Daily THOUGHT #75 "Jazz Life"

"Look in the mirror and read your own book, I'm sure there is something in there that will Jazz up the world..."



Hello there my people! How are you this marvelous Monday? I am doing quite well...I just finished my exit counseling with AAMU financial aid so I am one step closer to graduation. As quickly as it is approaching, it still seems so far away. I can't believe after all these years that it will officially be over, my undergraduate tenure on "The Hill". I am very thankful for this experience, be warned...the closer I get to December 9, 2011..the more you will read me cheer on about my Dear Ole Normal!

I want to get a little deep with you all today. I don't plan on being as dynamically expressive as I normally am, but I do plan to make you think and gain my perspective of a subject matter..."Jazz Life". It's amazing how things line up as we live, I always say. This weekend Plan3t 3 provided the entertainment for the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Centennial Celebration Gala held in Huntsville, AL. Mr. Wesley, the former Director of Bands (longest serving) at Alabama A&M University was in attendance and that was special to us, because each member of Plan3t 3 has studied under Mr. Wesley. For him to be there, give us pointers and dance, that showed that not only did he enjoy the performance but he was actually paying attention. He started the AAMU Stage Band (Jazz) in 1975.

Jazz is a musical style that originated in African-American communities in the Southern United States. It was derived from African and European music traditions. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, jazz has since grown from ragtime, bebop, big band and swing into contemporary, fusion, acid, funk and hip-hop. Simply understood, jazz is a style of music that has very intimate chord structure and melodic lines, concluded by the most poetic music expressions known to man through the art of improvisation. Can't you just imagine life working similar to the set up of jazz? I know I can. I believe that things in the world would be in route for greater advancement.

No matter what you do in life, where you go, where you are from, what you plan or what ends up happening...there is a foundation to all that we do. From this foundation, we are able to establish contributors that aid our efforts, from these contributors we are able to find counters that allow us to additionalize (made that up) or re-evaluate...and from the results of further studies, one is able to create a solitude expression of an idea. "Individual expression is the act that leads to human prosperity or tranquility."

In jazz, there is a term used called: standard. Any tune that is a standard is something that has great credibility and has more than likely been played by several different ensembles with many different variations. You can compare to how there a various routes to get to the same location. So whatever is that you do, be that variation that is noticed and leads others to inspire to be noticed. When you are noticed for the efforts of making things better, good things will come your way. When they do, be ready and train others that they may be ready as well.

Isn't it amazing how certain songs just make you move no matter what may be going on. You should think the same way about your life. The fact that you are here and able to do things and see others should mean something dearly to you. Jazz is a form of expression that allows the artist to tell his feelings without words. Release your energies into the world and watch the great dreams you have become reality. Just believe. I like to believe that there is no piece of music that is too difficult to play without the proper preparation. With true focus your life can be a work of art. Make it that way. Enjoy your week, I pray you many blessings. Peace...

-rjhii

Sunday Reflection #8 "HOW SOON THE SOWER REAPS"

"Just as sure as today is Sunday...it shall return and repeat what it wishes!"

How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...Hello there my people. How are you? I am doing very well this fine Sunday afternoon. I pray that everyone has had a great day prior to reading this blog and I hope that it continues to get better. If you have not planned things out for the week, I would like to advise that you go ahead and do so. It will make things so much easier as the unexpected events begin popping up out of nowhere. And for those of you who walk with a positive mindset, you can very much so believe that negativity will be seeking you out. Be ready and stand firm; all will be well.

I guess it's safe to say that my mind has been racing at speeds I have never seen before. A lot of people like to phrase their mind moving fast, as them thinking about a lot of things. Ironically I am the exact opposite. I like to believe that when you are thinking about a lot of things your mind is moving slow. Let's look at children....You gotta be doing something really interesting to keep the attention of a child. If the child doesn't feel that a subject it worthy of acknowledgement, before you can think about it, the child has already found something else to occupy time. That, to me, is an example of a fast mind, a mind that is ready to move on to something different very quickly. Imagine the things that you could do if you slowed your thinking pace down and truly tackled the many tasks that are at hand.

"See, when you think...you become a life farmer." By becoming a life farmer, you take on the responsibility of securing yourself and aiding others. Every time that you come up with an idea or even just a thought, you should plant it. We as a people have so many places where we are able to plant our seeds of life. From here we should be able to watch atmosphere grow as time nourishes the process of manifestation and cultivation. Once this is then in place, it is our job to share. We must share with others our experiences, so that many will be prepared and informed about the world versus few or none at all, knowing nothing at all. Amazingly, when you search to give, the Lord will find a way of delivering opportunity to act on the matter.

Because of this we must be very careful what it is that we sow with others. When you have a chance, you should take a a little time and examine how things line up in your life. What have you been doing? What is going on that has you in a slightly unpleasant mindset? Once you gather those answers, figure out how you got to that point. There are so many options of places where we as humans may plant our ideas....How do you know what's best for you? I will tell you. If I want to plan an event that will involve people from various states and regions of the nation, it would be of my best interest to plan this at least a year in advance. By doing so, it allows all parties to sufficiently prepare and rid themselves of worry. Knowing things ahead of time, ensures that there will be structure. When there is structure, circumstances can arise because there is an already existing firm foundation.

Just the other day I found myself getting upset with someone over nothing and before I could think twice about it, someone was doing the same thing with me. A month or so ago, I received knowledge of an incident where someone (Person A) was smoking and blew smoke into the face of someone who was sleeping (Person B)...Later that night someone (Person C) unexpectedly returned the favor to the original culprit, while he was sleeping (Person A). Every day I am wowed at how things work out. When you take money from people...someone will take money from you, that's just the way that it works.

Everyone knows the phrase "time flies by so fast", but does everyone respect it? I seriously doubt that...because of we did, then I know that we would handle our business a lot better and in a more timely fashion. If we respected that, we would love our friends a lot better than we do...understanding that our time together is not promised. If we respected that phrase, we would understand our life placements and know how to do what is needed to prosper. Instead, we allow things to pass us by, we take advantage of those who will let us and we tend to often disregard those who truly have our best interest at heart. Simple actions that have such impacting conclusions.

Please understand that when you do things, it will return to you. Usually on each blog I write, I tell people to speak to someone that they do not know. I bet you wouldn't believe that since doing so, everywhere I go...people who I have never met before in my life always seem to speak to me and many attempt to hold conversations. This is something that I take mental note of. Be sure that you do the same. When you find yourself doing things that are beneficial to more than just yourself, watch how things begin to happen in your life, take note of it and give God the glory for allowing you to be able to witness him at work.

This week is in your hands to go well or go sour. Do what you have to do (pray, organize, execute) and you will see positive results all week. Speak to someone that you don't know. Remember to keep your inner selflessness! Peace...

-rjhii

Daily THOUGHT #74 "Settle Down"

"Be thankful God gave you music & humor...No situation is too bad for this pair to handle" 

Hello there my people, how are you? I am doing quite well thank you! Well to those who asked how I was doing...=^) any who, what's going on in the world today? It seems like everything is just so hostile to the point where it's intellectually humorous...Example: Person- OMG did you really just get into a fight over some he say she say and then you find out the mess wasn't true? Now you're facing time and you got beat up 0_o! I myself look at situations as such to compare...Example: Did you really just allow the assumptions of human's, prospective THOUGHT to allow you to stop doing what you believe you were put here to do? Don't worry, some of you will catch on a tad bit later.

I guess we act the way we act, because we feel that people need to understand our story and our struggle before they may approach us in any form or fashion, not similar to those forms and fashions that we are familiar to. We have such great guards up, that it makes life to move extremely slow but end so quickly. We miss out on connections we were supposed to make, simply because we did not pay attention. Then we sit and think and wonder why things become what they become...Or do you think about that?

We get so worked up over some of the simplest things. I wish that we could learn to exert our energies into the positivity of the atmosphere. This means, instead of finding time to get irritated at things, especially when you are in the surroundings of people you exert that effort into making the best of the situation. Now this does not mean that everything will always be peachy, if you don't want them to. Even when we face storms in life, we must understand that sooner or later rains will stop and reigns will begin. But what will you do with it and how will you allow it to effect your life? That's what tends to mess us up, because we don't think of that before the time hits.

I tell friends all the time how I wish people could sit up high and look down at the paths of life. We seldom recognize it, but we all are placed in positions at certain times to make great moves that would become an international benefit. Dismissal of selfless humility and disregard to the unknown amazing backgrounds that our peers posses lead us in directions that make us prolong the progression needed to live life in any given manner desired. "We walk with so much to give and receive...but for most, reality doesn't kick in until every connect is disconnected."

I firmly believe that it is possible for the human society to learn to simply deal with each other. It just  takes enough people willing to respect life before personality. When you are able to understand that something has lead the human mind to act out the way that it does whether good or bad, you will truly understand how to live. By taking time to understand this chronology of yourself and others you will begin to see great change in all aspects of the imagination. Change being results of amazement, that we never would have THOUGHT of?

So as you take your daily walks into the world my people, "Settle Down"...Observe your surroundings, fulfill your purpose and do what you need to do in order to keep things in proper progression. It'll all add up soon, I promise. Have a great weekend, be safe and be sure that you go ahead and plan as much as you can for the upcoming week, it'll make things a whole lot easier once you realize it's Monday again. Speak to someone you don't know! Peace...

-rjhii

Daily THOUGHT #73 "Early Signs of Responsibility"

"When you don't think, you don't know what's to come...And if you don't know what's to come, how do you understand Your Responsibility?"

Greetings everyone! I hope that all is well with you on this wonderful Thursday! I am doing very well myself I guess. I'm breathing, so that means there is room to do anything that I feel as well there is room to improve where I feel I am at fault. If you are breathing, then you should feel the same way...every new day that you are allowed to see should give you the urge to make things happen and through persistence and organized strategy you should be able to accomplish any task.

Have you ever had to baby sit a younger sibling, smaller cousin or maybe some random child because it was your occupation? If you haven't just be patient, your time will come...But to those who have, amazing how much responsibility is placed on your shoulders for a short period of time huh? Regardless if it's 30 minutes to go to the store or an entire weekend because of a business or recreational retreat, the duty of being the adviser is a very serious job and takes real consideration and preparation.

Ever been the head honcho of an organization? This meaning that you have been the president, CEO or chairman, etc. Any person who accepts one of those tasks must truly be dedicated. The security of that particular organizations successful continuation is placed on the shoulders of such officers. One would have to be able to balance the business matters as well take time to tend to the needs of the people that are being led. And please, don't forget that one would have to care  for his or herself as well, all in the midst of fulfilling the purpose of the position. This is not meant for everyone to do.

We should be very grateful to all have been made differently. We should thank God that we look different, act different, see things differently and of course possess various talents and gifts that are unique to every single individual. We all have our own personal world changing ability..it's just a matter of us figuring out what it is and what exactly we are supposed to do with it. Have you ever just THOUGHT about what your role in life is or is to be? Do you ever picture the impact that the world would have on the world if we knew what we were responsible for?

Yesterday taught me a lot, from early in the morning until late in the night and it all was quite fitting seeing what day of the month it was. When I publish "Daily THOUGHTS Volume I" you will understand, but until then just imagine that all the signs I ever needed to recognize something were right there in my face and ready for me to either acknowledge and progress or ignore and regress. How ever responsible I wanted to be with the given atmosphere and information would determine the end results of many things to come in the future.

If you allow it to, the mind will roam off to places that we as humans would never really think of being physically or even mentally. But, when this happens it creates opportunity and belief. One who is able to realize that action is needed to make anything happen will endure days of trial and tribulation but in the long run will be able to embrace a desired lifestyle. This lifestyle will be one of amazement as well something for others to look up to. You should be living your life, knowing that others are watching your every move...and you should definitely be watching your every move, knowing that so many people good and bad want to live your life.

At a very young age, one will discover traits that turn into hobbies, after school activities and things to do whenever chores and homework are done. What we don't realize is that each of those tasks are to be treated with great respect and admiration. Whenever we indulge in any matter, we must first focus and realize that there are more people that will be effected by our actions than just ourselves. We also must realize that what we do will create a lineage of things that will be done.Our ideas are always supposed to be carried out, it's just a matter of timing...I will talk about that more tomorrow.

If you have been chosen to be in a position of great responsibility, do not take it lightly or become passive. When this happens all things that could possibly go wrong will go wrong. We must be just as those innovators and movement speakers of the past were. When they established an idea, way of being or something that would improve society...they cherished it, nurtured it and constantly worked on ways to make things better. We as a people must learn to do the same thing and very quick like if we want to see improvements in our land anytime soon. "Early Signs of Responsibility" are all around us, we must pull our personal guards down and accept what is being provided through the signs of life. Once we do this we must then march forward in the efforts of making change in someones life.

Go forth my people and fulfill your purposes and live out your responsibilities. The state of mind and life we live in will be so much better when this happens. Enjoy your day and speak to someone you don't know. Peace!

-rjhii

Daily THOUGHT #72 "Real Meditation"

"Life will stretch you into many positions, but when you are prepared mentally...None of that really matters!"

Hello there my people! How are you? I am well, just resting from yet another interesting day. Plan3t 3 played for the AAMU Veterans Day Program and once again it was an amazing eperience. I love playing with these guys and the performance is always quite entertaining. For some reason music has that effect on me. It takes me to a whole nother realm of relief and release. Being able to release your emotions into something is always good for the inner spirit and works wonders as you adust to the ways of the world.

Do you ever take time to really focus on things? I know over the years, this has been a real serious issue for me...but the more that I indulge in the ways of the world, it becomes that much easier to figure out things on my own. As you get older you will learn, to really be successful at something, you have to take the time and dedicate yourself to whatever it is that you desire to do. I like to think about the evolution of society when I contemplate on my ideas. There was always a beginning to everything that you are associated with...and if there was no drive or persistence before, it would not exist.

We as humans have to learn when and where to be completely focused on a matter. Many times we go through situations that make us believe it is necessary to devote all of our energy and emotions to that particular accurance. Knowing when to do so is what will separate a person who is able to adapt and someone who chooses to ignore surroundings. Somedays the enemy will make us endure something, so that when we get around certain people we will turn into loners. By turning into a loner, you disregard the feelings and conversation of others, now don't get me wrong...this is not always intentional but it does happen and when it does, you may miss something that is vital for your life.

Being able to meditate takes serious discipline. One must be able to isolate the mind and body all at the same time. As we go through difficult trials we find it rather easy to be able to dismiss the body from being surrounded by other individuals, but it's not so easy when you attempt to dismiss the mind as well. Professional artists are the best at meditating, I feel. Having to perform in front of massive crowds and constantly traveling can ware and tear on even the best of us, but with proper prepartion, anything is possible. How do you prepare yourself for the challenges of life?

Whenever you are ready to devote your abilities to your imagination you will then discover that there is nothing but potential and affirmation before you. By being able to concentrate on something whole heartedly, you will then see that there is truly a purpose for every idea. Take time to sit down with yourself. Focus on what you believe is important and then formulate the solutions that will get you to the proper destination. Time is not always promised, but as long as you are living, you have time to do anything you want to. Pave your own paths so you don't have to depend on others to make things happen for you.

"Real Meditation" is all you need if you want to organize your ideas to implement action. Don't allow fears to prevent you from reaching your goals and don't let people stand in the way of completing whatever you may feel is an important task. Turn some music on or read a book...seems to work for me! Enjoy your Tuesday, write you all tomorrow! Peace...

-rjhii

Daily THOUGHT #71 "Huge Decisions"

"All of your ideas are there for a reason...You just have to learn how to order your steps!"

Happy Monday everybody! How are you this fine November day...? I am doing pretty well, I just got back from New Orleans...about 5 hours ago, 0_o ...right! I'm extremely rested though and for the first time in a long time I'm mentally motivated. So many times we come up with the brightest ideas, but we have trouble figuring out how to make it over those unseen and the extremely large visible hurdles. "The THOUGHT of having patience is something that will temporarily be beneficial to you and your mental psyche, but is that not just another way of one having to wait to accomplish or receive something?" That's how I look at it.

Ever since I have started assisting at J.O. Johnson High School, it has been nothing less than entertaining. There is something that works me up hysterically every evening =^). None the less though, the most important thing I have been exposed to is the current high school society. Reggie what do you mean by high school society? Well my friend it's simple...The environment, the atmosphere, the kids, the parents, events, activities, opportunities and actions in the realm of a high school, all contribute to forming the high school society. The world, America especially, is comprised of so many micro societies. One who is able to adjust in a sporadic form of exposure is indeed crafty, but is that serving any purpose?

Sometimes we will be faced with challenges that will indeed make us desire to leave an environment entirely all together. Because of our personal views, pressure buttons ( or things that work our temper), energies from those certain irritating people and the speed of progress and purpose or lack there of maybe..."We be ready to go". I like to believe that everyone is placed in every situation for a reason. Any of my regular viewers know that this perception is very dear to me. What we have to realize as citizens, is which role do we play? In life there is the initiator, the receiver, the disputer, the supporter and the non-partisan that will budge based on sufficient persuasion. With each decision, it is important that each of those people be in consideration of the other in order to move forward in a positive direction.

It's amazing to me how life will present a person with an opportunity to really shine, be successful and well known by the people. When this opportunity arrives, one of three things will happen. Either a person will turn down the opportunity and travel in a different directional path all together, a person will either find a way to get everything done while involving others...or finally, a person will take total advantage of this opportunity but in a self-righteous manner...Not saying that it is wrong to turn down things that come your way, because sometimes that's the best decision...but for a person to be the opposite of selfless when a break through chance comes about, then one's character is truly defined.

As we examine our talents and intelligence, it becomes rather easy for us to know what it is that we need to be doing in the world. The thing that we must always reflect on is how we got there. Someone took the time to prepare us for the future of our endeavors or some situation gave us the motivation to pursue our ideas. How will you face the challenge of being in life's mirror? When you see your chance to be a bridge builder for another individual what actions will you take? Too often we don't think about the aftermath of a situation and how it will be beneficial or non-beneficial, simply because we become socially indecisive. When we allow the idea of being approved by others to enter our brain, it is then when we begin to loose focus with the task at hand. How many times has this happened in your life?

Something they used to say in the church all the time, back at home, was "Time is winding up...Will you be ready?" Take a second and ask yourself that. Each day we have to decide if we will get out of the bed or sleep a little while longer. We have the choice of breakfast or not eating anything at all the entire day. We see missed calls and messages, we have an opportunity to return those or disregard them as if they don't even exist...and at some point in life you will be faced with the decision of determining, realizing and understanding what time has in store for you! When this decision comes you will more than likely be faced with the choice of doing something that you really enjoy and will get you all the materialistic things and exposure you could never even imagine or doing something that you love deep down inside, that may not have the best benefits right off, but because you are genuinely being of great contribution to others...Doors will open and you will be amazed on levels never expected. Go back and read this again and think about that.

I am so blessed to see things when I see them. Now, as one of my twitter followers told me, everything that I want to do is in my hands. My effort, enthusiasm and faith will determine if I'll get there and how long it will take. We are faced with "Huge Decisions" everyday...Don't let this be something that slows you down from daily progress. Look at the challenge as nothing but a workout. In the early stages, when you go workout the idea is to push yourself to the limit of not being able to go anymore. From this point you will be able to increase the workout regime as well the intensity level. Look at life's decisions the same way. With an open mind and belief in prosperity, tasks that one day seemed to be the most difficult ever will be nothing to handle. As I work on this myself, I encourage you to procrastinate less and take action more. From now on, look that those "Huge Decisions" in the eye and let them know who is in control. Consider the effect it will have on others and watch how positive things will be in your life. Have a great week! Speak to someone you don't know. Peace!

-rjhii

Sunday Reflection #7 "COMING HOME"



"The glory of life alone should be enough for one to Spring Forward..."


Greetings my people! How are you? I hope that all is well with everyone. I am doing pretty well myself, just bringing closure to an amazing AAMU Homecoming experience. It was so great to be amongst my Bulldog Family. We had a great time and reflected on some amazing memories. Those of you who have been following my blog know that this was the first year that I wasn't marching in the band, so to be in the stands as a fan is a whole different perception. You recognize so much more and you are exposed to things that you never even imagined would happen. I thank God for that opportunity. I met some great people and shared some everlasting memories.

Today I want to focus on "COMING HOME". Any of my MMW members who may read this know the familiar saying that we chant during Homecoming week. This reflection will be quite similar to that, in a sense. As I walked the on campus and downtown Homecoming parade with J.O. Johnson High School, I saw so many signs and so many people that were influential in my current life movement. To observe the entire atmosphere was overwhelming and to feel the energy that was around me was very interesting. God will use some of the most simple things to tell us about life. If you take the time to actually view what he is trying to tell you, you may find yourself discovering the answers to the questions that have had you stumped for sometime now.

So I went to New Orleans this weekend for a gig and let me tell you it has shown me so much. This was a homecoming for the person I rode with, so it's only fitting that I mentioned it. When you go home it gives you an opportunity to reflect upon the teachings and experiences that made you who you are before venturing off into your own patterns. Seeing old faces and visiting old places allows the fire to be re-lit or blown up some more when these connections are made. You never know when you are playing the role of narrator when surrounded by or interacting with other individuals.

He will take the actions on someone else to show us what's going on in our own lives. Yesterday I watched two people walk to the same spot but from different locations. From where I was positioned, I could see the both of them, but they couldn't see each other. When they reached the same spot, the young lady tripped over a wooden frame and fell right into a young man who then was forced into the glass fire extinguisher case that was directly behind him. If he had not been there, at the exact moment that she had arrived, she would have went through the glass case, that's how intense her fall was. Look at God! He actually does this with us all the time

By "COMING HOME", you come to your senses. Whether things are what you want them to be or if the experience is something that you really didn't want to endure, it lets you know how things in life truly are. As we get older we begin to develop different interpretations of the way things should go. As we surround ourselves with various people we begin to indulge in certain activities as well habits that create our lifestyle. Though you may begin at home, in due time you will leave the nest and branch off to your own individual things. When this is done and you return home, you will then compare what you learned there to what you learned wherever you are currently. How does this impact your life? How does this make you viewed amongst the people that you began everything with? What do you do to pay homage to what you've learned from both experiences?

Life has such a funny way of informing us how the world is. Now the hard part is us being able to differentiate a distraction from the enemy and a message from God. As time progresses as it will, things will become more identifiable to you. Once this takes place, you must ensure that you are acting upon what is before you instead of letting opportunities pass you by. It's so simple to be complacent and un-enthused with the matters of the world. It's even easier to allow someone else to deal with situations, that may be difficult, even when you know that you could be of assistance. Why are we so hesitant to act on our intuitions? Why do we feel it's not our responsibility to care and look out for one another?

"COMING HOME" is a mental state of being. When you first enter the earth all you really have is your eyes and a brain that is waiting to absorb like a sponge. Your surroundings create your first impression of how the world will truly be...You have the hardest time trying to get to the people (the birth process), when you get there they smack you (good ole' doctor), isolate you (baby waiting room) and force you to do whatever is wanted (tests and release). A real citizen will be receptive only because this is what one is born into. But, when the time comes for you to lead, observe and welcome others...What will you do?

We are so blessed to have life my people, respect and cherish that for we know not when that simple gift will be taken away from us. Call home from time to time, get up with your friends and other relatives as often as you can and learn to love life for what it is, not what you particularly want it to be. Once we as humans learn to release our personal desires in order to understand the conceptual framework of society our nation and the world as a whole will be so much better off. Pray for others, be selfless and learn to appreciate the idea of having breath. One day we will all go home. Where will your home be? Have a great week, stay positive and speak to someone you don't know. Much love world! Peace...

-rjhii