GUANTANAMERA
Lately I have been re-connecting to my Cuban heritage. After all, I am a first generation Cuban born and raised in New York City. But, it's more than that because my heritage hasn't changed since I was born. Just my attempt at displaying sarcasm. Or maybe it's because my two daughters have expressed a burning desire to learn about their Latin heritage. Maybe it's just because as we get older, and closer to our mortality, we want to accept who we are. Who knows what the real reason. If I ever find out, I will certainly write about it. So, in this phase of my life or evolution, I have been listening to a popular Cuban song titled Guantanamera. Which translates into a women from Guantanamo, which is a city on the southeast tip of Cuba where the notorious Guantanamo Bay military base/detention camp in located. It was written from a point of view of a Cuban revolutionary. It is the best known Cuban song. It was made famous by the poetry of Jose Marti. It is a loving peaceful song. I recently went to a funeral where is was sung. But, it was a horrific rendition because it was sung by a non-Spanish speaking singer. It would be like me singing a popular Chinese song that should be song in its native language in English. Especially since I don't speak Chinese. There have been many different verses and variations but in general, the themes are all the same of peace and love. The first verse that opens the song is; " I am a truthful man from the land of palm trees.. Before dying I want to share these poems of my sole..."
So I started thinking of where we are as a country and all the division that many, irresponsibly advance. The questions that seem to continually come to mind is why can't we use love and respect towards our fellow humans? Why is it that it has to be one way or else? Why is it that individuals with a different opinion or point of view than someone else's gets canceled? Why is it that in today's climate there seems to be a push to separate people by the color of their skin? One article will not answer the aforementioned questions but, I hope it gives you food for thought. I go back to the song and title of this article, Guantanamera. I have concluded, at least for me, that it is not difficult to change the ills of the world one person at a time. Or one thought at a time. It all starts with the individual. It is easy to feel demoralized, defeated and give up. That is what some in power want us to feel. Shame on us for allowing and buying the division that they are selling. One thing for sure, we can't change how others think or react but we can certainly change our thoughts and behavior. It is our responsibility to think and live the way we want to without the input or influence of others. We may not always know what another person's motive is but we certainly know our motive. We have powers that were given to us by our creator. Powers that are inalienable and can never be taken away unless we give them away. I see today many individuals giving away this immense power and becoming like sheep. Life is not meant to be lived as a sheep. If it was, we would not have the free will to live as we please. Let's start living life under our terms. It is never too late. We live in the most prosperous country on the planet. Sometimes it's difficult to remember that, especially if you listen to the news. You see, those in power, regardless of who they are, can remain in power by dividing us as a nation and as a people. America is truly a wonderful country. Just ask yourself why is it that many millions around the world would rather live in America? Why is it that some would risk dying to try to get into our country through our southern border? I see a revolution but not in a traditional sense. The next big revolution is that we the people will become enlightened. You see, when we become enlightened, we start to really live a meaningful life. That is when we start to share the poems of our soles with our fellow people, as is stated in Guantanamera. I leave you with a quote on point. "The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane." Mahatma Gandi.
Just a thought.
So I started thinking of where we are as a country and all the division that many, irresponsibly advance. The questions that seem to continually come to mind is why can't we use love and respect towards our fellow humans? Why is it that it has to be one way or else? Why is it that individuals with a different opinion or point of view than someone else's gets canceled? Why is it that in today's climate there seems to be a push to separate people by the color of their skin? One article will not answer the aforementioned questions but, I hope it gives you food for thought. I go back to the song and title of this article, Guantanamera. I have concluded, at least for me, that it is not difficult to change the ills of the world one person at a time. Or one thought at a time. It all starts with the individual. It is easy to feel demoralized, defeated and give up. That is what some in power want us to feel. Shame on us for allowing and buying the division that they are selling. One thing for sure, we can't change how others think or react but we can certainly change our thoughts and behavior. It is our responsibility to think and live the way we want to without the input or influence of others. We may not always know what another person's motive is but we certainly know our motive. We have powers that were given to us by our creator. Powers that are inalienable and can never be taken away unless we give them away. I see today many individuals giving away this immense power and becoming like sheep. Life is not meant to be lived as a sheep. If it was, we would not have the free will to live as we please. Let's start living life under our terms. It is never too late. We live in the most prosperous country on the planet. Sometimes it's difficult to remember that, especially if you listen to the news. You see, those in power, regardless of who they are, can remain in power by dividing us as a nation and as a people. America is truly a wonderful country. Just ask yourself why is it that many millions around the world would rather live in America? Why is it that some would risk dying to try to get into our country through our southern border? I see a revolution but not in a traditional sense. The next big revolution is that we the people will become enlightened. You see, when we become enlightened, we start to really live a meaningful life. That is when we start to share the poems of our soles with our fellow people, as is stated in Guantanamera. I leave you with a quote on point. "The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane." Mahatma Gandi.
Just a thought.