Quiescence is defined as being inactive, dormant or still. Being still isn’t easy. It is something excruciatingly painful for some. Our social conditioning compels us to be up and doing. We feel guilty if we aren’t horrendously busy every minute of the day. Our busyness is our justification for taking up space on earth and […]
Non- Fiction
Phrontistery
Phrontistery is defined as a thinking-place; place for study or reflection. A place to think!? Imagine that! A place to think would have the following characteristics for it to fully serve its purpose: It would be a place where no one would disturb or interrupt you. Solitude is the tinder that initiates the fire of […]
Obdurate
You are Obdurate when you refuse to do what other people want. When you are unwilling to change your opinion, or the way you do things; when you are stubborn and persistent in what you want to do; you are Obdurate. When you cannot be persuaded and are resistant to a softening influence, you […]
Nacre
Nacre is also known as mother-of-pearl. It is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs. It is also what makes up the outer coating of pearls. It is strong, resilient, and lustrous. Nacre is secreted by molluscs. The nacre is continuously deposited onto the inner surface of the shell, turning it opalescent. The […]
Maverick
A Maverick is an unorthodox, non- conformist, free- spirit. To my surprise, I found that the word originates from a man called Samuel A. Maverick (1803–70), a Texas rancher who did not brand his cattle. In his time, this defiance from established convention must have been considered not only eccentric but upsetting. And pointless […]
Lighthouse
A lighthouse spelled the difference between life and death for mariners of yore. Lighthouses mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs and safe entries to harbors. They can be a beacon of hope in an endless ocean, marking the end of a voyage. They can assure the traveler a brief respite, a place where he can […]
Kamikaze
Kamikaze is a Japanese word which literally means Divine Wind (Kami: Divine; Kaze: Wind). The word came into being during WWII. A group of Japanese pilots were trained to deliberately crash their explosive- laden planes on enemy camps, ships etc., knowing they will be killed. Since then, Kamikaze has evolved to to mean a character […]
Jinxed
The dictionary defines Jinxed as: bring bad luck to; cast an evil spell on. Yes, there are plenty of Jinxed folk out there. I don’t mean that superstitiously. There is nothing paranormal about these folks. They are mundane and ordinary as you are. Don’t destroy yourself by allowing negative people add gibberish and debris to […]
Invictus
Invictus is a Latin word meaning Unconquered (Invictive (adj) undefeatable). The word has remained in current usage because of William Ernest Henley’s poem of the same name. Since a thing of beauty is a joy forever, here it is for you to experience its magic again: Invictus Out of the night that covers me, […]
Heuristic
Heuristic involves or serves as an aid to learning, discovery, or problem-solving by experimental and especially trial-and-error methods. It also relates to exploratory problem-solving techniques that utilize self-educating techniques. The prefixed self in self- education is actually redundant, like it is in self- discipline. Discipline, like education, is meant to be self-directed and self-monitored. You […]