Wednesday's Words of Wisdom: Are You Free? Khalil Gibron & Dr. Barbara Lavi on Independence

“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.” - Khalil Gibran
"Dictators can imprison your body, but only you can imprison your spirit." - Dr. Barbara Lavi

Thought for the Day: The above quote by Khalil Gibran, who lived from 1883 to 1931, is thought provoking & still applicable today. Gibran was a Lebanese-American artist, writer, & the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare & Lao-Tzu. He is best known for his 1923 book, The Prophet, a book of inspirational fiction, philosophical essays & poems. The quote tells us that life without freedom becomes meaningless. Are you your own dictator? Is your spirit free?

Surely, without physical freedom & independence, you cannot live life to the fullest. In our great nation, we are able to speak out against tyranny & injustice without the fear of being judged or condemned. When dictators try to take away freedom, people's thoughts & desires are forced to remain unspoken. Without physical liberty people live in a shell of fear, but thoughts cannot be taken captive without our compliance. Great leaders like Nelson Mandela, who is in critical condition in a hospital in South Africa as I write this, & Elie Wiesel are examples of the power of the human spirit to remain free even when held in physical captivity. The recent Arab spring uprising & riots in Egypt today are also signs that freedom cannot be quelled forever. Even in a free democracy, each citizen is responsible to protect their independence by keeping an open mind & free spirit. The citizens of Egypt are struggling to find leadership which will truly embrace democracy.

*Photo Credit

As a therapist, I work with people who often feel trapped in their lives & fearful that they cannot change. They are captives of inner dictators who tell them they are too old, too weak, not smart enough, or don't have the means to change their lives. I never cease to be inspired by the power of my clients to free themselves from these inner voices & live independently. Tomorrow we celebrate Independence Day. In a nation which protects our freedom & gives us the right to "life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness," we each have the obligation to keep our minds & spirits free.

On the eve of Independence Day, I leave you with a few questions to ponder: What does freedom mean to you? Are you imprisoning your spirit by fearing that you cannot change or reach your dreams? What holds you back? Are you living your life without liberty by listening to inner dictators & endangering your spirit?

I hope this July 4th will be the beginning of greater freedom & independence for all wherever you are in your lives & wherever you may live!




*Photo Credits

Cover The Prophet

Gibran Quote
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkadog/3389058334/">Beverly & Pack</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>

Dr. Lavi Quote
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zooboing/5426098861/">Patrick Hoesly</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>

Throwback Tuesday: Thank Someone Who Helped You Become Independent

 

*Photo Credits

Thoughts for the Day: For today & Thursday, I'd like to share a few posts that I wrote a little over a year ago. They were written before & after a visit to my home state of Texas. As the posts reveal, I was pretty nostalgic. I even started a gratitude project for someone who helped me become who I am today.  Since this week is focused on independence & how we become independent, being from Texas played a big part in my development. For those of you who did not grow up in Texas, here's a quick history lesson. Texas was part of 6 different countries. It was even a country of it's own for a period of time. Although today is not a trivia post here's a bit of trivia many of you may not know. How did the Amusement Park Six Flags get it's name? Answer: It was started in Texas & the flags represent the six flags that flew over Texas. (In case you miss having a trivia post today: Who knows which countries Texas was part of?)

The series I'm throwing back today is called Deep In the Heart of Texas. There's Over the Rainbow Deep In the Heart of Texas. about an over the rainbow experience of a group of children; Part II: Over the Rainbow In the Winds of Texas, about my visit to a place that helped shape me;  Part III: Paying It Forward Deep In the Heart of Texas, about a chance encounter I had with a Veteran while I was in Texas; Part IV: Help Me Start A Gratitude Project Deep in the Heart of Texas,  tells the story of my visit my high school guidance counselor in Bellaire TX; & Part V: Deep In the Heart of Texas Gratitude Project Update, with the story of another person whose life & many other's lives were changed by my guidance counselor.

Who helped launch you into adulthood & independence?


*Photo Credits
Ranbow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46210293@N08/6781549671/

Texas & US Flags
 http-/www.flickr.com/photos/qnr/2263808519/.pngTX http-/www.flickr.com/photos/qnr/2263808519/.png

Motivational Monday: A Modern Parenting Parable: Who Is Ready for Independence?

*Photo by Nicholas_T on FlicrCC

This is a repost with some minor changes from last year around this time:

Thought for the Day: Since Independence Day is later in 2 weeks, I decided to write about independence. I searched for stories & parables to help me with this task to no avail, I decided to write a short modern parable from a psychologist's point of view on independence. I hope  you will help choose the conclusion. So here's my first attempt at a parable:

The Johnstons had difficulty conceiving. Mary & Robert Johnston, like many couples these days. put their faith in modern medicine & artificial insemination despite the stress it put on their intimate life. After years of trying, they were thrilled & a bit anxious when they learned they were going to have triplets. Two healthy boys, John & Joe, & a girl, Jenny, arrived nine months later. Mary & Robert stepped up to the challenge of having an instant family of five. Once the triplets were in kindergarten, both parents found it necessary to work to support them.

However, the stress of parenting triplets sent them into therapy. Robert kept hearing about adult children returning home & staying dependent on their parents. He was worried about having to support his triplets forever. Mary felt obligated to give her children whatever they wanted. Given their differences of opinion, they wanted the therapist to help them plan for the triplets independence. With the therapist's help they devised a plan. They taught their children that they would have to fend for themselves when they reached adulthood. They reminded them frequently that when the time came, they would give them an independence challenge. They would be given a week to prove to their parents that they were capable of fending on their own. Read on to see how the challenge turned out...

Join Sunday's Kindness Offensive: Would You Stop to Help a Stranger?

*Photo taken by Garry Knight at March for Alternative (2011)

 Thought for the Day: I have been posting Sunday's Comic Strips for quite a while. I like sharing something lighter on Sundays. Today, however, I decided to try something a bit different & may include this type of post on some Sundays. Since all week (Motivational Monday: Do You Have What It Takes to Be A Superhero?, Wednesday's Words of Wisdom: On Life Choices, Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Are Humans Instinctively Selfish or Cooperative?, & Friday's Fabulous Finds: Everyday Heroes) we have been addressing psychology's perspective on whether people are cooperative or selfish by nature & how to foster cooperation. I thought this video was appropriate.

There has been a grassroots movement to promote random acts of kindness. This 58 second video shows a random act of kindness by someone going out of their way to help a stranger.

What would you do if you saw this happening at a busy intersection? Has something like this ever happened to you or someone you know? I'd love to hear about it.

Also, please let me know if you would like to see more posts like to join me here on a Sunday's Kindness Offensive series. Thanks in advance for your comments & suggestions.

Have a wonderful end of the weekend.


*photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/garryknight/5568382914/">garryknight</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">cc</a>

Saturday's Songs for the Soul: Nancy Griffith & Rodney Crowell: "I Still Miss Someone"

Thought for the Day: Today it is June 21st and in 8 days it will be 3 years since my brother Larry passed away. This week, an old friend of my older brother, Bill, called. She was noticeably upset. I had never met Harriet, since I had lived in Israel when she and Bill were close. Harriet had gone to a movie about James Joyce, "In Bed With Ulysses." The movie was created in 2012 by Alan Adelson and Kate Taverna, close friends of Larry and my sister-in-law, who is also a film maker. At the end of the film, Harriet noticed a credit in memory of and thanking Larry Bogdanow. She had not heard of Larry's passing. She searched online and found my blog. Moved by what I had written she tracked me down to share her condolences and tell me how moved she was by what I had written. She reminded me that Bill had died on June 25th many years ago. I realized that even though I am more than aware of how anniversaries impact on us, I was already beginning to think about both of my brothers and how I miss them.  (In case you live in the NYC area, the film will be playing at Symphony Space tomorrow at 5 PM & I plan to be there as part of remembering them.) So today,  I am also reposting this song & post in their honor. Here's what I wrote last year:

Friday's Fabulous Finds: Everyday Heroes

*Photo Credits

Thought for the Day: Last night I received my intern, Steph Jacovino's suggestions for today's post, but did not have time to read them. Since this week's posts have been addressing topics like: Motivational Mondays: Do You Have What It Takes to be a Superhero?, Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Wednesday's Words of Wisdom:  Are Humans Instinctively Selfish or Cooperative? & Denis Waitley & Dr. Lavi on Life Choices, Steph's assignment was to search for finds that highlight the superheroes among us who put others' needs before their own. The common theme is the joy of giving to strangers by everyday heroes.

Larry Bogdanow

This morning, I opened the 1st find & read it. It made me cry, but it also my day. I have been in a pensive mood & very busy this week. The article made me stop. Since tomorrow is the second anniversary of my brother,  Larry Bogdanow's death, I had been trying to find ways to remember him that would feel right. The post pushed the envelope & made me look back at what I wrote last year. As i did, I realized that in contrast to a year ago, I can feel not only the sorrow, but the joy when I think of my brother.  Larry was one of my heroes who gave generously of himself to others.

 If you read nothing else this weekend, take the time for "The Cab Ride I'll Never Forget." It will touch your heart & soul. The other finds are uplifting examples of everyday heroes putting others needs before their own & giving to the community.  Thanks Steph for doing a great job! I hope you enjoy these finds. Come back tomorrow for Saturday's Songs for the Soul (the 1st entry from February 2013) which I started last February in honor of my brother.

The Cab Ride I’ll Never Forget  By Kent Nerburn, from his book: Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace: Living in the Spirit and Prayer of St. Francis, posted on Zen Moments  Author Kent Nerburn tells of his most memorable experience as a taxi driver. It shows that a little bit of patience & consideration can go a long way.

By Kent Nerburn

By Kent Nerburn

Super Caden

Tiny Superheroes [Video] By Aaron Olson & Diana Bull  In four short months, Robyn Rosenberger has made over 500 children with illnesses feel like superheroes. Then she posts their stories online, & gives a face to their medical conditions.

Dwight Orchard

Toronto College Student Saves Stranger from Subway Tracks From The Star, By Niamh Scallan 
Would you jump onto train tracks to save the life of a man, whom you never met before? College student Dwight Orchard says “I had to.” Read more about his life-saving deed.



Police Officer’s Touching Gift for Girl From Yahoo! Shine, By Elise Sole We expect policemen to be our heroes when they put their lives in danger, but a California police officer went above & beyond the call of duty in a different way while responding to a report of a stolen bicycle.

Boston Marathon Winner Returns his Medal to City from The Associated Press, By Tracee Herbaugh,
Lelisa Desisa, winner of the Boston Marathon, returned his medal to the city of Boston on Sunday to remember the victims of the Boston bombing. Through a translator, he said, “sports should never be used as a battleground.”

Who are your everyday heroes? I'd love to hear about them. They may be an inspiration to my readers. Please share their stories!

*Photo Credits
Taxi  http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/2354915174/

Toronto Hero Photo by VINCE TALOTTA / TORONTO STAR 

Photo Policeman Above & Beyond Call of Duty Nina Sanchez/Oxnard Police Department/Facebook

Superhero Caden from Tiny Superheroes website

Boston marathon Fay Foto

Photo: Taxi Union Square 2007 by Thomas Hawk

Photo: Taxi Union Square 2007 by Thomas Hawk

Thursday's Psychology Trivia Answer: Are Humans Instinctively Selfish or Cooperative?

*Photos from Frits hikingartist.com

This is a repost of an earlier Trivia question from 6/2013 with an updated photo:
Thought for the Day: Yesterday, I talked about superheroes & how to change the world. Today, Tuesday's Psychology Trivia Question asks whether people are selfish or cooperative by nature. What do you think? With so much strife, crime & greed in the news, do you think human beings are innately selfish? When given the choice to act in one's own interest or to help others, which do people choose? Read on for the answer...