Tag Archives: authenticity

Affectation

Posted on April 21, 2021 by swabby429

There seems to be a human propensity towards appearing virtuous and pure of heart. I cannot point to any sociological nor statistical studies about this apparent trait. This is simply a mode of behavior I’ve noticed in myself and others. … Continue reading →

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Pondering Peace

Posted on May 25, 2020 by swabby429

“Peace is liberty in tranquility.”–Marcus Tullius Cicero I stumbled across the Cicero statement by accident yesterday and it stopped me dead in my tracks. His definition of peace felt like a cup of refreshing cool water that is offered to quench … Continue reading →

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The Wild Side

Posted on April 12, 2020 by swabby429

I dreamt about James Dean early this morning. It was just prior to awakening from sleep. I can only paraphrase what he told me. “We are all being groomed to be like cattle, just to be slaughtered later.” We know … Continue reading →

Posted in Contemplation, Controversy, cultural highlights, philosophy, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Express Yourself

Posted on October 7, 2019 by swabby429

We’ve heard of people holding back information in order to avoid hurting another person’s feelings or, more seriously, to avoid incriminating oneself. These lies of omission obscure the expression of truth. Lies of omission are a common feature in society, … Continue reading →

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Just Be Yourself

Posted on August 7, 2019 by swabby429

Moments before my first public speech in front of a full auditorium, my best friend Joe told me that I’d do a fine job if I’d take a deep breath and just be myself. That pat, clichéd advice was well-intended, … Continue reading →

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Being Someone Else

Posted on October 26, 2017 by swabby429

Growing up as the awkward gay kid in a small town in 1960s Nebraska, the unverbalized message from family and peers was, “Don’t be yourself, don’t be proud of who you are.” Kids are especially conscious of what other people’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Friendship, Health, Hometown, Meanderings, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Composed Stillness

Posted on October 20, 2016 by swabby429

I’m keeping track of a large daddy-longlegs parked in one of the upper corners of the music room. At first, I thought it might be dead because it hadn’t seemed to move for a couple of days.  I decided to … Continue reading →

Posted in Contemplation, religion, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment