Terry Lloyd's Blog, page 43

Communication.

You probably say thousands of things, formulate thousands of ideas and yet do you think about that means of doing what you can do? I find communication such an interesting subject because it can cause so many emotions, fear, sadness, and from the vary first recollection I had as a baby I knew that communication could be surprising! The total fear caused by a well-wisher who loomed over my pram and totally obscured the daylight, then the face that lunged downward with a grin displaying an open mouth framed with razor sharp teeth, it all caused a miscommunication. It was probably not her intention to scare the toddler me at all but her over enthused expression and mouthing of her words and at the same time her bad breath engulfed me. It was uttering a totally unique baby language that she perplexed me and I did not understand her mode of communication one bit. My reaction was to burst into tears although I did not know at the time my comfort zone had been breached and there was no way of retreating from the situation to maintain it.

How many people are aware of the subconscious body language that we exhibit all the time? The obvious and the not so well understood indicating of thoughts are frame of mind but not always put into accurate displays. From the simple act of walking down the road, some people I meet are keen to greet and others avert their faces making it clear they do not wish to exchange a greeting or they are too engrossed in listening to their radio or speaking on their phone. People watching is a pleasant pastime but a word of warning if too obvious I could end up with a “You looking at me?” situation as once asked by Robert De Niro. Muddles and mayhem can ensue from a simple misunderstanding of communication and all too soon a well meaning gesture could turn into a very bad Get Me Out of Here Now Please predicament.

Another scientific field in communication is analysing the words and phrases used by suspects that can reveal the truth of a particular event. This can become complicated as it is the truth as perceived by the suspect. An innocent person can be bullied and persuaded to confess to a crime he or she did not commit. The crucial point is their language will only reflect their present belief.

It is worth remembering language is different for men and women and it is the spoken word that is an important opening to the complex psychological richness that separates the two sexes. “Have you noticed something different about me?” If this question is asked then it can be an immediate cause for terror. In a panic people may guess at the meaning and interpret it as a need to desperately try to check someone's appearance. You know you have to say something and being put on the spot can make communication even more difficult to decipher. You could take a stab at “Your hair looks nice.” She may well though in that example repeat the word “nice” as though it was an insult. You may say what is wrong with the word nice, you use it all the time? This is where communication can come down to the use or lack of use of a solitary word. Nice could be a lovely compliment for some situations but an absolute insult in another and unfortunately when it comes to appearance please dear reader do not fall into the trap of what this kind of miscommunication can cause because one bad word could lead to a “ you don't like the new colour of my hair” complexity that you may well not want to experience in life!

The importance is the right words and phrases can move emotions and raise spirits as so many leaders have demonstrated before historical human changes in the future of mankind. Wars can be started or ended because of the use of how communication can be implemented.

A novel and exciting event happened when a steady repetitive signal was noticed coming from outer space. It was asked if this could be some intelligent life form trying to communicate? It turned out to be...a natural phenomenon. Of course that does not mean there is no other life form in existence but in that example that was not it. If other life forms do exist they may think it is more prudent not to communicate. As a race communication of what we think about our environment may not evidence itself all that positively as so far polluted and dumped waste sites populate many important and noticeable areas.

Communication can and does take place between different species of life now on earth. Some chimpanzees have learnt sign language and dolphins have been taught to recognise different signs and symbols. Most pet owners have a clear rapport with their animals. Pets can respond to words of command astonishingly rapidly and have a communication with an owner that can at times defy belief. A highly communicative animal does not always necessarily mean a cooperative one as my intelligent Chow dog took a delight in being able to show. Despite having learnt what different commands and modes of communication meant very well he would insist on displaying a knowledge of understanding what was asked for but doing it in his own time or interpreting it to mean what he wanted and particularly when it came to returning home after a much loved run on the common. Often we would both return out of breath, out of patience with each other and out of favour with a rather irritated parent who had been waiting for us to get back.

I believe communication is one of the important attributes of humanity that has allowed progress to be achieved in successive civilisations. It is only by communicating that peace can be strived for between nations. It can be powerful, persuasive and passionate. It can be used to avert future wars. The power of communicating emotions is a gift and it can be the means by which our memories are made. It can be useful and is is something that I believe should be used for the good of all.

Aikido.

If someone asked you about Aikido, what would you be able to tell them about it? You would probably be right in thinking that it is a martial art but did you know that Aikido is an art form that amalgamated the old and new, it was a branch of martial art that promoted reconciliation and as a combat emphasised an ability to deflect force in any form of defence?

Morihei Ueshiba is somewhat of an inspirational individual for me because it was during the 1920s and 30s that he introduced the idea of Aikido, a martial art that could blend the tough combat of self-defence with a spiritual approach. Mindfulness is such an increasingly known of and talked about subject today but if you think about it the Aikido of the day was a forerunner to the concept of understanding how significant mental well-being and balance is to the individual. Recognising how strength can come from both the mind and body was a principle that applied to Aikido and it was upon this basis that a martial art of great importance was born.

It has taken many years to establish a constitution that allows people of different faiths and beliefs to openly express their views while respecting law and order for all members of society. Aikido brought about attention and awareness of the martial arts and as it rose in popularity, the important issues of well-being and wellness of the body, mind and spirit started to infiltrate the many. Even if you make an effort to avoid conflict, there are situations where reason and words are not enough. The last resort is self-defence but how if I intend no harm to my attacker can I securely ensure my own safety? Applicable in almost any society and throughout the ages, possibly even more so today, being able to protect yourself is paramount. Aikido promotes the idea of being able to harmlessly redirect any oncoming physically based attack. It is rare to find an art form that is relevant to such an early time in history and to that of today, but in a society where there are many abused laws and there is also the novel but more frequent case where the victim could be sued by the attacker for injuries received from the victim defending themselves then such a martial art as Aikido has a part to play.

Of all the modes of self-defence I believe Aikido to be notable because of the positive message that it provides. It is a Japanese martial art specifically designed not to harm the aggressor but defend with the least effort of all types of personal attack. It also incorporates an almost superhuman self- power that can be achieved in appreciating one's surroundings and training. As once said 'Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.' - Morihei Ueshiba.

The Japanese martial art of Aikido is a comprehensive system of pinning, throwing, joint-locking, striking and this coupled with training in traditional combat can serve to give a knowledge of how one can defend themselves and understand the application of what you know to where you go. Interestingly this positively promoting practice can be used in everyday situations and some you may not normally think of, for example imagine a bouncer whose experience of having to implement his or her physically demonstrated ability may be needed and numerous and then think of this same person being able to deflect potentially dangerous scenarios with a few non-harmful actions.

There are no attacking moves in Aikido and to see an expert demonstrate the overall range of defence is awesome. The beauty of Aikido is you do not need to increase your normal strength but learn how to harness your inner strength and channel it into control of the attacker that renders them harmless.

I will leave you with this final saying 'The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.' - Morihei Ueshiba. I think there is something of an important life lesson here that teaches a lot about the outlook we could have, without perseverance and passion we will not ever get far and with no compassion for our fellow man or woman there can be no harmony.

Better Writing.

Writers, Writers, Everywhere! I have some Advice with You to share!

When talking about a hidden passion that many do have and even more do not do anything about, then writing may well spring to mind. Have you heard people say that each person has a novel in them? Well this may be true but actually putting that novel into a manuscript format and getting those thoughts into an appealing publishing prospect is often the daunting part.

One of the first things to say about writing concerns writer's block. If I find myself staring at a blank sheet of paper. That is the time when I leave trying to write and instead relax and think about ideas and themes because by doing that soon after I often have a supply of material. That is the time to put ideas on paper.

Find a format that applies to you...some people have a notebook and jot down ideas, others have a more graphic vision of sketched out themes. Another good way of developing writing is to analyse the structure and methods used by my favourite authors as this gives me a framework to sketch out my own writing piece. It appears successful authors do seem to follow a pattern that works for them. If you are a tech tap jotter or a more traditional pen to paper kind of writer, either works but find what puts you most at ease.

I always try to be an efficient editor of my own work and do this at a separate time to actual writing. Although nobody likes criticism it is an important part of improving the quality of work. It is a good idea to get feedback from other authors who know what they are talking about. There are free writing organisations that voluntarily appraise each others' work and that in itself can be a very valuable tool to becoming a better writer.

I find sometimes it is useful to leave a piece of writing and at a later time look at it again. By doing this fresh ides can come to mind and a different view could improve the piece. Sometimes I am moved about a particular character or scene and need to jot while fresh in my mind work relevant to that piece. Balance the work! This means I can be working on different parts of a story and even different stories at the same time and enhance each with ideas.

Flexibility is an important part about writing and what suits one author may not anther. Be prepared to adapt and then find what fits you.

Some guidelines refer to the ability to be direct and let characters only give enough information that is necessary to keep the plot moving. Do not tell the reader what the characters are thinking. Let the characters with their actions show their frame of mind. Fresh ideas instead of old cliché’s are very useful.

Know where your ideas will make their mark. In a much used and sometimes misused marketplace it is increasingly important to know what you have written can respond to the demands of where it needs to be. Many publishers have altered how they function because of how readers now purchase literature and if you know who your target readers are then you will be able to tie this in well with the most appropriate go to publish market for you.

Good quality writing by itself is not a guarantee to becoming a published author. Several famous authors found themselves having to self-publish before being recognised by multiple press outlets. The one important quality to have as a writer is perseverance. Even more authors have found that they have to overcome the self-doubt and keep trying where they may have feel they have failed before achieving public success.

Feng Shui.

I had heard about Feng Shui but did not really know much about it. Just by positioning items in a room, it is thought that this can have an impact on the quality of life and this is by affecting invisible forces that in turn have an effect on people's lives. Could this really be the case? I had thought that until an interesting incident occurred. Someone told me that they were having some new furniture and this was to go into their living room and in preparation to clear a space they slid the large table on a mat to the side of the room. There was other furniture in the room untouched but it was upon altering that one table and mat that voices echoed as if the room had been cleared of every bit of furniture. Once the new furniture had been installed and the mat and table returned to its original place the sound of voices returned to normal. It was strange to think that one table and mat could alter the influence on the sound and look of the room so greatly.

I believe colour, sound and smell all have an influence on people's subconscious mind and is demonstrated continually by a little bit of constructive alteration that can make the difference in a prospective sale of a property.

Sometimes in life outside forces can make a difference to my life from the very small to big
directions. It is not until I look at the direction of my own life that I can see the effect of these forces.

It is interesting to look at how positive placement of items and how one interprets an environment can alter an outlook. Positive thinking, if one feels at ease and is positive about what they are going to do then this has been known to evidence itself in a positive outcome. Anyone can achieve a positive influence through using positive thinking or an art like Feng Shui because it can take what someone already has and by adjusting adapt an environment entirely.

Feng Shui is concerned with forces within the home but is shaped by a wider philosophy. It is odd but significant to think that everything is important and no matter how small can influence an area, life or the people who are associated with it.

Life Stages.

I have often thought about the important points in life. When you ask yourself an immense question like this it can be difficult to come up with a definitive and solitary answer. I have to tell you that a simple response to the most important point of life has alluded me until the realisation came to me that there are many, significant points that make up what my life is about.

When you think about what the important point of life is, of course many people will have a different answer, but for me I believe it has to be based on life stages. Each phase of life can be different but important. It can in the formative years start with the relationship between your parents or guardians. It can be how you put what you have learnt into practice. It can be the difference you make to other peoples' lives.

As a child I was extremely impressionable and this is a trait that many children will have in that early stage of why... Why is this the colour it is? Why can seem to go on for an incredibly lengthy time in a child's development but it is with this often little appreciated question as an adult that to a child a world of possibility can open. They look for a role model and the choice at that time in life is what they are shown as experience. It can be as a child that impressions are made. It can be an awkward stage because children can be direct and endeavour to show by example what they have learnt. You should not merely quote a set of ideals to a child because if anywhere you could be picked up on an important point in life, then it will be when there is a youthful presence! Much can be learnt in the You Said That consistency and application of ideals in life from our children counterparts.

As children grow up often they follow the careers or professions of their parents and have the opportunity as an adult to develop their own moral choices. This now raises some interesting situations where the parent may make decisions about the future and a child opposes their belief. What should the once child, now adult, do? At this stage it can be that morally thought ideal positions are torn by family ties. Diplomacy can be a hard lesson to learn!

Tactfully negotiate yourself through the minefield of wills and wants against the outlook for what is most appropriate for the future and you may find, as I have, that this stage of life can bring with it an interesting sense of identity.

The very development of life's existence depended on co-operation and mutual benefit by basic cells joining together in the first place. So perpetuating the species by care for all other life seems to be an obvious answer and that is a principle that can be applied to almost every stage of life. Quite simply any one line of life is fragile. There are many important parts to each of our lives and while they may differ, if you appreciate what makes you and those around you happy, then you can truly discover what life can be about.

Environment Awareness.

In the heartland of America thousands of people are terrified and living within an area threatened by an old and failing dam. A dam which is literally creaking and cracking under the force of extra water contributed to by the influence of Global Warming. Their plight is only one of the hundreds faced daily and as a result of excessive carbon emissions by the world's combined industrial might. Now some leaders are collectively acting to reduce this horror for future generations by positively agreeing to reduce the production of emissions and turning to renewable energy sources. In fact the cost of renewable energy is reducing and making coal an economic negative as a sustainable energy option.

It is heartening to hear that there are 3 American state governors who have already declared their intention to honour the limits stated in the Paris accord. There are 187 Mayors and 10 Governors who have publicly emphasised that they will adhere to their commitment to positive behaviour for our environment. Particular cities have also made known their understanding and pledge to the environment and given this action by many states this forward thinking approach may be restored to the majority of the United States of America.

King Canute wanted to demonstrate the limits of his royal power by commanding the ocean to be still. He knew it was impossible to turn back the tide. Whereas some leaders do not know the limits of their power and may attempt to go against the forces of nature and world economics, the stability of the world in politics, economics and the environment depends on positively acting, wise leaders who are well versed in the consequence of their action and capable of steering the world into peace and harmonious balance with the environment.

It is clear to me the world's future is dependant not on the individual action of man but the wider influence of people. It takes many to mould a positive outcome and unfortunately even a certain negative decision could impact on how successful any aims to protect the environment can be. If there is power to the people then surely it should be a priority for a positive awareness of our environment message to be heard. If we abuse it, then we lose it.

United Nations.

Sometimes just an act of switching on a light is not remarkable but is a consequence of a great many peoples' hard work in the story of creating usable energy in the form of electricity. It is quite a surprise on investigating who invented the first battery, to learn that it was at the time the pyramids of Egypt were built, that the knowledge of how to construct a battery existed. It was not until thousands of years later and in the late part of the nineteenth century that methods of producing a sustainable flow of electricity was developed. The full importance of electricity was shown to me after a trip to India where power cuts were an everyday occurrence. People just waited for the power to come back on.

Some years ago in England the country was in a grip of national strikes that disrupted the ability of the electric grid to maintain a supply of power. There were long periods of disruption endangering vital operations in hospitals and some communications could not take place.

At the present time so many countries are being torn apart where the loss of electricity is only one of the burdens of trying to survive. It is one thing that natural disasters take place but when it is man-made destruction, the results are appalling. The remedy lies in the hands of the wise leaders who have been given the power to stop the carnage and to this end there is the United Nations. It is meant to be founded with ideals to preserve world peace. While this is an idealistic appointment it is apparent to me that the working structure of the United Nations is incapable of acting appropriately when necessary action needs to take place to preserve peace.

No one country can act as a policeman as its actions will be construed as taking sides and only increase the extent of suffering. The veto element on decision making can paralyse necessary action and calls into question whether the United Nations is a viable democratic institution. I think that if people define their country as one that is democratic and themselves as objectively minded then it is in the interest of everyone that it should be demanded the constitution of the United Nations should be altered to become an effective peace maker throughout the world.

Is it democratic that some countries have more say than others when it comes to a vote on world peace?

It is so sad when peace keeping troops are forced to stand idle while genocide can carry on unabated in front of their eyes.

If there is such a thing as democracy then the voice of the population of the World will be heard and change will take place in the United Nations.

I believe immigration is not the problem but the reason people are forced to flee their homes in the first place is and that is where answers need to be found. That is where an effective United Nations would ensure stability and peace as its charter proclaims.

Rubbish or Not.

I would like to describe a treasured area to you, the why will be become important later on but for now imagine if you will a locality that is often visited by people who enjoy the view and take in the atmosphere. The sunshine lights a landscape there and a mass of green grass borders the near distance vista of blue sea dotted with a few ships. The road is wide and parking bays are marked on the side of the road in front of the green. People in cars seem to enjoy their stay but some feel compelled to leave a token of their visit with empty beer bottles and plastic food containers dropped along the kerb edge. Paper bags and various other rubbish is often found strewn along the road.

At one time there was a single public rubbish bin provided but over time as with so many local public areas it has been removed by the council. Learning about the importance of our environment is such an integral issue as to how we can live individually and in a society. If a social conscience is not instilled in the general public at an early age then quickly the typical throw away action of one could become a terrible trend that leaves all our communal public landscape and wildlife filled areas harmed. Rubbish as an issue can be a dangerous problem not only because of the impact it has on what we see and use but in fact challenging those who commit this type of environmental crime could lead into a dispute that has in many examples ended extremely badly.

In the media there can be distressing scenes that reflect the consequences of what polluting can do to the larger parts of the environment, how wildlife can suffer and beautiful areas can be irreversibly damaged. Actually on a more individual scale the threat of what a careless act can do can be seen in the places we go and expect to use on a near daily basis. If one person neglects the need for a clean and green area, then many of the public can also have to live with the consequences.

People say that where there is muck there is money and this phrase comes to mind because it can be relevant. So what do you do with a constant production of rubbish? Individually it may take a few minutes to clear it up but this can lead to a much more long term protection of public areas but on a larger scale rubbish can be turned into money by recycling. Did you know that when it comes to rubbish and sewage, although you may not think it, they can be converted into a potential gold mine. Inventive and creative people have turned sewage into a never ending energy source. The same has in certain instances been achieved with rubbish.

What I really enjoy is talented people, who with imagination, find discarded items and turn them into desirable objects. Upcycling can be underestimated but in many examples it can bring attention to a subject that influences many of our lives while at the same time creating money and preserving the environment.

I remember one day when looking for a present I discovered in a shop window a unique collection of various figures portraying every day actions all made out of bent nails. One man's rubbish is another man's treasure can be an all too real concept and when in life someone can bring beauty to what some may view as simply rubbish, this can be an interesting thought to contemplate.

I still can not get over the shock that an unmade bed in some people's eyes was so artistically desirable and appreciated enough to command an extremely high value. Sometimes it is not the object but the way it can be viewed that is the creative element in appreciating art.

It can be difficult to see life in an improving and progressive way but on reflection there has been great development in finding a freedom to express ideas and creativity in the most unexpected of circumstances. Being able to respect other peoples' rights is an important element to preserve and will ensure a healthy, enjoyable society in which to live. Conservation and protection of where we live is a concept that people should be brought up with and education is important to instil that moral character for everyone's benefit.

Threat of War.

Given the nature of war, how wise or capable is the decision to build two aircraft carriers for the United Kingdom? I believe the answer is a little complicated. After the recent use of an aircraft carrier against a foe that did not posses an effective deterrent such as hypersonic missiles, one side had an absolute advantage over the other.

Hypersonic speed missiles could cripple any aircraft carrier by causing it to list and rendering it unable to be an effective aircraft carrier. The outcome of any conflict will depend on the combatants' capability and will to deploy such missiles.

The outcome of war conflict has a history of victory often based on the use of the latest war mechanism. Armament is a major international business and these hypersonic speed missiles have a ready market of countries eager to buy and deploy them. In the example of the Falkland situation foreign made missiles penetrated the Royal Navy's defence system. I think the point is clear that even brand new aircraft carriers because of modern-day warfare would be more vulnerable now than in the past. Potential loss of life if one is sunk could be horrifying. I would suggest the conclusion is stocking hypersonic missiles to guard against any such potential attack. Hypersonic missiles could effectively deter any invading foreign country's aircraft carrier that wished to attack the United Kingdom.

Could Trident have the capability to launch a broadside of hypersonic missiles at an enemy vessel? If so, Trident could be a far more valuable deterrent force. As it is at the moment Trident could be claimed is an irrelevant luxury and more of a nuclear gadget to be in the nuclear club rather than an effective usable weapon of defence.

Whether you have an aircraft carrier or nuclear submarine you need a target to threaten and a supposed foe that can be intimidated. Faced with ideologies and countries who may not be concerned with any human survival, more thought needs to be applied to the appropriate type of arms that are necessary for the security of each country.

I believe in striving for peace but in order to achieve that an effective means of forethought and defence is imperative. All forms of arms will have a limited time until a counter weapon is developed and it would be an achievement to think that today we may have learnt something about the trauma of what was endured in the wars of the past. People have to be forward thinking and war is so often not a means to success but of loss for everyone. Having a knowledge and an ability to negate a conflict is vital because it is the only way of putting past lessons into action and building what might be a positive future for all.

Fables.

Absorbing and astounding is a literary style of visually representing moral ideas and throughout the years this mode of literature has entertained and taught countless generations the wisdom of consequences in behaviour. Notable individuals and oral literary incidents such as Jesus telling the story of the Good Samaritan and stories of God rewarding investment of money comes to mind.

I can not remember exactly when I came across a delightful old book ordained with countless
pictures of the characters highlighted in the stories of Aesop's fables. There is somewhat a mystery about the author and the subject of appearance. He is believed to have been a Greek slave and exceedingly unconventional in what may be thought of as handsome looks, yet clearly he possessed an ability of exceptional wit. Numerous tales of his provide the message that life appears to take and give and that many exceptional people have overcome server drawbacks but still succeed in their endeavours of creativity. There are conflicting stories over where he was born and how he met his end in life at about fifty six years of age. He lived about 620 - 564 BC. One of the more moral type stories goes back to when he was asked to be a judge over a dispute between two groups of claimants. On deciding in favour of one group the other in rage seized Aesop and threw him of a cliff. Although this of course may not be correct, it is a somewhat aptly literary epitaph, advising against the consequences of rash and disproportionate behaviour.

Storytelling can often have a concealed moral, as I believe Hans Christen Anderson's Ugly duckling illustrates in the cruelty and twists that life may have.

When it comes to reflecting the moral life as depicted by Charles Dickens and his Christmas story of oppression the story informs of the plight of a lowly book keeper and a person by the name of Scrooge. It was the subsequent visitations of ghosts that appeared to Scrooge which showed the consequences of action and how a change of heart could turn him into a more jovial character who appreciated the life he had. A powerful demonstration of moral storytelling can be seen in much of the portrayal of how Dickens could take what may be seen as a mundane subject but with a slight twist convey how views and behaviour could alter the progression of society.

As a child my mother enjoyed with theatrical skill of telling me the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin where a town suffered a plague of rats. The mayor struck a deal with a brightly coloured flute player that possessed a hypnotic music skill. He rid the town of the plague of rats but when he asked for payment the Mayor refused. Once again he put the flute to his lips and all the children of the town followed him, never to be seen again. Clearly the implied message here is that one should not go back on one's word.

A sombre set of poems featuring idiosyncrasies are Hilaire Belloc's tales of woe. The type of theme is to falsely cry fire too often could result in getting burnt in a real fire.

On seeing the film The King and I the moral position of slavery takes centre stage through the performance of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American writer who used Uncle Tom's Cabin as a depiction of the moral position of slavery.

When I think about moral issues it is surprising that slavery for so long has not featured in multiple societies' human rights, for some the issue today is vastly improved but there are those for which this is a very real and current torment.

Fables are one of the most intriguing means by which one can focus people's attention on a moral issue and through embellishment, theatrics or innovated language bring conscience into the minds and hearts of the many.