Prosper On

By Robert Warren

Human sinful creatures: 

We all make mistakes

We all face troubles, but the message I want to leave is...prosper on.     

............

Troubled times 

do seem rough

Lay your hands 

to Gods trust

Take Gods hands 

welcome in

The new life 

you begin

Don't ignore 

troubles face

Respond not boastful 

but in grace

Find the light 

that guide the way

This the path 

you should stay

Blinding light

seem too soon

Gather thoughts

reflecting moon

Moon speaks

gentle tone

You respond 

humble phone

Lead me, lead me. light the way

I will take your path, I say

Lead me, lead me, what is this

You are granted a blissful wish

Trust in god 

Trust in me

Opened eyes

Now you see

You wish not

not at all

A wish is but

a sinful fall

Prosper on

lead the way

Starlit moon

creates the day

............

Being Fortunate

Being Fortunate
By: Robert Warren

PLEASE SPREAD THIS ARTICLE

Authors Note:

Hello readers,

This blog post I am VERY excited to share!!!! I am VERY passionate on the topic and hope you will be too. I included: the article, a breakdown, questions, activites, and different areas you can explore. Enjoy!

The Article:

You walk in the door after a long day of work, take off your shoes, and walk inside your home. You sit on the couch in the living room and just clear your mind. "What a long day. I can't wait until the weekend. Hopefully it is not as busy tomorrow." There are a lot of thoughts that pass through your busy mind. "Wait--oh, no. I think I am hungry." You head to the fridge, open it, and look around to find something. You decide to just make a t.v. dinner. You read the instructions, put it in the microwave and get yourself a drink while it finishes. The microwave rings and you pull it out, being careful not to burn yourself. You set it on the table and grab your silverware. You grab your drink and head to the table. You begin eating and realize you need to get up to get a movie. You head to the dvd shelf located in your room which stores all the best dvds. You think about which one you want and finally pick one so your dinner does not get old. Now lets evaluate the situation.

The Breakdown:

You walk in the door after a long day of work, take off your shoes, and walk inside your home.

*Many people are searching for a job and you have one. You have a place where people count on you to do your work. You are important to the company and fortunate to have a job. You take off your shoes that someone made and someone else is begging for. You are fortunate to have them. You have a home which is a humble place of comfort, peace, and inner strength. This home is also a place of gathering maybe with others, or maybe this is a place to gather yourself. Regardless this home of yours, you are fortunate to have.

You sit on the couch in the living room and just clear your mind.

*This couch you are sitting on took time to create. Somone had to think "oh, I want something to sit on. Something soft to sink in. I want something I can get tired on and be comfy without getting hurt." That idea then had to be created into action, and was developed to the couch you have today. Again, you are fortunate even having a spot to clear your mind.

You head to the fridge, open it, and look around to find something. You decide to just make a t.v. dinner.

*This fridge, this thing keeping your food cold, you are fortunate to have. Think of all the food that would melt, spoil, or get old faster without it. This storage device is here for you and hides all the food until you open the door, fortunate, yet again. Now the t.v. dinner. The food you can cook in minutes. The food keeping you from having to cook. The food that comes in a box so you dont have to wash a plate. This t.v. dinner is there to make your life simpler, and that is another reason you are fortunate.

You read the instructions, put it in the microwave and get yourself a drink while it finishes.

*You are fortunate it came with directions. Imagine if there were no recipes, no prepared packaged food, and no prepared ingredients. You would be trying to cook mindless and that food probably wouldn't taste nearly as good. Just think about it. Think if there were no drinks prepared. You would probably be drinking a lot of water that wasnt even fresh. Gross. Nevermind the drink itself, dont forget how fortunate you are that there is something to put the drink in.

The microwave rings and you pull it out, being careful not to burn yourself. You set it on the table and grab your silverware. You grab your drink and head to the table.

*You have a table to put your food on. This table is flat and even so your food balances on it. This table is made at good height to suit you. Now think how fortunate you are. Think about how much thought must have gone into deciding the height of the table. Consider how they even had to ponder the weight and how movable the table is. Now the silverware, the odd shapes that go into creating each utensil. The silverware is made each with a different purpose. The spoons purpose is to scoop. The forks purpose is to pick up. The knifes purpose is to cut. Think about it, and later even consider what the purpose of other objects/animals/or people might be. Think of how fortunate you are to have silverware and a microwave. This microwave if you think about it is a device to cook inside your home. Consider how fortunate you are to be able to cook indoors, in minutes, and in warmth.

You begin eating and realize you need to get up to get a movie.  You head to the dvd shelf located in your room which stores all the best dvds. You think about which one you want and finally pick one so your dinner does not get old.

*Being able to eat is truly a prime example of something you should be fortunate for. As you know many cant eat, but you can. Think about how fortunate you are to be able to enjoy the feel, smell, look, taste, and sound of food. Think of the many different types, textures, and varities out there. Think of how fortunate you are to have fold from different areas of the world, as we are allowed to trade, and import food. Now for the dvds. Look at your dvds and image if each were only $5 how much is on your shelf. When I thought about that it inspired me to write this article. If you dont have dvd's, look at cd's or other materialized items you may have. Think about each dvd and how silly it can sometimes sound when you say: "I can't find anything to watch" when there is a shelf full of dvd's. Also think about how fortunate you are to have these moving pictures on your screen. Think, motion pictures, pictures that are in motion creating the video on your screen. Now you can understand how fortunate you are tp be able to watch the video. Think about how fortunate you are people are acting, writing, directing, and teching those films. Think about how fortunate you are that a great film is great. How those actors work so well collaborating together. How the technology is working so well. Appreciate the fact these films can to create years to work on, edit and design. Think about how fortunate you are to eat multiple times a day.

Now take a step back.

You can read, appreciate that. Apprectiate the fact you have internet to look at this blog. Please appreciate the writers, as they appreciate the readers. Without the readers there would be no need for writers. So in the end I hope this blog post helped you realize how fortunate you truley are. I didnt even discuss how fortunate you are for math, science, education, transportation, mechanics, or social media. Think about where you are fortunate.

YOU ARE FORTUNATE. SPREAD THE WORD.

Things to Remember:

The key to being fortunate is to appreciate the most minute of details. You need to understand all you really have in order to understand you were fortunate all along.

Being fortunate isn't something that you have or you dont. Everyone has it---just to different extents. It is just a matter of realizing you have it.

Unfortunate things are also fortunate. The question one must ask is---how?

Activities:

-Tell people you appreciate how fortunate you are they are in your life.
-Do a collage for someone of things you are fortunate for.
-Make a list of things you are literally (not mentally ) fortunate for & use that list as a scavenger hunt.
-Try to be more others more fortunate you are in their life
-Try to surprise someone to show them you are fortunate of them

Questions:

-What does it mean to be fortunate?
-Who is fortunate?
-What are you fortunate for?
-What are things or areas of your life where you may have missed the fact you were fortunate?/How?

Explore:

-Realizing where you are fortunate
-Seeing the details (Stella Adler)
-Being in the moment (Meisner)
-Seeing things you would normally miss (Uta Hagen)
-Looking at mechanical drawings of things
-Looking at the science behind things
-Seeing who is really involved in things

Thank you for reading. I haven't posted on my blog for quite awhile but had to because how moved I am on this topic. If you enjoyed reading, PLEASE SPREAD THIS POST. I am very passionate on this one and would love for others to read this. Again thank you for reading.

"Without the readers there would be no need for the writers."

Photographs For Animal Lovers

   

Look Up

Socially Overlooked

        In our society technology is quickly evolving. There is always a new device, item or thing. You can't possibly keep up with all the innovations. The issue is technology is evolving to be so good that reality is becoming hidden within a cyberspace. We are shifting our focus from the good in life to the good in the next big thing. Once you realize it though...how much time you really spend with technology...you have an opportunity...an  opportunity to step back.
     
       Looking at your phone you miss your surroundings. You miss saying hi to people you may know, you may miss someone in need, or you may miss your soon to be spouse. Looking at your phone you may walk into something you don't see, or may end up hitting a car that sneaks up.  Looking into a screen you can see what the online social interface thinks but then you miss it...the peoples opinions who matter most.

      Think of the purpose of each device. A cell phone is used to call or text. It has a purpose to get you in contact with people you care about. It isn't meant to replace them. A computer is meant to work on for office, school or just to have fun. A laptop is not meant to replace every paper with documents. A laptop is not meant to replace every physical conversation with a virtual one. A laptop isn't meant to take away all your free time.

      The more technology develops the more you have to stand your ground. You have to actually limit yourself. It`s sad to think of if playgrounds were to one day be replaced with computer labs which students would play games at. We need to have not just virtual interaction but also verbal interaction. When people are hiding behind their device at a dinner table because you don`t know the person across from you it has gone too far. You need to meet people, think of how people met you.

     Connecting to people by putting away your mobile devices is important. Now we live where people often find it awkward to look each other in the eyes. That is disappointing because you are missing the meaning to a conversation. As a theatre major, when I have acted I have been told to look people in the eyes. Actors are told that all the time because it evokes emotion and it brings meaning. Often the actors will even look at certain audience members to bring them into the scene. There is a reason for it but people are afraid. People are hiding behind their phones because they are used to the bonds they already have with the virtual world.

     Look up. It is as simple as that. Put down your phone and look at the people you talk to in the eyes. Sincerely get to know the people around you. It is getting easier and easier to isolate yourself in a world of technology. Having your own phone, computer and other devices in your own room. You feel like you are alone because we are often separated in our own homes, rooms, cars, and lives. You are not alone though. There are people all around you except you often miss them because of some device.

      Parks are becoming less and less used by kids as technology develops. Schools are having to adapt to technological changes. News is now given online which includes video or media clips. Your personal information is becoming more and more voluntarily given to the social world. You are posting more of your own photos, posting more of your own videos and even giving more of your information. Dont just be liked in the virtual world let yourself be loved in the physical one.

    Imagine this... you are sitting at a table and forgot your phone. Someone joins you at this table to eat their food. Are you more likely to spark a conversation since you don`t have your phone? The answer is yes. While you may not realize it the less you have your phone the more forced you will be to have a conversation with others around you. You could meet your best friend, your date, your spouse, or even a future employer. The fact is being integrated with a technological world of opportunity shy`s away the opportunities right in front of us. The number one way to show someone you love them is to spend time with them.

    Think of why you love your parents, siblings, relatives, or really good friends. Think of why you love your dog, cat, hamster, or pet. It is because you spend time with them in a physical world and less in a virtual world. Your parent(s) or guardian(s) raised you. They took time away from their phone, computer or electronic media to spend time with you. You did the same for them. You spent time with your pet in person. You were looking out for your pet just as your parents were looking out for you. Looking out for someone shows you care and it is more meaningful to lookout for someone in person rather than in a virtual world.

    "Thank you for looking out for me." I am sure you have heard the phrase. Think about when you have heard it being used. You may have heard it from one good friend to another. You may have heard it when someone was preventing another from getting in trouble over nothing. You may have heard it when someone was going through a life struggle and a person came through from them. Now truly think on it and you will realize that very seldomly do you hear this being used due to help over social media. Why? One on one interactions IN PERSON is more meaningful.

     I didn't write this post to bring you down and make you feel like we are in a technological cage and trapped without a way to get out. I wrote this to make you realize the technology we have is a supplement to our life it isn't meant to replace it. You have the keys to unlock the technological lure that we are in. The lock is right there but the question is will you unlock it? Will you take a few moments each day in a step away from technology. Making yourself get far enough away that you are able to interact day to day without a fear to look people in the eyes. Giving yourself confidence is not something that anyone said would be easy. It starts from stepping away from the technological trap many fall into though. Public parks are there for a reason use them. Dont let it get to the point that people start looking at parks as pointless. The scariest thing is thinking of a little kid going to a park and questioning what do I do here? Imagine if you had to explain the fun behind sliding down a slide. If you had to explain why swinging on a swing is fun. Imagine if you had to explain the fun in hopscotch and foursquare. The day people stop going to the park is the day technology goes too far.

    So look up. Be aware. Be Conscious. Put  your phone down. Make eye contact. Have meaningful conversation. Take time to listen and add value to your conversation. Don't let a bright screen hide your face, the world wants to see you.  

This has been a piece brought to you by Robert Warren. I hope you enjoyed it.

"Aspire to Inspire"

"Aspire to Inspire."

-Robert Warren

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I have came up with a quote that I am trying to live by:

"Aspire to Inspire"

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Imagine a world without inspiration: no role models, no heroes, no inspirational figures.

It would be a dark city missing the light.
A sought thought without the sight.
You would be searching with no one leading the way.
You would be missing tomorrows today.
What is a world with no inspiration alas?,
Is it a world not being held in the netted cast?
A world simply hanging in the sky
With no reason to live and no reason to die
A world not inspired lacks what we need
A spark of inspiration, a little seed
We need to plant a reason to grow
And spread knowledge of what we know
If what is inspired ever does die
Then the earth shrivels in sigh
Inspire who you can, more than a few
Next needing inspiration may be you
Lit world is reason to inspire
A glow lifting people higher
Imagine lights only a few
Growing vastly among you
The streets lit there is not night
Because you can bring the light.

"Fight Night"
-Dont fall into the dark
-Dont simply embark
-Dont be a missing star
-Find a reason to drive a car
-Lead the road on which you drive
-Because you are being alive.

Musical Reflection

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A soft pale finger touches deep blue sea

This water you say is reflecting me

The effect of the ripple reflects suns gleam

The pace you feel takes the stream

The shining reflection in moving waters abide

Reflect the melodic rhythm inside

Watching the gleam can blind your eyes

Causing the waters tears to rise

Apprised the water steams up in mist

Causing waterous eyes to drift

Soaking your heart ado

This isn't fire

Burning higher

This is the water in you

The water is music each tone in the gleam

This is the music of the stream

Drifting waters cause tears to rise

Causing what we know as tides

Tides of people rushing in

To hear music flow again

(By Robert Warren)

(Creator of this Blog)

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This poem is one cultivating an idea how music is a moving entity as like water. As water is a substance that evokes a mood, so does music. These two things are reflective. People come to water as they go to music. Coming with an expectation of something great. Passion is evoked through a carried flow, a carried tone, a carried emotion. It is something moving. Take the stream and drift because the inspiration behind what can move you is quite extraordinary and should not be overlooked.

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Clouds

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This is a facebook post from a scholar named Eric Richter, a friend of mine. Recently I seen this post and realized it was too good not to share. I got his permission and now gratefully present to you:

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Realtalk Incoming

By: Eric Richter

So it's around 7:30 and I'm walking across campus towards my car, listening to Unraveling from the Shame soundtrack through my headphones. The track is completely beautiful and serene sounding. One of those pieces that make you forget everything but the music and the emotions you're feeling because of it.

As I'm listening, I notice the sky and there are these gigantic clouds settling over the horizon, the tops of which are perfect white, but cascade downward through a perfect sepia gradient, all the way until they blend with the grey sky. You may have seen some people posting pictures of these clouds on Facebook, but I sincerely hope you saw them in person because there is no comparison.

Anyways, I'm walking, staring at those clouds, and listening to that track, thinking about the trees and the clouds and the grass, and eventually everything that holds any relevance in the world was absent from my mind. There was no love, hate, war, peace, ideology, politics, dinner plans, YouTube videos, homework to do, nothing. None of it mattered. It was like I was looking at the world without blinders on. Almost as if I was seeing the future, or the end of time, where all the answers are given to you. It was like I knew the truth of the world.

I realize that sounds like I'm on acid.

But all of that happened simply because I was admiring the natural, artistic beauty of the world, and listening to emotional music. Tomorrow I challenge you to keep an eye out for the natural beauty of the world, and appreciate it for what it truly is.

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The Music Being Listened To:

The Actual Clouds:

Photographer: Andrew Brown

(Another Scholar)

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"Stillness is when time stops. It can be the time it stops just for you. This is an opportunity. Back away and look at what is there. Dont miss it because time may never stop again."

"Looking at the clouds can only work with imagination. Have you no desire to look at the clouds then you will not be able to reflect on it. Have you no reflection then you will not be able to better yourself and it would all be because you didn`t stop. Not even for a moment to look at the clouds."

"Nature is there. If we miss it then it is our fault."

"Nature is here for peace as clouds are here to drift. Wind is here to feel as you are here too."

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(Quotes by Robert Warren)

(Creator of this blog)

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