Vocation found with open mind

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything worth reading, this I know. As far as my readership was concerned, I had dropped off the map; vanished; died of unknown causes. While spending a semester of soul searching, the last thing I cared about was contributing to a school newspaper.  For this, I apologize.

Now, on the eve of another semester, my focus has shifted from the chaos of daily routines to the realization that in less than a year I will be on the street, searching and waiting for the next chapter of my life. There soon may come a time where I am not so privileged as to rant on paper and have the guarantee that it will at least be printed. So for one last time, with the help of the fine staff at The Equinox, I request an opportunity to rise from the grave and give my column the eulogy it deserves.  I can think of no better way to do this than to rant about seemingly arbitrary ideals and the magnificence of existence.

Reflection #1: Learn to shut your mouth.
There’s no better way to learn about a person than to sit down and snap your trap shut. Open your ears for once; be focused and respectful, there is a lot to be valued in silent awareness. An old proverb says “He who talks most knows the least,” and in general, this is why so many people find me to be an imbecile.  When our mouths are open, our perception is closed.  Learning to stay silent, to become better listeners and to contemplate things more deeply is a life-long goal to strive for, and if you’re willing to bite the bullet, is well worth the effort. In the famous words of Winston Churchill, “Eating words has never given me indigestion.” Just because your words aren’t heard doesn’t mean your values don’t exist.

Reflection #2: Never deny the power of love and understanding.
Sure, the world is chaos – wars are fought, lives are lost, seasons reach their finales and none of it seems to make any sense; life is overwhelming and often unfair. But compassion for another human being is one of the most powerful experiences to behold in the human condition, and it can fix a lot.  This doesn’t mean finding your “perfect match” or becoming obsessed with roses and butterflies and corporate holidays.  You are free to pursue a love-life (or lack thereof) to whatever extent you feel is necessary, but in the process, don’t be afraid to show love and admiration for those who are important in your life. Instead of putting time and dedication into your “Farmville” crops, take time to realize the potential in all human beings to grow – there are a lot of ignorant things people do, but only love can conquer the worst of our habits.

Reflection #3: Our perception is limited to ourselves: make the best of it.
The world you see around you, the complex symbol structures that have risen from society, and how you understand it all, is contained entirely within your brain and shared from person to person. To paraphrase Chuck Palahniuk, everything you are is composed of everything you have ever done and everyone you have ever met. What does this mean to me? Perhaps, that there is no such thing as an objective reality. Science majors out there please don’t take this personally, but even science is a symbol system that we made up. Even if it’s the best method we’ve got, it’s just another product of society. As much as our current view of the world has likely helped us progress, it has just as likely limited us in ways we can’t yet imagine. Hindsight is always 20/20.
Free your mind, don’t sweat the small stuff, take a deep breath, and don’t be afraid to marvel at the beauty of existence. In the wise words of Lao Tzu, “Ever desireless, one can see the mystery. Ever desiring, one sees the manifestations.”

Reflection #4: Never believe anything you’ve ever read.
That includes this column. (As an addendum to reflection #4, lists are bullshit).

Kevin Malicki can be contacted at kmaliki@ksc.mailcruiser.com.