LABELING

We live in a culture that uses labels as a means of understanding the world and the people living in it. As a result, many of us find ourselves laboring under a label that has a negative connotation.

Unless we can find a way to see the good in such a label, we may feel burdened by an idea of ourselves that is not accurate. It is important to remember that almost nothing in this world is all good or all bad, and most everything is a complex mixture of gifts and challenges. In addition, different cultures revere certain qualities over others, but this does not mean that these qualities are inherently good or bad. For example, a culture that elevates outgoing behavior will label an introvert in a negative way, calling them antisocial. In truth, the ability to spend time alone is one that most great artists, mystics, and visionaries share. Owning the positive side of this label can lead us deeper into our gifted visions and fertile imaginations.
When we look into the lives of any of the great people in history, we always find that they had quirks and eccentricities that earned them less than ideal labels from the societies in which they lived. Many famous artists and musicians were considered to be isolated loners or disruptive troublemakers, or sometimes both, yet these people altered history and contributed to the world an original vision or advances in our understanding of the universe. If we can remember this as we examine our own selves and the labels people use to describe us, we find that there is a bright side to any characterization.
If you have been labeled, remember that all you have to do to see the positive side is to turn the label around. For example, you may be considered to be overly emotional, and the fact that you are perceived this way may make you feel out of control. But notice, too, the gifts of being able to feel and express your emotions, even in a world that doesn’t always encourage that. You might begin to see yourself as brave and open-hearted enough to stay alive to your feelings. You may also see that there are certain paths and professions in which this is a necessary ability. As you turn your label around, the light of your true nature shines to guide you on your way.
I think it was Oscar Wilde who said “All genius has a touch of madness!”
Dr Bob Snyder just published a booklet on exercises for people with arthritis, bilingual, simple instructions with easy to follow drawings. Came to me in “my spare time”He has a long list of patients, teaches twice a week yoga like exercises for senior citizens, plays a mean game of poker in a running weekly circle, travels a lot to keep perfecting his Pilates/Yoga/Oriental exercise/massage programs, counsels young people, has a dynamic, beautiful wife,also a doctor and a gorgeous just engaged daughter... not bad for a guy who was just eighty six...right? I wish he would publish his secrets!!
Next season I’ll make sure that I have Saturday driving help so I can attend the operas presented by Amigos de la Musica at the Tech de Monterrey outdoor stadium.
Gourmet School students. Starting in August there is an opening in a small European style restaurant in the Vista Hermosa area, 3 days a week, for an ambitious learner.
A garden designer from California(repped to be among the best) came by to say hello and look at some Prats painting. I hadn’t seen him in about ten years and he had no idea that Ramon had died.
Until Tomorrow: Each man must seek and find his true path

pratsd@hotmail.com