January 2019 - Finding Swamy

#16 Is Usain Bolt Really the Fastest Man in the World?

The Olympics is one of my favorite sporting events to watch. It’s a time where athletic grit, talent, love, and admiration for ones own country and the love for other countries, join forces. It’s a time where the world embraces differences, breaks down walls in order to build unity, even if only for a few weeks. The outcome resulting in a renewed sense of truth where the phrase, we aren’t all that different rings true.

#15 Attack or Inquiry?

A young man with excruciating pain in his foot went to a Shaman for guidance. The man said, “Oh, wise Shaman, the pain in my foot is unbearable, every time I walk, it hurts more and more. I can’t fathom much longer.” With his gentle disposition, the Shaman put his hand on the young man’s shoulder and said, “Son, you have only two choices and I’m afraid the decision rests in your hands. You can either cover every path that which you walk in burlap or you can wear shoes.”

#14 When It Rains

It was an early evening in mid-December. The stars and moon peaked out through the tiny crevices of an already blanketed foggy sky. It started to rain just as I stepped outside. Has this ever happened to you? I would venture to guess and say, probably yes. I pointed to the sky and said, “Why?”

#13 A Holiday to Remember

It was Christmas Day and my fiancé and I were seated at the family table writing the last of our holiday cards. Her Grandpa came over to me and asked if I could write a card for Mosca (pronounced moo-sh-ka) on his behalf.

#12 Biomimicry

My fiancé and I were walking through Golden Gate Park on a cold and crisp Saturday afternoon. We walked through one of the ten lakes the park offers, each finely equipped with its own distinct character. On our way, we were pleasantly ambushed in unison by squirrels, ducks, finches, and a swimming raccoon. I’m not sure how the conversation started, but through the course of it, my better half brought up the term biomimicry.

#11 Sawubona – A Zulu Greeting

Sawubona is a term the Zulu people of South Africa use as a greeting. However, it’s a term that has a much deeper meaning. Sawubona means not only do I see you but my ancestors see you, and together, we acknowledge and recognize one another; we are both present in this time and place as one.

#10 The Amygdala

Once upon a time before TV’s, WiFi, and subways (both sandwiches and transportation), early homo-sapiens also known as cavemen, would run in fear when chased by a lion. How did the cavemen know to run? Why didn’t they want to make nice with the lion? Well it’s simple. Our memories became sharp through experience and also because cavemen knew from other cavemen that lions are crazy dangerous.