lifebeginzatpoetry.com your life is your Mindset

Your life is your Mindset: your life is not shaped by the experiences you encounter; you shape the experiences you encounter by your habitual way of thinking!

 

‘Some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold’: (Matthew 13:8) ‘In spirit, all are created equal. But individual achievements are not the same. We do not all have the same physical and mental endowments. However even in situations where ‘physical and mental endowments’ could be said to be the same -which is mightily impossible - our achievements will be based on the degree of MINDSET exertion and MINDSET exploitation. 

 

Some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundred

And in the end

It was granted thirty

To those who went forth to the battle

With weapons forged to suit thirty

And remained in the bag

Three score and ten 

Thus they secured at the last

That which appertains to thirty

 

And in the end

It was ascribed sixty

To those who waged the war of life

With instruments construed for sixty

They like others before them

Remained in the bag

Twenty and his twin

And these acquired at the end

The gifts belonging to sixty

 

And in the end

It was seized by them an hundred

These looked neither to the left nor right

With their hands

They built ideas of an hundred

They remained nothing in the bag

Given to them by God

These are they

Who came into the day of salvation

Bearing fortunes worth an hundred

 

Some thirty

Some sixty

And some a hundred

Thirty, Sixty, Hundred

Is the increase

Put to the seed

Remained in the bag of God

By the inhabitants of the land

Commentary: ‘some thirty and some sixty and some a hundred’ represents output or productivity. All are created equal, yet not all exert themselves equally.

 

Thirty is the output of those who invest in thirty percent of their capabilities. Therefore is the result thirty.

 

In like manner, Sixty is the product of they who capitalize on sixty percent of their talents and abilities. So also is the result of their exertions limited to sixty percent of their abilities.

 

A Hundred is the output of those who go all the way and give it their all. They invest in themselves and give one hundred percent of their time, talent, attention, effort, confidence, hope and faith. Their reward therefore surpasses all.

 

Storyline: “according to your faith be it done unto you.”

 

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Your life is your Mindset: your life is not shaped by the experiences you encounter; you shape the experiences you encounter by your habitual way of thinking!

 

Obama’s Promise is the lesson derived from his election after all the adulation and hero-worshipping is done.

 

Obama’s Promise

 

When the hurly burly is done

When all the praise-making is exhausted

Look beneath the veneer

And tell me

What do you see

A Time called for all

 

When the hero-making is done

When all the exultant praises are counted

Look beneath the sheen

And tell me

What do you see

A Duty called for all

 

When all the Moses-casting is done

When all the miracles are scrutinized

Look beyond the Red Sea

And tell me

What do you see

A Mission called for all

 

When the emperor’s robe-sewing is done

When all the dress-making paraphernalia is removed

Look through the glitter

And tell me

What do you see

A Robe called for all

 

When all the dance and revelry is done

When the bandstand is withdrawn

Listen for the music

And tell me

What do you hear

A Song called for all

 

When all the image-crafting is done

When all the Lincoln-like attributes are tempered

Look past the visage

And tell me

What do you envisage

A Hero called in all

 

When the global drum-beat is receded

When all the god-like adoration is ceased

Wait for the echo

And tell me

What do you sense

A New World called for all

 

When all the heady articles are writ and read

When all the word-smiths are silent

Flip through the pages

And tell me

What do you glean

An Idea called for all

 

When all Luther King parallels are examined

When all legitimate biographies are scanned

Look yonder the storied journey

And tell me

What do you see

A Lesson called for all

 

Yea tell me now

What do you see

I see no Blue America

I see no Red America

I see One America

I see One World

Where the mountain of limitation

Has fled the field of battle

 

Commentary: Obama has been put in an uncomfortable situation by the euphoria surrounding his history-making election. He has been tasked with ‘making the rain fall.’ Unfortunately there is only One Power in the universe that can make the rain fall anytime. And it is not Barack Obama.

 

Obama’s Promise is an attempt, using ‘poetic commentary’ to make sense of his election. After all it would have been an ordinary election were it not for the following;

 

The Place: ‘These United States’ where no African-American had ever ascended to the highest office of the land and by extension, the world.

 

The Times: an uncharacteristic period of severe economic and financial turmoil.

 

The Fashion and Manner: a well-executed, disciplined, mass movement, fast moving campaign.

 

The Person: charismatic yet cool personality. One who with very little presidential prep confounded skeptics by being more presidential than the competition.

 

What to make of Obama and his historic election victory? In my opinion this statement by John Meacham, editor of Newsweek, sums up the Obama phenomenon: “Obama is a bright and blessed man who has defied history to make history.” Meacham argues that “it would take a very cool man indeed not to have his head turned and his personality warped by the adulation he has garnered and the hopes he has inspired.”

 

Meacham goes on to say this; “far from believing himself immune to the vagaries of politics and the exigencies of the moment, the 44th President has taken care to strike cautionary notes in his major addresses….if it endures, such humility is likely to serve the president well..”

 

Obama it must be pointed out, has gone to great lengths to let people know he is no modern-day ‘Moses’ with a magic rod patented to part the Red Sea! He takes care to advice and warn people to prepare for pain and hardship. Unfortunately some folks in the print and news media, and others outside of it have unwittingly created the impression that he (Obama) can ‘make the rain fall’ whenever and wherever he wants!

 

Obama cannot make the rain fall; however, he has laid the groundwork for ‘rainfall’ of another kind; The Latter Rain.’ The Latter Rain refers to the after effects; the inspirational lessons to be learnt from Obama the ‘Rain-maker.‘

 

Some argue African-Americans will be impacted most by Obama’s victory adding they will now be focused on the reality and fact that they can also achieve humongous goals and dreams. I would argue that this is nothing new to African-Americans! They are and have been aware that they can achieve big goals and dreams, not only in sports and music, but in politics, business and academia. Obama’s election is a very important stimulant to an already existing process. It further elevates the argument that all is possible irrespective of race, background and environment. 

 

Obama’s election should send a message to young black kids especially that basketball, football and music are not the only success routes or ladders available to them. They will be benefitted by the knowledge that hard work, academic smarts and self-belief are critical to success in other professions.

 

There is also a Global angle to the Rain-maker’s victory; people in Third World countries especially will be encouraged to look at Obama and know that with hard work, determination and an unwavering commitment, it is possible to achieve great things. Citizens of African countries will be particularly impressed by this latter point.

 

Obama’s Promise speaks to the following:

 

A Time for all: there is a Time and Season set for all; prepare diligently and confidently whilst you wait your turn. Never give up.

 

A Duty for all; each and everyone has a duty to perform. Obama is about to execute his duties.

 

A Mission for all; this is his mission; to become the first African-American President of the United States! What is yours?

 

A Robe for all; he is adorned in robes of greatness and prestige laced with responsibility. These robes are preserved for the daring few! Put on your robes!

 

A Song for all; Obama’s song is still in his mouth and lingers on his lips. He sings loud and clear to each and everyone. Sing your song!

 

A Hero for all; a hero / heroine is an instigator for advancement; a hero unveils the potential in himself and everyone who is impacted by him or her. This in turn teases the hero / heroine asleep in all. Go within and awaken your heroes!

 

A New World; the world changes when we change. America changed on November 4^th. We must all change our own little worlds in our own way and at our own pace!

 

An Idea for all; it is possible!

 

A Lesson for all; go thou and do likewise!

 

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‘When I was little’ refers to a series of ‘Cautionary’ Poems taken from the poet’s childhood memories about the way parents and elders in Ghana sought to establish compliance with societal norms

 

We soon discovered that these ‘tales’ told by our parents and elders, who in turn received them from parents and elders were literally untrue. However, they were purposed to prevent danger and harm. 

When I was little

When I was little

No one went fishing on Tuesday

Those who dared the seas

Would on Tuesday encounter sea gods most horibilis

And ‘twas most certain

They would miss the shore of departure

Or arrive insane and mightily unkempt

 

Now that I am bigger

No one goes fishing on Tuesday still

But if one bright day they do

No sea god horibilis will they encounter

Nor the shores of departure miss

But this one thing I know

The sea god horibilis was by expediency invented

In search of a day of rest was he by wise elders evoked

 

Notes: The intent of this edict not to fish on Tuesday appears to have been an attempt to create, institute and enforce a day of rest for otherwise tireless fisher folk

‘What cautionary tales do you remember from your childhood? Please use the comments box below to share them with us.

Posted under Ghana folklore

On Tuesdays and Thursdays only, I will be posting a series of ‘Cautionary Poems.’ Though a slight departure from my blog’s stated objective, Mindset Tutoring; they are nevertheless instructive and entertaining. They however provide insight into the ‘mindset’ and beliefs some of us grew up with.

 

We soon discovered that these ‘tales’ told by our parents and elders, who in turn received them from parents and elders were literally untrue. However, they were purposed to prevent danger and harm. 

When I was little

‘When I was little’ refers to a series of Twenty Four plus One ‘Cautionary’ Poems taken from the poet’s childhood memories about the way parents and elders in Ghana sought to establish compliance with societal norms.

 

When I was little: Ten

 

When I was little

To braid hair at night

Was taboo number three

Elders whispered soft and short

That spirits made the rounds

Seeking mischief at night

And would with evil glee

Assist to twist the mind

And braid the womb shut

Of she who endured a nocturnal braid

 

Now that I am bigger

We braid hair at night

Taboo number three is retired

Elders pay heed no more

To spirits with nothing better to do

Mischief sleeps at nine

And evil wanders the land ignored

She who braids at night

With half a mind awake

And half in comfort slumbering

Will twist one step beyond

The place by pain allowed

 

Notes: hair braiding is an activity which requires attention and patience. Nightly hair braiding sessions tended to be refereed by poor lighting and sleepy attendants. The result was a shoddy, pain-filled performance especially when the braider was taunted by sleep. Elders tried to restrict this activity by warning that the womb of she who had her hair braided at night would be sewn or braided shut. Childlessness in the old days was frowned upon and attributed to evil agents.       

‘What cautionary tales do you remember from your childhood? Please use the comments box below to share them with us.

Posted under Ghana folklore

Your life is your Mindset: your life is not shaped by the experiences you encounter; you shape the experiences you encounter by your habitual way of thinking!

 

Protocol: “This is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) This is what Jesus said referring to God’s rules; those laws which are universal, incorruptible and immutable.

 

‘Life’ is governed by a set of irrevocable laws; use them and they benefit you tremendously. Ignore them and you suffer the consequences.

 

Protocol

His name is breath

His way is in

And his way is out

This is his protocol

In to replenish

Out to remove

 

His name is seed

His way is to be planted

And his way is to grow

This is his protocol

He goeth into the ground to die

And pierces the earth to expand

 

His name is rain

His way is to descend

And his way is to nourish

This is his protocol

In descent he is nourisher

Giving life to all in his path

 

His name is Faith

His way is to exist belief

His way is to produce desire

And his way is to not waver

This is his protocol

He goes to prepare the prayer

He is present for the prayer

And is maker of the prayer

 

Ask his brother Faith

His name is Ask

His way is to summon

His way is to call forth

And his way is to persevere

This is his protocol

He announces the intention

He makes known the desire

And he calls forth the vision

 

Protocol his name Protocol

Without him is nothing made

His way is to be present at the beginning

And his way is to remain at the end

‘If ye do not believe that I am he

Ye shall die in your sins’

 

The way of Protocol is Protocol

He must be obeyed to the last

His word is eternal law

‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God

And all these things shall be added unto you’

 

To all things is Protocol

From the movement of the finger

To the resurrection of the dead

Is no movement absent Protocol

 

Protocol is his name

Who was by the Master called

‘The Law and the Prophets’

 

Subvert him to your chagrin

Embrace him warmly

For he is maker of prosperity

 

 

Commentary: Protocol refers to the rules of life. The universe is an organized unit governed by specific scientific and Spiritual (metaphysical) Laws. The one who adheres to these laws wins: ‘if ye abide in me and my words abide in you; you shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.’

 

There are simple straightforward laws; ‘do good and good shall be your portion.’ And then there are laws which are termed ‘miracles.’ Miracles are the ‘operation of laws whose explanation is beyond our understanding.’ Miracles are not strange things or events in themselves; they are strange because we are not familiar with the laws which underpin them. Miracles are not the ‘suspension’ of natural laws; they are the manifestation or execution of laws unknown (as yet) to all men.   

 

Jesus woke Lazarus from the dead! It is a miracle only in so far as we think such a feat beyond us.

 

There are modern day ‘miracles’ happening all around us: blind, severely impaired and handicapped people who do things able-bodied people will not even contemplate! How do they do this? They follow the ‘Protocol’ of Faith and Belief which states that ‘if thou canst believe all things are possible to him that believeth.’

 

This ‘Belief-Faith-Protocol’ has two parts; The primary Protocol says, ‘if one can believe, all is possible. The underlying or secondary Protocol requires one to take action! It calls upon the ‘petitioner of faith’ to do something; to ‘believe that the desire sought will without fail, manifest.’

 

A common or well-known Protocol is the following: ‘what you sow you reap.’ There is no result without effort, desire, thought or a plan. If you want a better paying job, you have to invest in yourself to increase the value you bring to the market.

 

If you want to be a medical doctor, you have to ‘sow’ years of effort in medical school, imbibing copious, specialized information which will  give you the tools, skills and mindset suited to a medical doctor. And so it is with all endeavors; even a thief practices his art and becomes proficient in the process.

 

Storyline: ‘I am the way the truth and the life, no one cometh to the Father but by me.’ I have shown you the things you need to do, the mindset you need to build and the attitude to adopt if you want to become the children of the Most High and be successful in life.  

 

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Posted under optimized Mindset

 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays only, I will be posting a series of ‘Cautionary Poems.’ Though a slight departure from my blog’s stated objective, Mindset Tutoring; they are nevertheless instructive and entertaining. They however provide insight into the ‘mindset’ and beliefs some of us grew up with.

 

We soon discovered that these ‘tales’ told by our parents and elders, who in turn received them from parents and elders were literally untrue. However, they were purposed to prevent danger and harm. 

When I was little

‘When I was little’ refers to a series of Twenty Four plus One ‘Cautionary’ Poems taken from the poet’s childhood memories about the way parents and elders in Ghana sought to establish compliance with societal norms.

When I was little: Nine

 

When I was little

I whistled loud one night

Shut me down like a light they did

No one whistles at night

For if one whistles loud at night

Evil spirits on the prowl

Would to my whistle respond

And take me away with them

To the land of mean bad spirits

 

Now that I am bigger

I whistle loud at night

No one shuts me down

‘Tis safe to whistle loud at night

Evil spirits on the prowl

Have tongues made of stone

And no whistling sound they make

Can whisk me off to evil land

 

Notes: the warning to not whistle at night was probably an attempt to reduce and or eliminate noise. It was the most likely reason for the invention of this story of ‘dwarfs carrying away those who broke the rule.’ 

 

‘What cautionary tales do you remember from your childhood? Please use the comments box below to share them with us.

Posted under Ghana folklore

Your life is your Mindset: your life is not shaped by the experiences you encounter; you shape the experiences you encounter by your habitual way of thinking!

No other gods: our first obligation is to God, and then other things follow. We have to subjugate everything to God first. 

 

No other gods         

 

Of images abundant

Is the eye of man attended

Of choice ubiquitous

Is the mind of man enriched

And of gods unlimited

Is the heart of man enamored

 

The eye hath no rest

He is forever allowing suitors

To bypass his ramparts

March through his window

And present themselves

To the occupant of Mind

 

Thereby is Mind encumbered

Prospered by the insatiable eye

Unreliable keeper of the Gate

Sitting athwart the enclosure

The place where Heart is set

Waiting to do the works

For which he was summoned

 

So also is Heart confounded

His chamber is become a market place

Where confusion is in numbers assembled

It is the place fear follows anguish

And abomination seeks evil

Some walk to and fro

Others take up residence

Together they build for themselves

Fortifications for other gods

 

Yet must eye remember

That though he is by several suitors wooed

He must the greed which afflicts sight curb

And thereby place a seal

On the place where Mind abides

And in the process disrupt

The assembly of other gods

 

Commentary: we usually partner with God in most things, but in certain ‘sacred’ areas of our lives we exclude Him. We are in effect saying, ‘hands off, God, I can take care of this. When we do this we are putting ‘other gods’ before God.

 

‘Other gods’ could be money, tithing, relationships, employment; generally it refers to situations where you think you do not need help, or feel too shy, or for that matter, too fearful to ask God for help. It could also result from pride or ego, the feeling that we can do it all and we do not need any help.

 

Fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, stress; all these become ‘other gods’ when we allow them to dominate and skew our thinking processes.

 

There are instances when we are not aware that we have ‘put other gods’ before God. This is because we think that we are supposed to be ‘in control’ all the time. We regard any talk or consideration of ‘handing over’ issues or situations to God as ‘surrender.’

 

Have faith in God, believe in the Power that resides in you and of which you are an integral part. Think of it in these terms; just as the drop of Ocean water shares all the properties of the Ocean and is therefore part of the Great Ocean, so also are we part of God in that we are made in his Image and Likeness. We are ‘tiny’ spirits. God is the Great Spirit. What he can do, we can also. However, there is a caveat, and it is this: the things we can do - like God - affect primarily our own lives and not the lives of others.

 

Have no other gods before God. Place no priorities in the way of your relationship with God. He comes first, Always, not some of the time, Always; think on these things:

 

Set specific times for prayer - or ensure you pray daily to God

Pay your tithes, most especially when it is difficult.

Follow the words of God and Jesus

Believe only in God - whatever the name you have for Him

Acknowledge Him when good things happen and when bad things happen, know that He only is the one who will stand by your side.

Watch your speech and words and let them edify God. Let your words be positive and constructive.

Be self-assured, confident, brave, strong and hopeful; but do not think these are enough or of your own making. There is a higher power that allows you to assume these characteristics and ‘states.

Seek always the path of good deeds and love for others and you will ‘put God First and Alone.

 

Storyline: All that which is seen are other gods and are of temporary endurance; but the true One remains unseen and is above all.

 

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Your life is your Mindset: your life is not shaped by the experiences you encounter; you shape the experiences you encounter by your habitual way of thinking!

The desire accomplished is sweet: is the sense of achievement felt when a desire, goal, objective or milestone is reached.

 

The desire accomplished is sweet

In every heart

Is a desire planted

The duty of the husbandman

Is to nourish the desire

 

To every desire

Is his path

One is by the elaborate encumbered

Another patterned in the way of children

 

The husbandman will do well

To follow in the path

Fixed by his plough

Looking not to the left or right

 

Two paths of desire

The one elaborate

And the way of a child the other

Lead all to one wedding feast

 

The husbandman on the path

Will do well to remember

To keep diligence at his side

And to persistence hold fast

 

Then will he see

The accomplishment of his desire

Then shall his joy be

Equal to milk and honey

 

 

Commentary: the desire accomplished refers to goal-setting and attainment. Or to the arrival at some hoped for destination, be it physical or psychological. The ‘desire’ is the objective or goal towards which some elaborate or simple plan is drawn up.

 

Simple or elaborate, the key to the whole process is diligence. One has to be diligent in executing the steps laid out to achieve a goal or objective.

 

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; there is great pleasure in feeling accomplished. The sense of achievement or accomplishment which follows the realization of a goal or milestone is palpably worthwhile. It is usually difficult during the actual process of working towards an objective, to obtain a sense of achievement or to get a clear picture of the end. The key here is to work one step at a time with a focus towards the end. The way to ‘eat an elephant is to take one bite a time.’

 

It might be necessary or expedient to skip a stage or combine two or more steps into one. However, the main outlines of the plan should not be compromised.

 

Then there are times when plans may be scrapped entirely and new ones instituted; again the key is to execute the details of the new plan till the goal or objective is attained.

 

Storyline: ‘ask, seek, knock’ are altogether a call to action, a specific plan or route to success.

 

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Posted under optimized Mindset

On Tuesdays and Thursdays only, I will be posting a series of ‘Cautionary Poems.’ Though a slight departure from my blog’s stated objective, Mindset Tutoring; they are nevertheless instructive and entertaining. They however provide insight into the ‘mindset’ and beliefs some of us grew up with.

We soon discovered that these ‘tales’ told by our parents and elders, who in turn received them from parents and elders were literally untrue. However, they were purposed to prevent danger and harm. 

‘When I was little’ refers to a series of Twenty Four plus One ‘Cautionary’ Poems taken from the poet’s childhood memories about the way parents and elders in Ghana sought to establish compliance with societal norms.

When I was little: eight

When I was little

My prayer recurring was this

‘Jesus Christ

Play the ball

Over the bar

Goalkeeper

Catch the ball’

 

Now that I am bigger

My prayer recurring is revisited

‘Jesus Christ

Play the ball

Under the bar

Goalkeeper

I am the ball

Amen’

 

Notes: I am reliably informed by my mother that the first part of this poem was a sporadic nightly prayer I prayed when I was around five years old.

The second part was made up in July 2008. I have no idea where my childhood prayer came from; perhaps I was enamored of soccer.

‘What cautionary tales do you remember from your childhood? Please use the comments box below to share them with us.

Posted under optimized Mindset

Your life is your Mindset: your life is not shaped by the experiences you encounter; you shape the experiences you encounter by your habitual way of thinking!

Standing before kings refers to anyone who is successful and outstanding in what they do. To ‘stand before kings’ is the result of consistent, diligent, hard work!

 

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” (Proverbs 22:29)

 

Standing before kings

 

Stand before kings

That is the end of all

To stand before kings

Is to stay the course straight

 

Stand before kings

For so does Life publish his encouragement

‘Tis not the preserve of any

But all who hold fast the torch

 

Stand before kings

For no one comes amiss

Mansions to build is the command

No house in sand to erect

 

Stand before kings

Though the battle may rage turbulent

In the midst a way awaits

They who hold fast the sword

 

Stand before kings

For Life is to himself the Great Game

He carves the rules and reserves the prize

For those who are continually diligent

 

Stand before kings

Aye all should stand before kings

For that which is required

Is to put the shoulder to the plow

And tread the foot forward

Fasten the eye straight ahead

Forsaking to look back

So shall ye stand before kings

 

Commentary:  ‘Kings’ means Achievement, Rewards, Success, Rising to the top. ‘Mean’ men refers to Mediocrity, the Bottom, Failure, the Ordinary.

 

Diligence in your business means you should ‘demand a better performance from yourself.’ (Bob Proctor, ‘Born Rich’) It requires one to stretch his / her vision, work harder, beyond what one normally would. Diligence means to be circumspect, take an additional step, and push oneself beyond what is one’s traditional limit.  

 

The man who is diligent in his business “analyzes a situation carefully, prepares himself accordingly and then proceeds in the face of fear with the image of success in mind.” (Bob Proctor, ‘Born Rich’)

 

The person who is diligent is patient, of even temperament, studious, calm, composed, steady and strong. He or she has ‘nerves of steel’ and is quick to rebound after any mishap. These are the people who fall seven times and rise up eight times.

 

Storyline: Make perseverance your lot and ye shall win.

 

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Posted under optimized Mindset