Opposable Minds

Primates, and that definitely includes humans, are the only ones who have opposable thumbs. Try holding your favorite cup of coffee and you'll find out how our thumbs work. Recently, I came across the phrase, opposable minds, which made me think twice, even thrice. As I understood it, an opposable mind is ready to accept ideas that counter one's own. Sounds simple. Or is it? How often have we accepted, without prejudice, an idea or question that contradicts what we think is our very sound plan? On the other hand, when was the last time we openly questioned an idea that we think can be improved upon? I don't need to have your answers because I have my own. It's not easy being and having to oppose. Personalities often get in the way and relationships get the beating. Going beyond differences and surviving the opposition with relationships intact, I think, is the challenge. Are you ready for it? I know I am. Having an opposable mind need not be such a trying task. After all, God made sure we have opposable thumbs, and that's our lifelong reminder.

Thumbs up, everyone!

Patriotism

Patriotism is commonly defined as love of and/or devotion to one's country. Sadly, we(and that includes me -- sadder!), so lack this value. A group of us just came from the Malacanang Museum on a rainy and windy morning. Its high walls and million-dollar chandeliers boast of first editions, signed treaties, and priceless works of art and I just viewed them. Viewed them as objects, not as integral parts of our history, my history. Even depressing was the fact that there was no note of pride in the guide's voice and actions. Sigh! He just breezed through the rooms -- naming them, identifying the faces on the portraits, injecting anecdotes here and there. But he also had snide remarks about certain historical figures. Which I laughed at. No points for me there. What a wake-up call for me! I thought I had patriotism down pat. I don't have a desire to work anywhere else than my country, I can write and speak the language by heart, I make it a point to shop and eat Filipino.

But I guess those don't always fit the bill. Deeper sigh!

Love Life

I love my life. I bet very few people can say that with conviction. True, I could use a car with a driver but even without a uniformed chauffeur to ferry me back and forth places, I can truly say I love the life God has given me. In a real beauty-queen-like fashion, I can earnestly say, “I don’t want to change anything about myself, my life, my friends, my family, and the work that I do.”