Introduction

Reflection. If you’ve engaged in earnest, then it can produce an involuntary smile of accomplishment or the nausea of disappointment. Either way, getting there means that you’ve seen a lot, done a lot, felt a lot, and learned a lot. Spend enough time reflecting on prior experiences and you may move past those initial uncomfortable emotions and into a serious thought exercise. First, you’ll question the true meaning of those experiences. Then, you’ll reckon with the answers to those seminal questions, which often leads to questions about our very existence. Here are a few observations.

First, your mind is pliable. It’s susceptible to advertising, emotions, and propaganda. Understanding these external influences can allow you to control them, which creates an opportunity for growth if you’re progressive and selective about your sources of information.

Second, revisit your social circles and take an honest account of their influence and value on your personal growth. Your circle may include good and intelligent people, and they may reinforce your beliefs, but growth requires thoughtful consideration of alternative ideas and perspectives, which can be discomfiting.

Third, any personal growth requires introspective thought. It is impossible to become better than you are if you cannot first acknowledge your internal shortcomings – fear, ignorance, prejudice, selfishness, all of it.  Evolution begins with the first step you take to address your personal weaknesses. The natural progression of these contemplative activities is the acquisition of a more developed understanding of yourself and your place in the world.

Our reflection has inspired us to share our insights, and we invite others to do so, as well. This is the purpose of this site. To give people a place where they can learn from the varied experiences of others and apply these lessons to their own lives.

Welcome.