Mirroring the qualm of national consciousness

So far I haven’t seen a better frame that mirrors the actual qualm of the Hungarian national consciousness. The kuvasz, all together with the other nine Hungarian dog breeds, is by law declared National Treasure in Hungary. Still, right now is in trouble, some say close to extinction. The immense dichotomies that have always marked the characteristics of the Hungarian soul are very much present even now in the daily lives of Hungarians. As a natural consequence, this is clearly mirrored in so many aspects, the whole being reflected in its parts. One part of the whole being the fate of the kuvasz breed.

The fanciers and breeders suffer from getting biased in the great duality present even in political influences. The dichotomy is present in many forms, ex. in the form of nationalism vs internationalism. Some say that it is time to bring into the foreground our traditions, thus emphasizing the kuvasz from the perspective of its historical inheritance, being a living treasure. Others say that it is more important to emphasize its utility, usefulness and get in sync with modern times, “get real”. Both perspectives are serious arguments to preserve the breed. The kuvasz itself carries both perspectives, carries the dichotomy, like a true symbol of the Hungarian soul.

Benefits of frustration?!

The tension created by the almost paradoxically different views is seen right now as unhealthy by most of those involved. Understandable to some degree as it generates many frustrations. But a tension can be also seen as tonic, it gives tonicity to the invisible muscles of a group, it keeps the whole thing in shape.

What I have also found to be captivating, is the nature of reactions generated by both poles. The realists are acting in obviously pragmatic terms, returning as often as possible to the ways in improving the kuvasz in its physical qualities (height of whiters, form of head, coat, healthy nervous system etc.). Also acting neutral and often prudish when it comes to more symbolic expressions related to the Hungarian nationalism. Unfortunately the very term nationalism got a pejorative connotation, patriotism being preferred instead. Patriotism being more international, more widely used and accepted. I suspect here some conformism too. The other pole seems romantic and idealist. Mostly acting with intense emotions. And also in unexpected moments, provoking unexpected reactions. There are sometimes some offences taken here, which leads to isolationism.

By all means, this source of tension I sense to be the greatest in this milieu. I personally consider it to be a good influence at its core. It brings in energy to keep the work alive. It pours oil on fire, but just imagine how boring it all would be if everyone would agree on everything.

It is time to get yourself a real dog.

Now that you are reading this – for what I am thankful, – consider a final advice. If you don’t have a dog now – although I know that you have always wanted to have one – I sincerely recommend you to get yourself a kuvasz. The kuvasz is not a lapdog. The kuvasz is a real dog. It has all the ideal characteristics that one should look for in a dog: majestic and impressive in outward appearance, well-shaped, but all the more very intelligent, protective and courageous, strong and harsh if needed, but gentle, loving unconditionally, always ready to even give his life for the beloved ones.

On the photo: Kardosparti Dorisz

In straight accordance with your age, you are now in a distinct phase of your life where you are redefining yourself. Self-definition is an ongoing process, for as long as you live. Our lives are subdued to a historical presence and an existential reality. The historical presence is also subdued to live in a comparative reality. In every time sequence of our lives, the comparative approach is remodeling our identity. And comparative approach is dependent on the cultural, social and historical context. This dependency is what creates the frames for us, mostly in how we can manage to define ourselves. This self-definition needs to be ever reassuring in order to keep our balance. We live now, so is the actual context in favour of this need for self-definition? With all the progress of the modern world, is it easier today to define ourselves?

What actually started me to be preoccupied about this question was an interview a saw with Alejandro Jodorowsky. If you don’t know who this guy is, you should look around a little bit. The effort is worth it. His true art and expressiveness in all of his endeavours are extremely inspiring for all seekers of genuine self-transformation.

This interview is available here. I suggest you watch it all, for at least his unmistakable style. The part that is really pertaining to this topic starts at about 6:30. He is being asked about his ramifying artistic activities. His reply goes like this:

“Things have no definition now. Why should I have a definition?”

“… Because I’m an artist. I am not a zombie… In our civilization now we are becoming zombies. Doing only one thing, like a machine. But we are not in the old time… of the fixed telephone. We are in the time of the iPod. The telephone isn’t any more a telephone. [pulling out his mobile from his pocket] With that you can send messages, take photos, take pictures, listen music. What is that? What is the name of that? Is a telephone? Maybe not. If you use it like a telephone, is a telephone. If you use it like an e-mail, is another thing. If you use it to take a photography, is another thing. Things have no definition now. Why should I have a definition? …”

Being a fan of his movies (but not only), I consider him one of the very rare artists able to constantly actualize his visions, his message. And I guess, for that he needs to be able to constantly redefine himself.

His analogy with the mobile here, I find to be expressive for our present times, frames – social, cultural or historical. There are so many ways to express ourselves today, that maybe never were. But does this make it easier? Is it easier now to define ourselves?

If you consider blogging, – because this is what most of us are doing here, – this can be another way for self-definition. Blogging exposes our need to write about things we are interested in, for some or many of us even to write about ourselves. And this is not just a way for other people to find out about us, but a way for us to find out about ourselves. Why not, a way to help us defining ourselves, more or less consciously.

A special moment this is. Now is the second milestone of the Vertegram blog, accompanied with some special and well deserved prizes. So, after a short break, back to some graphomania. Turning back the digital pages of Vertegram, it was edifying to see the main streams of thoughts I was playing with. Here are some conclusions and the surprise awards.

From the 63 posts published so far, the majority goes under the ‘Conscious living’ category. Meaning that the main goal of presenting the self development framework based on vertical thinking and the enneagram is still there to pursue. The 190 comments so far are encouraging and I am grateful to you all for those. It is always thrilling to see an idea reaching you and even more, making you say your opinion on it. Even if we disagree at times, but hey, that’s the fun of it!

And now, The Vertegram Awards!

I would like to give some prizes to the most prolific ones among Commenters. So, Ladies and Gents! (”drrrums!”) The winners of the Vertegram Awards are:

The Vertical Amazon Prize

goes to Teodora, for her sobering influence, as she strikes down in an instant when I seemingly tend to ramble.

The Awareness Alarm Clock Prize

goes to Marcus, for his refreshing thoughts, complementing and improving, but most of all demanding awareness.

The Aszú Prize

goes to Paul, for his wise words, thoughtfulness, and authenticity through shared experience.

The Satori Prize

goes to Razvan, for his condensed, still very much to the point observations.

The Lit Lantern Prize

goes to Miklós, for his openness to experiment and share, virtues of a true seeker.

The Godfather Prize

goes to Kulcsi, for his constant watching over the Vertegram blog.

The Positivity In Motion Prize

is a special one, and it goes to Lyman, for his constant effort and support to the personal development blogs and related community.

Besides the well deserved congrats, I am also thanking you for sharing your thoughts on Vertegram. Stick to this good habit in the future!

Cheers!

My dear friends and readers! I haven’t been posting for a short time, but believe me I had the sweetest reason on Earth for that. Just take a look at the picture. It was/is one of the most extraordinarily wonderful experiences of my life!

Will be back to blogging after a short while, now I need to be with my family.

Cheers!

My good friend who is often commenting here, Razvan, recently draw my attention to something from the news, which I am not sure if is hilarious or disgusting. This news is related to the – so far – windmill fight of the Tibetans for their country and beliefs. Much degrading inhuman deeds, much unforgiveable violence was/is there. Even for a true Buddhist, it is utterly challenging to learn compassion in what was/is going on there. But this new turn given to the screenplay makes your mind stop and look around.

Chinese government tells living Buddhas to obtain permission before they reincarnate.

“All the reincarnations of living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism must get government approval, otherwise they are “illegal or invalid” declared China’s State Administration for Religious Affair. I guess this speaks for itself.

Also this article talking about the same news mentions the case of the Panchen Lama – a boy chosen by the Dalai Lama, who shortly disappeared after being recognized as the Pachen Lama.

Tibet Will Be Free blog draws attention here to the recent UN mockery, coming from the entourage of the newly elected UN leader.

I am not advocating here on religious or philosophical issues regarding reincarnation. This is not about that. Just passing on the news.

Also, here is a warning to all of you out there thinking to reincarnate. Careful with that! You should get the paperwork ready before you actually die. Just in case.

After being seemingly the second most praised movie on personal development blogs – the first being undoubtedly “The Secret” – I decided to watch “Peaceful Warrior”. Made after a book written by Dan Millman and according to the movie makers “inspired by true events”. I never had the chance to read the book, a chance that I never gave myself. As far it concerns the true events behind the story, it just made me curious to get on with watching it.
Now let’s get on with some comments on this movie.

When it starts by appealing to “true events”, you tend to expect some sort of realism. But it is soon spoiled, just when you start believing them. I mean Nick Nolte suddenly jumps in an instant on the roof of a store. Maybe it was some sort of levitation, but this definitely lacks a clear insight. On my side.

And after that, all the trivia and obviousness enrolled in any decent and self-respectful New-Age ideology is one by one given to you. Starting with “Are you happy?” and rolling on with “The mess is in your head” or “Live in the present. There is only here and now” (approximate quotes).

The movie suffers from an essential New-Age malady. The one that affects artistic performances in particular. It is what I would like to solemnly declare as the Revelation Syndrome. The cause of it is the strong effort to present the “Sole Truth” as is. You don’t have a chance to figure out something on your own. It is given straight in your face. And the symptom is the kitsch. Unfortunately.

I also did some reading around for reviews. Most of them are diplomatically factual and descriptive. But some of them were expressing similar thoughts to the ones showing up in my mind while watching and after watching the movie. Here are 3 of them:

• Roger Ebert starts his review like this: “If “Peaceful Warrior” were not based on a true story, I might have an easier time believing it.” These were also my first impressions.
• Scott Brown has a concise review in which he just calls it a “self-congratulatory self-help seminar”. To the heart of it.
• And another pick is Michael Phillips who concludes his review like this: “‘Peaceful Warrior,’ which is basically ‘The Karate Kid’ with a bigger kid and a bigger mentor, represents a journey of predictability, rather than a destination worth the trouble.”

And for the grand finale, my conclusions (sic!). The “Peaceful Warrior” is an unsuccessful attempt to demonstrate how enlightenment can be achieved. Quite absurd. Also its message could be rephrased almost like: “The few easy steps to enlightenment”.

“From all paths of life I wish you to choose not the easiest one, but the one that when reaching its end, you will not regret it.”

I guess this is quite self explanatory. If you feel like, you might want to share one of your remarkable good wishes. Either a received one or a given one. Just feel free to post it as a reply here, or you can post it on your blog and let me know about it.

• Marcus wrote down some inspirational thoughts again on Subjectivity, Imagination and Reality. Recently a follow up on that came out called Intellect, Intelligence and Awareness where he clarifies a few essentials in terms of awareness and imagination, subjectivity and intelligence and the role of the intellect.
• Great Law of Attraction humor to be found here (via Creating a Better Life)
• There were two blog carnivals where my posts got included, both carnivals published on June 3rd:
  1. The Personal Development Carnival at Creating a Better Life where my post on friendships got included;
  2. The Carnival of Creative Growth where my post on getting rid of wooden language got included.
  Lots of excellent posts to be found on both carnivals.
• I was intending previously to include some possibility for social bookmarking and the like for my readers, but displaying a bunch of icons is not the way for Vertegram. Fortunately the Gods of digital were merciful. I found out about this excellent Wordpress plugin called Share This created by Alex King. From now you have the option from each post to instantly submit it to your favorite boomarking site or send it in an e-mail to your friends or just reccommend it to communities. Please feel free to use it and suggest options to be included if they are not listed. Just for the record, look for something like this under each post:

• Steven Aitchison wronte on Changing your personality. He is giving a 4 steps route for installing a new trait in your personality. Through his own experience.
• “We contain within us everything that exists, just as we are contained within everything that exists.” Marcus talks about our Fractal Self and tries to clarify phrases spoken in rote like “Everything is Illusion; The Kingdom of Heaven is Within; etc.”
• There was a great personal development carnival at Breathing Prosperity’s Law of Attraction blog. My post on “Is it all just natural growth?” got included. Thanks for that.
• Henrik Edberg gives “One Simple Way to Reduce Procrastination” which I think might actually work. Especially in relation to your tasks at work.

First of all, the best thing that happened was your feed-backs. In general, the best thing that can happen to a blog is to get feed-backs. It was exciting to read your comments on my thoughts packed in form of posts. Some of your comments were encouraging, some were stirring up further questions, some were clarifying. I’ve got also e-mails from many of you, with encouraging notes too, but those who were entrusting me on the subjects I’m writing, were asking questions on the topics for further informations and directions. And not to forget, with a few of you I had the chance to talk personally and discuss on the Vertegram topics (too).

I am grateful to you all and thanks for all your feed-backs!

During this time, I’ve got tips from you on how to improve the Vertegram blog, on what you feel it’s missing or can be done better, or in some other way. The most important ones were:

• you say that I should be involved more on the personal side
• you suggest that I should consider better ways to market my message

I was/am/will giving more thoughts to these suggestions. Right now I am not sure on the exact ways to conform to your advice, but will do that for sure. The ‘more personal presence’ might seem the easier one to realize, although I am still trying to avoid any form of obtrusiveness. Regarding on better marketing, I still have difficulties on looking to this whole thing as something to be marketed. Will see. I understand that even finding ways to monetize the blog would be great, but just for contradicting myself on this, soon I will stop adding the Amazon recommended items on post pages and will keep only those on the front page that are more personal. Thus complying with your first advice (sic!).

The Vertegram blog got some link love too, and as a result, according to my Firefox PR extension, last week Google gave me a page rank of 3. Some tools show it, some do not (yet). Not bad for a one month old blog! It was interesting to see that after launching the blog, it got included in Google results in exactly one week. Just some tech-talk, maybe some of you are interested.

So, I proclaim this post as the first milestone of the Vertegram blog and let’s head for future doses of self development theory and practice. Cheers to you all self development addicts out there!

• ‘Mindhacks.org’ presents an article titled “Is What We Pray For What We Need?”, quoting the original meme from “What to Pray for?” on ‘Write Spirit’.

  The question itself was showing up before I actually read this article. I had an interesting conversation with my friends on the law of attraction. And I was strong on the idea that before starting to manifest something, there should be thoughtfulness in terms of moral considerations. This was also one of my points on ‘The Secret.tv’, posted before this week.

• There was a great Personal Development Carnival hosted by ‘Creating a Better Life’, with lots of excellent posts. One of my previous posts was included too, which brought some beneficent link love.
• Lexi Sundell shares her story of an amazing flow experience in “My Hands Already Know”
• Gia Combs-Ramirez made an interesting attempt to draw a parallel between personal and spiritual development in a post called “Spiritual and Personal Development”. Talking of the soul in a different context as I am using it on Vertegram, still the proposed milemarkers I’ve found thought-provoking.
]]> http://www.vertegram.com/inspirational/quick-links-for-2007-04-20/feed/ 2 http://www.vertegram.com/inspirational/quick-links-for-2007-03-29/ http://www.vertegram.com/inspirational/quick-links-for-2007-03-29/#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2007 06:56:12 +0000 Attila Borcsa http://www.vertegram.com/inspirational/quick-links-for-2007-03-29/ Recommended readings for the weekend. A few posts that I’ve found and enjoyed during this weektime.
• Goals Beyond Personal Fulfillment by Nneka on Balanced Life Center

  On Monday, Nneka just posted the question “What would life be like if you achieved all your goals?” which I thought was a good one. After a few comments, she updated the post with her actual list of goals. We had a friendly e-mail exchange on details of the post, and successfully clarified some thoughts. My point here is: now you try and give your answer to the question.

• How’s life on your island? by Jessica Hagy on Indexed

  I’m a fan of Indexed for some time. Here’s one I’ve found to be the most hilarious one for this week.

• A Few Solutions for the Creative Writing Classroom by Reginal Shepherd

  Interesting thoughts from Reginald on his poetry workshops technique. He wants his students to participate with poetry, to engage them into the poem first of all. Like the idea.

• If I Were a Rich Man … Why It is Good to Struggle by Collis on North x East

  About how scarcity forces us to think more creatively and how struggle builds character. All spiced up with a little bit of programmer wisdom.

  Another one from Collis on creativity: The Idea Factory – How to Enable Your Creativity

  About what to do when creativity is a goal itself becomes a goal. About being receptive and proactive. I like his 6 steps towards the idea factory.

• Five Grammatical Errors That Make You Look Dumb by Brian Clark on Copyblogger

  A must learn for me, maybe for you too. Especially no. 2 ‘It’s vs. Its.’ He does not mention this, but for me there is a similar issue with ‘Let’s vs. Lets.’

Have fun!

]]> http://www.vertegram.com/inspirational/quick-links-for-2007-03-29/feed/ 1 http://www.vertegram.com/inspirational/quick-links-for-2007-03-23/ http://www.vertegram.com/inspirational/quick-links-for-2007-03-23/#comments Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:47:46 +0000 Attila Borcsa http://www.vertegram.com/inspirational/quick-links-for-2007-03-23/ My picks for you to think about in this weekend.
• 8 Ways to Spark Your Creativity – by Henrik Edberg on Positivity Blog

  Point 2 was actually the best fitted for me at this time. Henrik says “Take a trip outside your personal bubble.” I might consider taking this advice seriously in the upcoming days.

• How to Be a Zealot in 3 Easy Steps by Mark Joyner

  Mark suggests to give up your ability to think rationally and start screaming for your belief. How about that?

• 10 Tell-Tale Signs That You Are A Working Mystic by Nneka on Balanced Life Center

  Actually I don’t have a copy of Dhammapada on my desk. But point 5 is close when says “when co-workers start complaining about the daily grind, you advise them to go within and find peace.”

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