Who is Brer Rabbit?

We all may have heard of Bugs Bunny but only the older folks among us may remember stories of Brer Rabbit.  Brer Rabbit is a character in folk tales of African-American and Native American origin.  He is also known as the “trickster” character because he can even outsmart the other characters in the stories.  

In folklore, the animal trickster represents an extreme form of behavior which people may be forced to use in extreme circumstances in order to survive.

Brer Rabbit is representative of how a smaller, weaker, but cleverer force can overcome a larger, stronger, but less clever power. He continually outsmarts his bigger animal rivals, Brer Fox, Brer Wolf, and Brer Bear.

Author Joel Chandler Harris used and popularized these characters in his series of Uncle Remus tales. One of the most well-known Brer Rabbit tales is a story of Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby. Brer Fox has been trying and trying to trap the rabbit and finally discovers a way to do it. He sets up a tar “baby,” and when Brer Rabbit encounters it, mayhem ensues.

 

Br’er Rabbit and the Tar Baby

The rabbit becomes stuck to the tar baby and the more he fights against it, the more stuck he becomes—that alone could be a lesson for readers. But it doesn’t stop there. Brer Rabbit manages to trick the fox into throwing him into a briar patch. It sounds like a horrible punishment—at least that’s what we think at first. But, the rabbit has lived his life in the briar patch, so he easily works his way free.

Though the Uncle Remus stories were written in the late 1800s, the stories of the “trickster” rabbit go back centuries in time and will be passed along for centuries more. Brer Rabbit will continue to triumph and get into and out of sticky situations by outsmarting his foes.

Storyteller Diane Ferlatte/ Brer Rabbit's Dance

 

"They cannot distinguish even between Negro demonstrators and negro spectators.”

~ Wyatt Walker

I read about the “tricks” of Brer Rabbit in a book called David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.  Mr. Gladwell writes about ‘Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants.’  In his book, Malcolm goes into a lengthy account of the Civil Rights Movement and how in 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King and Wyatt Walker together used the “Brer Rabbit” ideas to their advantage.  E.G., when they organized street protests, they waited until the early evening when the black residents were walking home from work.  They became onlookers and were mistaken for part of the demonstrations, therefore increasing their numbers.

"We need to remember that our definitions of what is right are, as often as not, simply the way that people in positions of privilege close the door on those at the bottom of the pile."

~ Malcolm Gladwell

Mr. Gladwell makes his point well: Underdogs have to use whatever they've got.

I was very moved by the book because in one way or another we all feel like underdogs at times.  Malcolm’s referrals to the bible reminded me that all throughout human history God has been on the side of the underprivileged; this is the history of restoration.  Because of the Fall of Man, man(kind) lost his proper position and became the underdog.  Once we recognize this weakness, it can become our strength, with God on our side.

If you like to read some more Brer Rabbits stories, here are the links: A Brer Rabbit Story

 
The Origins Of The Br’erRabbit Stories

Danger of Perfectionism

There is a common saying that nobody is perfect, yet that does not keep some of us from trying.  In general, there is nothing wrong with doing our best and excelling, even competing with others for the first spot. 

Many Christians try to follow Jesus and his words from the “Sermon on the Mount:” 

 

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

~ Matthew 5:48

What is the meaning of this perfection which Jesus suggested?

·       According to the dictionary, perfection means: the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects.

·       The word "perfection" derives from the Latin "perfectio", and "perfect" — from "perfectus." These expressions in turn come from "perficio" — "to finish", "to bring to an end."

·       The philosopher Aristotle defines perfection as:

1. which is complete — which contains all the requisite parts;

2. which is so good that nothing of the kind could be better;
3. which has attained its purpose.

Once we understand what our human purpose (human beings are created to be the center of harmony of the whole cosmos) is, I don’t see it as an impossibility of reaching that perfect state.

“Ring the bells that still can ring

 Forget your perfect offering.
 There is a crack in everything,
 That's how the light gets in.”
 ~Leonard Cohen, Canadian musician, poet and novelist

Today, more than ever before, we have learned about spiritual principles like The Law of Attraction.  We understand that it has the same or even greater consequences than physical laws such as the Law of Gravity.

God gave us spiritual laws to direct us on our journey here on earth so that we have some guidelines for our lives.  Traditionally, religions were the source of these principles, since they dealt with spiritual matters.  Unfortunately, there are so many religions and so many different ways to present these principles that people often get confused, and in the worst way, throw out all of these instructions.

“Many people think of perfectionism as striving to be your best, but it is not about self-improvement; it's about earning approval and acceptance.”

~ Brene Brown, American scholar, author, public speaker on vulnerability.

There is a trend toward perfectionism though which is downright unhealthy and causes mental illness.

Extreme perfectionism:

·       Causes anxiety

·       Causes worry
 

      ·       Causes arrogance

·       Shuts out emotions

·       Creates unrealistic expectations

·       Creates paralysis by analysis

·       Avoids suffering

·       Tries to keep control

·       Tries to do everything by oneself without help from others

 

I am sure we could add many more symptoms of extreme perfectionism which can be dangerous for lives. 

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” 

~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 1900-1944  French writer and aviator
 

I was reading a book In Pursuit of Perfect by Tal Ben-Shahar who uses his observations to shed more light on reaching happiness instead of perfection.  Tal is an optimistic force in bringing positive psychology to the general public.  Positive psychology focuses on happiness, self-esteem, optimism, and joy.  Among Mr. Ben-Shahar’s attention I like the one on being grateful the most.  Gratitude creates a base for happiness and opens a passage to communicate with the Divine, our Heavenly Parents.

After the Winter

Last week, when the snow finally melted, I was walking in the back yard.  I was watching my step since it was still very muddy back there.  Looking down, I discovered a small twig which I recognized:
it had fallen off my hands last fall after I had cut the forsythia bush in the front yard.  I picked it up and looked at it more closely; since I saw some swollen buds on it, I decided to take it inside and put it into water. 

Within a few days I could see that the buds had grown and within a week the yellow flowers came out. 

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.”

~ Albert Camus, French author and poet

That is totally amazing to me, since it had been cut off from the bush for more than five months.  Since the twig was covered with snow it was kept moist and the cold just kept it dormant until I brought it inside.  The life force in that branch was still alive. 

I call this my little miracle.

 

That's what the rest of the bush looks like as of today.

 

Without a Vision People Perish

When I was listening to “The Art of Possibility” by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander, I was reminded again of a quote I heard a while ago:  

“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”

~ Proverbs 29:18

A vision produces a timeless picture based on infinite possibilities, nurtured by human desires directed by the underlying purpose given to us by our creator.  When we think of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “I have a dream” or remember Mahatma Ghandi’s “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” we can understand what I mean.

 “A vision is an open invitation and an inspiration for people to create ideas and events that correlate with its definitional framework.”

~ Benjamin & Rosamund Zander - The Art of Possibility

We need to renew a vision for this country.  A true vision can only be implemented when we are allowed free choice.  Smart choices come from information and an awareness of all the facts involved.  

 

"When you become knowledgeable, you become a formidable ally of truth and a formidable enemy of falsehood, and that's what we need in this nation."

~ Dr. Ben Carson

I like what Dr. Ben Carson has to say about “not being political correct.”  That kind of attitude has stifled the population and does not allow open communication. In our polarized society we have too many divisions with wars on genders, on race, and religion, etc.; always pointing out the differences and what’s wrong.

"I believe it is a very good idea for physicians, scientists, engineers, and others trained to make decisions based on facts and empirical data to get involved in the political arena and help guide our country.”

~ Dr. Ben Carson

A true vision is an image of harmony which benefits for all involved.  A true vision is fueled by passion and is based on values like honesty, humility, integrity, and service.

I don’t believe that a true vision can be implemented without an input of the Devine.  God has placed before us an “Ideal of Creation” which still has to be fulfilled.  The “family of man” has yet to be realized. In that ideal, He is showing us clearly what we should be doing, even how we can reach true happiness.  Again, it is our choice to accept it or not.

Remember Rule #6!

What is the rule #6?  -- Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Here is the story behind it.  It is told by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander in a book ”The Art of Possibility.”

Two prime ministers are sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man bursts in, apoplectic with fury, shouting and stamping and banging his fist on the desk. The resident prime minister admonishes him: “Peter,” he says, “kindly remember Rule Number 6,” whereupon Peter is instantly restored to complete calm, apologizes, and withdraws.

The politicians return to their conversation, only to be interrupted yet again twenty minutes later by a hysterical woman gesticulating wildly, her hair flying. Again, the intruder is greeted with the words, “Marie, please remember Rule Number 6.” Complete clam descends once more, and she too withdraws with a bow and an apology.

When the scene is repeated for a third time, the visiting prime minister addresses his colleague. “My dear friend, I’ve seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Would you be willing to share with me the secret of Rule Number 6?” Very simple,” replies the resident prime minister. “Rule Number 6 is ‘Don’t take yourself so g–damn seriously.’” “Ah,” says his visitor that is a fine rule.”

After a moment of pondering, he inquires, “And what, may I ask, are the other rules?”

“There aren’t any.”

 

I enjoy reading this book and especially got a kick out of the rule.  For the past few days I thought a lot about the warning not to take myself too serious.  Our ego always pushes itself into first place and wants to have the ‘last word.’  When we can laugh at ourselves, it becomes easier to defuse our emotions.

Who is Your Spellbinder?

We all like stories because they catch our attention and most of all, we can remember anything told in a story much better.

I have read several of Og Mandino’s books before.  When I found the “The Spellbinder’s Gift” in my bookshelf I realized that I hadn’t read it yet.

I started reading the book and couldn’t put it down.  It is the fascinating story of Bart Manning, a retired agent to the most famous and dynamic motivational speakers of his time.  Enjoying his retirement, Bart is faced with a peculiar person on the streets of Manhattan, who has a wake-up call for him.  It motivates him to come out of his seclusion and start to pick up his business again.

At a crowded convention, he found a new client who has a spell-binding message, and he decides to present him to the world.

In the true Og Mandino fashion, this speaker’s message contains lessons which everybody should hear.  He is a true teacher and even healer who drives home the importance of not only hearing a lesson of truth once, but he also wants to give it as a special gift to all participants to read and re-read every day.

Here are the 7-steps Assembly Instructions For Our New Life: 

1)    Separate yourself from the crowd.

2)    Live each day in a day-tight compartment

3)    Go the extra mile!

4)    Look for the seed of good in every adversity.

5)    Never neglect the little things.

6)    Never hide behind busy work.

7)    Never allow anyone to rain on your parade.

 

I am sure there are many more spiritual principles which one could add to this list.  But as Mr. Mandino’s messenger suggests, it is important to repeat these steps often and act upon them.  Life seems to build on steps, once we take the first, the second, the third etc. we get into a current and that flow nobody can stop anymore. 

In order to get spell-bound by the right kind of message, it needs a whole lot of focus at first.  And most of all, it needs daily reinforcement, repetition, and persistence. 

How to Conquer the "Triangle of Death?"

You may have heard of the Bermuda “triangle of death,” where people have vanished in the Atlantic Ocean, think that I am referring to warfare, or have been aware of certain climbing techniques but what I am talking about here is right with us: in the middle of our face; the triangle between our eyes, nose and mouth.

I was reading an article by Doctor Craig Maxwell, who explained about the dangers which can lurk in this area because of human touch, and the fact that the area is moist, dark and connected to the brain (through the nose and the sinuses.)

Even Doctor Mehmet Oz talked about it one day on his show where he warned us not to touch our nose with bare fingers because bacteria can enter into the sinus cavities by picking it, squeeze a pimple or just scratch it with the nail.

Dr. Martin Spiller goes one step further to clarify the ‘dangerous triangle’ as the door to the brain and the dangers of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis (formation of blood clots).

 

There are several ways to avoid spreading bacteria in the face.  The obvious is not to touch.  But what to do when the nose is clogged or stuffy?  Dr. Ben Kim advises to rinse the nose every night before going to bed.

Some people irrigate the nose with a Neti pot  which is an old Ayurvedic tradition.  Ayurvedic medicine also has the custom of oil pulling.

Dr. Bruce Fife promotes coconut oil for a variety of applications.  In his newest book, Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing he suggests to use coconut for oil pulling and to smear the oil into the nostrils to prevent crusting of the nostrils.  

I wrote once before about oil pulling.  But since I learned about the advantages of coconut oil, I now submit to using it, instead of sesame oil.

Benefits of Oil pulling:

It whitens teeth.  Coconut oil possesses natural antibiotic and anti-viral properties that brighten dull or yellowed teeth and enhance the cleansing action of oil pulling, according to Dr. Bruce Fife. It also improves gum health, eliminates bad breath and makes for a prettier smile.

It clears up acne. The detoxifying effect oil pulling has on the body can also reduce the appearance of skin rashes and other blemishes. "Removing bacteria and toxins from the body eliminates a great deal of stress that results in improved energy levels," said Dr. Fife. And we all know how stress can lead to embarrassing skin problems.

It can lead to a healthy, glowing complexion. Because oil pulling involves "pulling" germs and toxins in the mouth that often leak into the bloodstream, affecting the entire body, Dr. Fife believes that it can improve skin health and appearance. But don't be misled by random myths that the oil activates some unknown enzymes in the mouth that magically detox the body. The health benefits of coconut oil coupled with the cleansing action will have your skin glowing from the inside out.

 


Dr. Bruce Fife

I hope I gave you some ideas on how to triumph over the “triangle of death.”  We all want to empower ourselves and learning health secrets can be very energizing and most of all: saving money.