical refugee issues. We might ask ourselves why people are running away from their homeland; why they are so terribly unhappy in camps/detention: why they don’t return home; why they want to don’t want to change their way of life/traditions or even their attitudes – part of the answer to this, is freedom. Freedom of choice.
It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.
~ Unknown Proverb
How often do we lament about our own country’s regulations preventing us from actioning something we want to do? Bureaucracy sets us more and more rules and society exacts unwritten ones.
Emerging nanny states ignore the need for personal freedom and decision-making. Machines and technology perform routine or repetitive tasks that eliminate the need for us to think, to choose, to do. They even decide for us how many steps we should take each day, the routes we drive, they eliminate the need to remember facts, as Google knows all. Is technology in a sense, preventing physical freedom whilst giving us a kind of intellectual freedom. Many folk today are addicted to checking email, notifications and their phones, and do not allocate time to just be, to self- reflect, to enjoy the liberty of a human on this planet.
If you want to be free, there is but one way; it is to guarantee an equally full measure of liberty to all your neighbours. There is no other.
~Carl Schurz (German revolutionary and American Statesman)
Picasso’s quote hints at liberty in a metaphorical sense. How do you interpret it?
“Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun.”
~ Pablo Picasso
Proverbial Friday
Several years ago, I created ‘Proverbial Friday’ on my blog.
I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within just a few, succinct words. I marveled at their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age.
Mostly anonymous, proverbs are a portal through time to generations past and echo a diverse range of cultures.
They speak of the experiences of many lessons learned and the wisdom from thousands of lives already lived.
They offer us knowledge; knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way relay runners might pass a baton. Once it’s handed over, it is up to us what we do with it and how we pass it on.
Join in the discussion by leaving a comment below. Everyone’s opinion is important. What is yours?
Proverbial Friday – always Something to Ponder About
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