Parallel

Being in the present means to feel the surroundings.  As I began my morning ritual at 4:30 in the morning, I felt a small, cool breeze in front of me.  After ten minutes of deep breaths, I headed to the living room to chant while reading my positive affirmations.  Adding to my morning routine, I am reading Ways of the Peaceful Warrior and happened to come across how "Socrates" mentioned that being in the present was to Feel! He later on discussed how that moment was a turning point for Dan. Should I follow my inner "Socrates" fill myself with spiritual and intellitecual growth or should I continue to be asleep and fall into the void?

I can't believe how just 34 pages in and this book has resonated with me on nine occasions.  I look forward to being awake and being in the moment.

Moral Values

http://jneedham.iweb.bsu.edu/408/Keith-Spiegel%20--%2024%20moral_characteristics_list.htm
our assignment is to write a first-person essay telling me how you interpret each of these and whether you practice each of them. (i.e. #8.What does "being "just and fair" mean to you, and are you "just and fair" with others?)

You must deal with all 24 and 2 additional Moral Characteristics: Valuing Life and Competitiveness.

The final paragraph should be a narrative about an ethical dilemma you encountered earlier in your life and how you resolved it. Again, this is all confidential. I will not share this with anyone, and I will not keep a copy of what you write. I will, however, grade the thoroughness and writing qualities of what you present to me in this assignment. It is worth 100 points. If your essay is incomplete or deficient in terms of grammar or other writing characteristics, you will be required to upgrade it and return it for an additional evaluation. Each time that happens, the points possible will decrease by ten points.

This is a required assignment in order to pass this class.
****************************************************************************************************
 

1 . Being Honest, Truthful, Trustworthy— is frank and open, refraining from lying, stealing, or
       cheating
2.  Having Integrity— is principled—being of sound moral character, showing courage of convictions, standing up for what is     
        right.
3.   Being Caring/ Compassionate/ Benevolent—shows good will, generosity; charitable, considerate, kind.
4.   Doing One’s Civic Duty—abides by the laws and rules; does fair share; participates in community betterment.
5.   Having Courage—does what is right, even in the face of personal consequences, rejection by others, or danger.
6.   Being Willing to Sacrifice—gives of oneself or one's possessions to help others or for something one believes in.
7.   Maintaining Self-Control— is able to stay calm and rational, even under conditions of temptation, stress, or aggravated assault (such as being teased or "put down') by others.

8.   Being just and Fair—treats others as you would want them to treat you; rules applied equitably; does not discriminate on improper basis.

9.   Being Cooperative—gets along well with others, willing to compromise; committed to the concept of neighborhood, society, country, and world.

10.   Being Persevering/ Diligent—puts out best effort and works hard; does not give up easily; keeps trying despite hardships; self‑reliant.

11.   Keeping Promises— attempts to keep commitments, reliable, dependable.

12.   Doing no harm—considers the potential for physical or emotional harm to others and avoids that harm.

13.     Pursuing excellence/ takes pride in work—does one's best; is not unduly influenced by setbacks or external pressures to do less than one can.

14.     Taking personal responsibility—is accountable, dependable, amenable; considers consequences and accepts responsibility for own actions or inactions; does not shift blame for own mistakes to others.

15.   Having Empathy —is able to identify with another's feelings or point of view in order to better understand him/her.

16.   Benefiting others —makes decisions that have the potential for a positive effect on others.

17.   Having Respect for others —Acknowledges and honors the rights, freedom, and dignity of others.

18.     Having Patience ‑- knows that good products, actions and outcomes take time; can delay gratification; does not leap before looking.

19.   Being Forgiving -- is able to leave upsetting and hurtful things behind; stops the cycle of the hurt to others or oneself; does not seek revenge.

20.   Making Peace ‑- is able to compromise, to talk things out without resorting to violence, to seek solutions to problems that will be in everyone's best interests; values calmness and safety.

 

The "PESKY FOUR" (The ones that pose exceptional difficulties in application. )

21.   Having Fidelity/ Loyal -- shows faithfulness, trustworthiness, keeps commitments, doesn't talk behind others' backs, remains a good friend even in hard times. Problem: Essential to in-group survival, but has also been used to justify immoral acts against outsiders; allows for protection of destructive members within the group—punishes within‑group members for attempting to weed out its unethical or unfit, even if the group might be harmed if the immoral behavior continues (Snitch syndrome).

22.   Respecting Autonomy --- respects the rights of individuals to decide how to live their lives. Problem #1: Essential to a free society, but what if the decisions are harmful (physically, mentally, or morally) to themselves or others? Problem #2: What are the markers (age, illness, actions) for withholding autonomy?

23.   Being Tolerant —is able to recognize and respect the differences among people, does not discriminate just because someone is different; acknowledges positive characteristics, not just limitations. Problem: Does everyone deserve tolerance? Current debate is whether tolerance for diversity has blunted people's interest and ability to make sound moral judgments about others and even themselves (that is, diversity, as in “anything goes" or "whatever ... “).

24.   Having Self-respect -- has due regard for one's own reputation and long‑term image of a "good" person; does not abuse
        one’s own body or act in trivial ways that are dangerous to oneself; cares about one's own Yourself? (Your conscience ?)
        character: is comfortable with oneself (self‑esteem). Problem: Potential for self‑absorption and narcissism.
 

My additions to Keith-Spiegel's list.

25.   Competitiveness

26.   Valuing Life

Background

   A Moral Education Committee (Jawatankuasa Pendidikan Akhlak) was formed in 1976 comprising prominent members respecting various religions in the country. This committee deliberated on moral values inherent in each religion and finally identified 16 universal moral values supported by all. In the ISSC, these 16 umbrella values have been expanded to 80 values.

1. KINDHEARTEDNESS
    1.1  Compassionate
    1.2  Considerate
    1.3  Generous
    1.4  Understanding
    1.5  Forgiving

2. SELF-RELIANCE
    2.1  Responsible
    2.2  Independent
    2.3  Industrious
    2.4  Self-confident

3. HUMILITY
    3.1  Polite
    3.2  Admitting one's mistake
    3.3  Friendly

4. MUTUAL RESPECT
    4.1  Respect and loyal towards parents
    4.2  Respect for the elderly, teachers, peers, leaders and neighbours
    4.3  Respect for king and country
    4.4  Respect for basic rights
    4.5  Respect for beliefs and cultures of various races
    4.6  Respect for individual rights
    4.7  Adherence to the rule of law
    4.8  Adherence to time (punctual)
    4.9  Value wisdom, experience and deeds
    4.10  Value manual labour
    4.11  Value self-respect

5. LOVE
    5.1  Love for life
    5.2  Love for the environment
    5.3  Love for the country
    5.4  Love for peace and harmony

6. JUSTICE
    6.1  Just
    6.2  Fair

7. FREEDOM
    7.1  Freedom within the law
    7.2  Freedom within the democratic system

8. COURAGE
    8.1  Brave
    8.2  Stand up to the truth
    8.3  Resolute
    8.4  Responsible/Accountable

9. CLEANLINESS OF BODY AND MIND
    9.1  Physical cleanliness
    9.2  Environmental cleanliness
    9.3  Well-mannered in words and actions
    9.4  Healthy and constructive thoughts

10. HONESTY/INTEGRITY
    10.1  Trustworthy
    10.2  Speaking the truth
    10.3  Sincere

11. DILIGENCE
    11.1  Courageous
    11.2  Pro-active/Resourceful
    11.3  Dedicated to work
    11.4  Determined
    11.5  Hardworking

12. COOPERATION
    12.1  Spirit of brotherhood
    12.2  Collective responsibility
    12.3  Helping one another
    12.4  Tolerance
    12.5  Common good
    12.6  Unity

13. MODERATION
    13.1  Moderation in reconciling personal needs with... (this part is missing, will update)
    13.2  Not excessive in words and actions

14. GRATITUDE
    14.1  Thankful
    14.2  Grateful
    14.3  Appreciative

15. RATIONALITY
    15.1  Able to form judgements
    15.2  Able to reason
    15.3  Open minded and able to think logically

16. PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS
    16.1  Subscribing to consensus
    16.2  Subscribing to the spirit of neighbourliness
    16.3  Sensitive to social issues in the community

[Translated from the Malay version by:
Haji Abdul Aziz Sultan
Zainurin Abdul Rahman
Tunku Badariah Tunku Ahmad]

   I hope this is useful and helps you especially if you're a teacher trainee! When I wrote lesson plans as part of my assignments, I was also scratching my head because I didn't have a list of moral values (which is an essential element in all lesson plans- you can look at the example I've provided), until one of my lecturers gave us a list when we were in IIUM. Thank you, Dr. Ismail! Unfortunately I lost it... bla bla bla, long story, but since I couldn't find it on the internet either when I looked, here it is! Hope it helps you.

   All the best to my TESL friends who are heading for practicum... you are all CEMERLANG candidates! Insya-Allah :)

Way of the peaceful warrior

Those sleeping medication really does wonders. I have been asleep my entire life...depriving myself from many life experiences. From the time I am writing this journal, I can not remember a joyous day or a day I was really pissed off. My facial expression and my heart has an undeniable void.

Yesterday's Successes

Five Key Successes
1. After talking to Gary, had a better idea planning
2. Learned that I should not be attached to any girl.
3. Spirituality is the core and affects all aspects of life.
4.  Finished tying in language arts standards so now I will be planning backwards
5. Read The Sportsman and need to embrace mind over matter mentality.

Yesterday's reflection

My new daily ritual... take a deep breath and exhale while sitting on the pink ball, say positive affirmations while taking deep breaths, writing my successes and goals.
Need to include mediation, create a list of things to do, watch CNN, read

5 successes from the previous day

• I need to stick to my guns, I already told Monica that I could not make it to check out Charles' jam session.  Granted that I went, the key success in that was that I protected Monica and was a complete gentleman by finding a chair for her to sit.
• While waiting for Monica, I managed to clean the bathroom and wash the dishes (the household chores).
• Bought Apples to Apples from Target and will be using it as a daily writing.
• While checking out at Target, talked to sales associate.
• I remembered majority of the things I needed to buy at Target.
• I provided support for Veronica in preparation of her Masters in Reading comprehensive exam.
• While being with Minh, I learned that I should open my eyes when I am around people.  Opening my eyes shows interest.
•  Most important of them all, I read a chapter from The Sportsman, watched CNN.

Areas that I need to continue to work on... following through, sticking to my guns
 6 key goals
Lesson Plan

• Morning Business
• Language Arts
• Math

Ivan's IEP
Noelia's IEP 
BTSA
Test Prep









 
Mediation


1. Follow through
2. Be calm
3. Sticking to my guns
4. Exercise 
5. Write/Reflect

Today's a new day.

was reading The Sportsman, intrigued how daily rituals help can get football players in the zone. I'm just curious what is your daily ritual that gets you in the zone?

· · Share · 22 minutes ago

• 
  
• • 
    

    Jason Nishi Ramming my head into a wall 20 times, followed by a loud blood curtling scream at the top of my lungs. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
    
    Just kidding. Cup of coffee and then some fast music. Does the trick.
    

    17 minutes ago ·
  • 
    

    Phillip Tse Do you hold place coffee in right hand, sip, take a deep breath, look to your left, sip, take another deep breath?
    

    14 minutes ago ·
  • 
    

    Jason Nishi Nah, more like what they do in the commercials. Big sip, ahhhhhhh, then music.

     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I decided not to post this on Facebook but on blogger instead.

    Inspired by this...I found and will be incorporating some of these into my daily rituals...- writing out 5 successes from the previous day and key learning in my success journal. (helps me appreciate the progress being made).
    
    - writing out my 6 key goals (keeps focused on where I need my general attention). If you do not have goals, use the time to start developing them.
    
    - identifying my priorities for the day (focuses me on what specifically must be done).
    
    - exercise, either running or walking for about an hour (great 
for keeping energy up).
    
    - reading each day (always linked to my goals and for me are
 self development, business books or biographies of people I admire). For ideas check out the books in the free stuff section of this site.
    
    - reflecting on the person I need to become to achieve my goals (thinking about my development needs).

News Clip for the Day

CNN discussed how the Saints, an NFL team in St. Louis had a coach that told the players to kill the opponent.  I don't understand why people say or do these things.  What ever happened to the mentality of it is just a game?

after

After I talked to some David and Wayne, I came to the realization that hydroponics would be difficult.  The amount of uv light, the space, the energy, the time, and the amount of vegetables all are key factors I needed to consider.  I felt like I reverted back to my old self...asking for people's experience.
Why do I keep making the same mistakes?

I am having a personal struggle with myself. A part of me wants to die, this morning I felt a spiritual conflict within myself.  I wish I can drown out the negativity. 
Needing spiritual guidance, I referred to the Bible, flipped open the Bible and landed on Ecclesiates 4 and 5 where I started reading about the evils of oppression and my attitude toward God.  I feel like I am the fool who is consuming his own flesh.  My speech and thoughts have been causing me to sin resorting to the emptiness within.

A new hobby.

So far all my hobbies including scuba diving, snowboarding, and shooting, all of which are fun and requires a bit of money, another hobby I am going to include will be hydroponic gardening.  I had this idea in mind a couple years ago but haven't put in much thought until recently I noticed my diet consist of meat, and lots of meat.  The seed in my mind, it will be fertilized as I continue to research about it.  I am hoping sometime around June, I can start with this hobby.

Pros:

• I will have vegetables to eat.
• Since I am growing vegetables myself, I would not have to spend as much on vegetables at the supermarkets. (I have to research the cost of vegetables at the store, the time it takes to for the vegetables to sprout/germinate)
• This hobby will be a lifestyle change: Being more nurturing and hopefully more patient, in addition to something passionate outside of work. (for a time being, once I'm proficient and have the funds for it, I might just set one up in the classroom, after I make a pros and cons for setting a garden in the classroom).
• I have space in my dining area.

Cons:

• The vegetables eaten, not sure if it is enough for me to eat.
• It is costly. So far, the herb garden starter kit found on overstock.com: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Culinary-Herb-Garden-Starter-Kit-Mini-Garden-Stacker-Planter/4433311/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&kw={keyword}&adtype=pla  is about $64.79. I would hate to imagine the cost of hydroponic gardening... the growing bed and nutrient reservoir. 
• Time, it requires a lot of time.
• There might not be enough lighting for the plants.
• A lot of maintenance.
• Not sure if I can set up an indoor garden in the apartment, must refer to leasing agreements (could be a potential fire hazard).

While creating a pros and cons list, found this online: http://www.guide2hydroponics.com/about-hydroponics/pros-and-cons.aspx

My goal for today:
1. read http://www.hydroponicvegetablegardening.com/HVGBasics.htm
2. figure out which plants I can plant.
3. refer to leasing agreements.

My goal for Friday:
1. watch 3 hydroponic videos and write what I learned.
2. Figure out the materials, and costs

Do I really need it.

Terry's talk about thinking things through inspired me when I checked my checking account.  Last month, I spent $500 on things I don't really need. Today is a new day, a new pay period.  After cutting down all the necessities (rent, student loans, overpayment for employment, etc) I have less than a $1,000 this month to spend (not including gas and food, which should also be considered a necessity). Now, is the time to really think whether I really need it or not. As of today, any purchases I have to weigh the pros and cons on to whether or not it is essential for me to get it. On top of that, I need to hold myself accountable and create a list of wants and needs (material objects).  By doing this, it is a step to being a man.

Terry's talk

Had a very insightful talk with Terry.
It all came down to me needing some soul searching.
I need to think things through, find out before committing.
Every action has a consequence.
Mediation, self reflection on things that can be better.
Stick to what I believe in.
No wishy washy
No more mediocrity.