Blessed But Not

Are you experiencing personal growth daily?

It is true; I am blessed. Though, you are equally blessed. Therefore, I question what it means to be blessed. I have traveled to England, France, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Japan, Congo, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and what will be nearly 20 additional countries in the next six months. Does this mean I am blessed? It depends.

In one sense, I am blessed because these experiences are molding my thinking process and, ultimately, the person that I am and will be. This, indeed, I am grateful for. Though, is this shaping process not the same for every person? If true, then it seems that each person stands on equal ground in this respect. Now, you may respond by thinking “Yes, but consider the magnitude of your experiences.” This is to be considered.

Clearly, the typical response is that my current journey around the world consists of a magnitude that most individuals will never experience. This is true in one respect yet false in another. It is true that few will have this opportunity. Though, what is the significance of such a voyage? It is simple. My mind will be further shaped. As it is, this is the same shaping that has been taking place throughout my life regardless of my location. Centrally, this experience maintains that same simplicity.

With this understood, new meaning shall come into each person’s life. It becomes clear that we are all equal and have the opportunity to experience the same growth apart from our differentiating experiences. Though, this growth retains different levels within each person. For it is a matter of awareness and desire that drives our personal growth.

Do you recognize the significance of the events that happen in your life? These are the experiences that mold you. By watching the thoughts that these experiences spark in your mind, you take a step forward in your growth and assume a greater understanding of the person you are.

Consciously monitor your reactions to different situations. What are you thinking this moment as you read this? Question why you responded in the way you did in all situations. Is it the way you desired to respond? If not, you have taken a step forward by having this realization. When the situation occurs again, you will now likely have a heightened awareness of how you desire to respond. This takes minimal effort. It is merely a matter of calmly watching your mind’s thoughts.

This practice takes on significant weight in my Christian faith as I attempt to limit my sinful nature in an effort to greater assume the image of Jesus. Regardless of your faith, the ability to recognize that each experience in your life shapes you holds a transforming power. The basis of this understanding is rooted in the understanding that all experiences are equal and lack magnitude at their core. It now becomes apparent that blessedness is nothing more than the acknowledgement of how experiences shape our lives.

Always seek beyond!

Please email me at schooley84@yahoo.com with any questions, comments, or challenges as it would be much appreciated. In no way do I restrict myself to the above words.

TS

Brazil: Rio’s Best

Several hours after my hang-gliding experience, I was set for a favela tour. The term favela is used to describe the living conditions and communities of the lower class in Brazil. The conditions were saddening yet adequate for survival. All poverty is now relative to my experiences in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There, it truly is a matter of survival. Interestingly, the police have very little control over the favelas as they are rather controlled by drug lords. While this seems to sound frightening, it quite contrarily results in a safer environment as the drug lords are adamant of a non-violent community. Violence only occurs when rival gangs from other favelas or the police intervene.

From the favela, the beach enticed me. As I made the longer than realized walk from Ipanema Beach to Copacabana beach, the aura of the Brazilian beach struck me. Men in Speedos, children playing soccer, magnificent sand castles being built, and the warmth of the sun were all indicators of the Brazilian culture. Sipping coconut water under the shade of an umbrella, I absorbed all that was around me. The perfectly fit bodies that strolled by were of no surprise as beachside weight equipment overlooked the ocean all along the beach.

Carlos a 28 year-old energetic Brazilian, met me and prepared to lead me to my arranged home stay in the small artistic district of Rio. Prior to heading to the home, we made a Detour to Maracana Futbol Stadium, we watc hed a soccer game in the world-renowned stadium. Though the stadium was far from its 100,000-person capacity, it was an amazing experience to be in the stadium that legends such as Pele have played. Returning from the game, I was dropped off at the contemporary home of the family that I would be spending the night. It was a pleasurable experience but nothing spectacular.

Arising, I decided that I would head downtown and attempt to visit an investment company, preferably American. Jumping onto a San Francisco-like cable car train, downtown arrived in a matter of minutes. Having little sense of what I was looking for, I stopped a full-suited man and asked him where the large American investment firms were located. He was unsure but guided me to the investment branch of the company he worked for. Simply looking for directions, I rather received the run down on Prosper from their marketing director. As she reviewed the PowerPoint slides that she had printed out for me, she spoke proudly of the company’s $1 billion net revenue.

Heading to the top of Cristo Redentor on the cog train, two other girls on SAS happened to be sitting behind me. After taking photos of the world-recognized statue and gazing out upon the beautiful scenery of Rio de Janeiro, they invited me to hang out with them along with several SASers. Waiting in the long line for Club Six, we decided to head for the VIP line and attempt to bypass the long wait. With an eyebrow of suspicion, the bouncer questioned us. After proceeding to tell him that “we are in Rio for the weekend seeing my dad who works for the U.S.,” we were quickly allowed to enter! The three-level club was amazing with techno, hip hop, and house music playing on the different floors of the lively club. As the DJs busted their mixes, I danced with a group of five Brazilian girls until 4 a.m.!

Sleeping for less than three hours, I headed to the airport for my return flight to Salvador. Exhausted, the next day I simply moseyed around the city. Onboard the MV Explorer by 9:00 p.m., I fell asleep quickly as we left for South Africa. That means that school begins again. Ugh, I hate the transition!

TS

Brazil: The First Days

Brazil struck its beauty upon me at daybreak as we slowly crept into the port. The city of Salvador shined its skyline in our direction; we absorbed the view. Shortly after passing through immigration, I was whisked away in a taxi to the airport. My four day solo trip to Rio de Janeiro had begun!

Arriving in Rio that evening, I shared a taxi and headed to my chosen hostel, hoping that they would have room! Indeed, they did; though, it was not a pretty sight! I was led up a flight of stairs to the small room in which I would be staying. The smell was overwhelmingly awful! Before my eyes in the small room were two three-person bunk beds. With no air movement in the room whatsoever, I knew that it would be a long night.

Later, a group of other backpackers and I headed to Lapa, an area know for its nightlife. Amongst street vendors and the young Brazilian crowd, we waited in line to buy our ticket of entry to the festive event. We soon realized that we were going to watch one of Brazil’s most popular reggae musicians. Unintentionally splitting from the group, I was left to enjoy the concert amongst the passionate Brazilian fans!

Arising early the next morning, Paulo awaited for me outside the hostel. As we began to drive, Paulo began to tell me about his experience as a hang-glider. My confidence strengthened as he told me that he had piloted approximately 12,000 tandem flights successfully without incident. Strapped in and prepared to run off the cliff for our take off, we were forced to wait because of the looming cloudiness, resulting in little visibility. As I filmed Paulo, he said, “We have low visibility, and the wind is blowing in the wrong direction; I am not sure what we are doing up here.” My confidence shrank. As conditions slightly bettered, we ran full speed towards the cliff’s end. Reaching the end, the hang glide took off. Descending upon Rio from above was truly a remarkable experience.

TS