JOY IS THE CURRENCY OF CHOICE

In this Redmond's Review, Darren covers two different levels of thinking.

JOY IS THE CURRENCY

Joy is the currency of choice. Habits, in many ways, get a bad rap. We often hear of the need to break a habit or to move away from its more sinister sibling; addiction. I bring this up because I have a habit, learned long ago, that germinated and blossomed during my time in college that I still take part in each day. That is the habit of looking at things, and life in the way some one like Socrates would. Literally, standing around, (or in our world, sipping coffee at Starbucks) discussing life, philosophy, current events and any and all things relevant to the particular topic we are discussing.

Its funny, how so much of what the professors tried to jam down my throat. I disagreed with that; however, one professor, (my favorite professor) who while lecturing on subject of the Supreme Court, taught me the process of discussing and learning from any and all who are around. Simply put, the method Socrates used as he walked among the marble structures of ancient Greece.

I bring this up because just a few days ago, I was speaking with someone about various topics and the subject of joy came up. It came up in this context, I was relaying a story about someone who recently had some good news come their way at work, and that while happy about it, they did not feel joy. I was surprised at the reaction of the person I was talking to, when they said, “Joy, in my opinion has little or no real currency.” I can not tell you how much I was shocked by this view, because I am shocked by very little these days. As a student of the method of Socrates, to me every view has merit for discussion, but not every view has the stature for implementation in my life.

I pondered this view during quite times at the gym or at home at night while reading. What is my real view on the topic of joy; does it truly have value or in other words, lasting currency?

To back track just a bit, I never understood the Stoics, or those that adhere to that philosophy. Clearly, I am not judging that way of life, but it is not a life style for me. I was born with emotions, and they are a vital part of me. In my opinion, to shut off my emotions in all aspects of my life, would be to shut off a part of me that I was born with. It would be like asking me to show up at some place, but leave my ribs at home. My emotions much like my ribs are a part of me. Now, that being said, I learned like most things in my life to modulate my emotions and look at them as just another variable in the make that is me.

We, as humans tend to play volleyball with words. They seem to start off with a specific meaning then take on a life of their own. Words like happiness, glee, contentment, and yes, joy, seem to end up in the “same broth” of our vocabulary as we move along in the world we live. But, I look at this jumble of words and meanings in the same way we may look at the world’s financial currency. All have value, but depending on where you are (the individual, or country) currency (Joy, Happiness, Euros or Dollars) may have very little value, or an extremely high value to your personal life.

A person walking the streets of New York, with a Euro in their hand, may not be able to make a purchase, because that currency, in the situation they are in, at that moment has little value to them. It may and in fact has value if they take a trip to Europe, but not if they want to make a purchase right then. To me, the concept of joy, works much in the same way. You may not be able to “cash it in” for anything other than a high five, or a happy cry, at a particular moment, but that real feeling of Joy, can be cashed in down the road, when you need it most.

Are you Happy to receive praise for a job well done? Can you compare that to the joy you feel when your child reaches out to grab your hand and look into your eyes? Tell me, which of these do you cash in, when you are feeling overwhelmed or lost? The thoughts of others who said well done, or the look of love from your child who reaches out to hold your hand because you exist in their world.

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Darren Redmond shares his views on what is the true currency we should be using.

That is the funny thing about joy, its currency many times manifests itself from you as the individual watching others do simple things. The joy you get from observing the way an elder you love, sits on the couch watching her or his family at a holiday gathering and is just soaking up the occasion. As, in the joy you get when you hear good news about a stranger going through a hard time. Tell me in your definition of the word joy, for those of you who are old enough to remember, was it not joy you felt when they rescued that little girl all those years ago, from that well? Do you not cash in that currency of joyful hope when you hear of others who are lost or need rescue?

In my view, joy has real currency and in fact unlike the dollar or other forms of barter currency, does not seem to fluctuate in value. The joy you felt as a child becomes a driving force in helping you find joy as an adult, and then that joy helps carry you into your later years.

The real secret and best part about the currency of joy, is that you are the banker. You decide how much joy to take in, or to withdraw. Fill your bank with joy where you will always be rich.

Written By: Darren Redmond

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DIGNITY – REDMOND’S REVIEW

Darren Redmond is a contributing author with Universal Digest. His book reviews and spiritual insights are becoming well known.

Dignity: Our Greatest Natural Resource

Often on the news, or during conversations that take place at coffee shops or in our homes, people talk about the protection and use of our Natural Resources. Opinions are given, points shared, as people wax poetic about their personal belief about the best use of the Natural Resources we have around us. Usually the natural resources discussed are things like fresh water, natural gas, oil, and coal. While all of these natural resources, and the way we use or support them are vitally important, the Natural Resource I would like to highlight here is one that does not come from the ground, but rather emerges from you, as an individual. That natural resource is Dignity.

A while ago I wrote about Grace, and now I would like to mention Graces, sweet sister, Dignity. You see these two are like twins, or a married couple that has always seemed to be together from the time you knew them. Doesn’t it seem that the moment you understood the concept or definition of Grace, you seemed to intrinsically be able to understand what dignity is as well?

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In this posting from Redmond’s Review, Darren focuses on dignity as being one of our greatest natural resources.

Unlike most natural resources, grace and dignity does not come from the earth. Rather, they come from the fact that we are on the earth. They sometimes can be found or manifest themselves in the most easy to find places, like a person stepping out of a cabin, and clearly seeing a fresh spring. But sometimes, it appears that they both are as hard to find as a moving wind turbine on a day when the air sits still.

While in some ways Grace and Dignity seem to have a lot in common, they are actually quite different. Grace in its simplest of forms, is a gift. A way of treating one another, simply because you as the person providing Grace, chooses to do so. The gift of Grace, can literally be a life saver, and when given to some one who needs it most, Grace can act as an agent of change, to allow some one a new beginning or a soft landing. Dignity is actually much different.

I view Dignity in some ways as almost the polar opposite of Grace. You see, it is not a gift. You, me all of us, due to the sheer fact that we are here, are born with dignity. It is part of the make up of us. Our dignity, is as much of us, as any of our DNA. While it cannot be given as Grace can be, unfortunately, it can be “taken from us” or maybe even worse, ignored by us, who own it. No person can give you dignity, you have it already. They can try to rob you of it, much as a thief would try to take what is yours. But no one can give you some thing, in this case Dignity, that you already posses.

I often ponder why it appears that some people like to “rob” others of their dignity, expressed differently, have you ever wondered why a person would belittle another, maybe in front of family or friends for no real reason? Have you ever wondered why, some one would be aware of a persons vulnerabilities, and exploit them anyway?

When things like the scenarios I just referenced happen, a persons dignity can be taken, and when that happens, part of who that person is, seems to disappear. Many times the only ointment, for this type of situation, comes from Grace shown by some one else to the person who had their dignity taken. Again the twins or life partners, Grace and Dignity balance and support each other.

While people trying to rob others of their dignity is sad to me, when a person feels so low about themselves , that they seem to not feel worthy of the dignity that exists in them, is something even more. Sort of when the ”why me” a person may utter to themselves spirals down to the, “I don’t deserve such and so.” Dignity exists always in every one, we just sometimes have to look in the attic of ourselves some times to remember it is there. That it fits us still , and we look good wrapped in it.

You may ask, how could we always have dignity, if it can be taken or robbed from us? Because our dignity, never stays away long. It is part of us, part of our DNA, and it finds its way back to us. While we own our dignity and it is part of us, acts as simple as a hello, opening of a door, or making time for conversation, show others that you are aware that they have dignity as well.

Our natural resources need to be protected, used wisely and productively. Cannot the same be said for our dignity?

Written By: Darren Redmond

Disclaimer: We at Universal Digest bring information that is not offered by the mainstream news, and therefore may seem controversial. The opinions, views, statements, and/or information we present are not necessarily promoted, endorsed, espoused, or agreed to by Universal Digest, members, those who work with UD, or those who read its content. However, they are hopefully provocative. Please use discernment. Use logical thinking and intuition to help determine what is true and what is not. By sharing information and seeding dialogue, it is the goal of Universal Digest to elevate the human condition.

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FEAR IS HUMAN, SO IS BRAVERY

Darren Redmond is a contributing author with Universal Digest. His book reviews and spiritual insights are becoming well known.

Fear is human. So is bravery and grace.

On this Sunday and every day, let us remember, doubt and it’s sibling fear, can actually bring us closer in faith. Do not let this pair overtake you in the time of Shelter in Place.

If you are scared now or uneasy, that is perfectly normal. It does not mean you have a lapse in faith.

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Fear is Human. So is Bravery and Grace.

For even Christ asked, “Why have you forsaken me?”

Remember in fear, Peter denied Christ, and was still chosen to build his church. Paul was a tax collector and worse. Paul went blind and was frightened. But, he then went on to write much in the New Testament.

Never let what others would size upon as failures or short comings or moments of fear, pull you away from the understanding created by God’s love and with purpose. We are not and never will be perfect. We were not made to be so.

Shelter in place? Isn’t that what was asked during Passover as we learned in the Torah, or Torat Moshe?

In the Quran it is written, “The reward of goodness is nothing but goodness. (Al Quran 55:61)”. Does it mention we won’t at times be fearful?

Fear and uneasiness are part of being human.

But even more so is Faith, Bravery and Grace.

Written By: Darren Redmond

Disclaimer: We at Universal Digest bring information that is not offered by the mainstream news, and therefore may seem controversial. The opinions, views, statements, and/or information we present are not necessarily promoted, endorsed, espoused, or agreed to by Universal Digest, members, those who work with UD, or those who read its content. However, they are hopefully provocative. Please use discernment. Use logical thinking and intuition to help determine what is true and what is not. By sharing information and seeding dialogue, it is the goal of Universal Digest to elevate the human condition.

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NEVER BELIEVE, YOU NEVER WILL

In this Redmond's Review, Darren covers two different levels of thinking.

Never believe? Then, you never will.

Remember, you have already proven you are so much better than, “you never will.” Heard any of these things in your life before, “Look at all those showing more talent in what ever activity you participate in, they are better than you, you will never pass them.” “I’d rather be honest with you than build up your hopes.” “How can you dream of a better life you can not even pay the mortgage.”

Do the above comments sound familiar? These are many times words of negativity presented by coaches, teachers, friends and sometimes family happen. They are presented as well meaning advice but often are cloaked in negative energy. What benefit is it to destroy ones dream? To murder ambition?

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If you never believe, you never will. Even the oldest of homes are built on strong foundations.

I want to remind you that you are not to old to go back to school. You are not too broke to one day be rich. You, my friend, are talented enough to have that job, that school, or that significant other to pursue you! Do not let well meaning negativity rationalize your dreams away. Give no one that power.

Want proof of how terrific you are in beating the odds ? I will not go into the biological details, but when you, the you that is reading this was created, the essence of matter in constructing you, literally beat out thousands of others looking to become another version of you. You beat tremendous odds back then and did it on biological determination.

Think about it, with all you have learned and received since that time, what you can do when you are hyper focused. Let no one stand in your way. I believe you can.

Written By: D. Redmond

Disclaimer: We at Universal Digest bring information that is not offered by the mainstream news, and therefore may seem controversial. The opinions, views, statements, and/or information we present are not necessarily promoted, endorsed, espoused, or agreed to by Universal Digest, members, those who work with UD, or those who read its content. However, they are hopefully provocative. Please use discernment. Use logical thinking and intuition to help determine what is true and what is not. By sharing information and seeding dialogue, it is the goal of Universal Digest to elevate the human condition.

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