A rather simple idea, I've had rattling around in my brain, is how this whole "comfort zone" thing works. First of all, it's not always comfortable; I know it's strange, but having been a big fan of my own comfort zone in the past, I know what I'm talking about. A person can get very comfortable with being uncomfortable, or even stressed, which really says a lot about how easily people (including me) can be rather paradoxically irrational. This is so strange because people love comfort, which is why I thought the "comfort zone" should have a different name. I think it should instead be called the "zone of familiarity" since people love what is familiar and well-known to them as much as, if not more than, comfort.
What keeps people from venturing outside the "comfort zone," or as I like to think of it, the "zone of familiarity," is fear: fear of the unknown. But the unknown really isn't something we should be afraid of, is it? I don't think so, and yet, every now and then, I still find myself falling into this fear trap. What am I afraid is going to happen? The end of the world? Death and dismemberment? Of course none of these things are going to happen and I know this and yet I'm still afraid of something. That something is the unknown, and I know that the unknown is uncomfortable for many people hence the name, "comfort zone." But I can recall, whenever I have a mind to, those times in my life when I have taken the initiative, and a little faith, to take a step outside the "zone" and found that many wonderful things lie beyond my borders.
So I guess what I'm trying to do here, for everyone including myself, is give an admonition: Don't fear the unknown, for what is of the unknown can easily and, without risk, be found out. Live boldly and adventurously! Your life will be the better for it.
As always I'd love to have some comments and/or questions. But until next time, God bless y'all!
Nathan Matthew Knerr
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Why I Hate Arguing
Imagine two musicians, each one playing a different instrument, sitting across from each other in a room, and they both are playing exactly the same song, the same tune. If you know anything about the dynamics of sound then you should know that the sounds made of the same frequencies (notes), when played in time with each other, will reinforce the sound of the collective music. Regardless of the fact that there are DIFFERENT instruments playing the notes, and therefore creating different sound waveforms, the sound of the music itself becomes stronger and is more effectively distributed throughout.
The same holds true for arguing. All those involved are playing the same tune, singing the same song, the "I'm Right, You're Wrong" song, which only encourages everyone involved to keep playing it and maybe try it with more gusto. This, of course, accomplishes absolutely nothing in most cases. It doesn't matter whether it's a truly important issue, like the abortion debate, or not. I wonder at how people can think that more aggressively imposing their own beliefs and opinions on people, using whatever means (the newspaper, TV, Facebook, etc.), will motivate others to stop doing the same. After all, it is often said that imitation is the finest form of flattery. Why, in the world, would you want to flatter someone who's being a jerk? By acting like a jerk yourself, no less?
I would like to believe that people argue in the pursuit of truth rather than just to give themselves an ego boost. Alas, I know that this is not often so. Besides, even if it was so, arguing is hardly an effective tool for achieving such a goal. I love the truth, even if it means I get proven wrong myself at times, I won't ever give up this love, and I'll keep seeking it out until the end of my days.
This is my perspective on arguing (most arguing anyway). Please tell me what you think or ask me whatever questions you have. And until next time, God bless.
Nathan Matthew Knerr
The same holds true for arguing. All those involved are playing the same tune, singing the same song, the "I'm Right, You're Wrong" song, which only encourages everyone involved to keep playing it and maybe try it with more gusto. This, of course, accomplishes absolutely nothing in most cases. It doesn't matter whether it's a truly important issue, like the abortion debate, or not. I wonder at how people can think that more aggressively imposing their own beliefs and opinions on people, using whatever means (the newspaper, TV, Facebook, etc.), will motivate others to stop doing the same. After all, it is often said that imitation is the finest form of flattery. Why, in the world, would you want to flatter someone who's being a jerk? By acting like a jerk yourself, no less?
I would like to believe that people argue in the pursuit of truth rather than just to give themselves an ego boost. Alas, I know that this is not often so. Besides, even if it was so, arguing is hardly an effective tool for achieving such a goal. I love the truth, even if it means I get proven wrong myself at times, I won't ever give up this love, and I'll keep seeking it out until the end of my days.
This is my perspective on arguing (most arguing anyway). Please tell me what you think or ask me whatever questions you have. And until next time, God bless.
Nathan Matthew Knerr
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
A Basic Introduction to Me and My Blog
Greetings Visitor,
I'll bet you're thinking, "what is THIS blog for?" It's very simple; all too often, my thoughts are never given a voice - or any kind of form for that matter. Now this may be because of my own passivity or the callousness of others or both. But I blame no one, of course, for everyone has their own life full of its own issues that need to be addressed - that, in fact, can only be addressed by them - and how they choose to do that is their business, not mine.
The simple purpose of this blog is to give me an outlet with which I can share what's on my heart and mind. Here I may post pictures, quotes, ideas, Bible studies, poems, and maybe even complaints; I'll post whatever I feel like posting, and hopefully many of my friends and family will be able to view this blog and gain a better understanding of me, as well as any friends I may make over the internet after starting this blog.
Something I've heard from all the people in my life over and over and, yes, over again is that I have a talent for writing, that I can communicate things with that skill that they've never learned from actually talking to me and that I should do more of it, possibly in blog form. That is the primary goal of this blog.
Something else I hope to gain from this "experience" is a greater self-awareness and engagement with my own mind and with the minds of others that will prove to be edifying for all those involved.
I already have other things on my mind, but they will have to wait for other posts. For now I'll just say, "God bless and 'till next time."
Yours Truly,
Nathan Knerr
I'll bet you're thinking, "what is THIS blog for?" It's very simple; all too often, my thoughts are never given a voice - or any kind of form for that matter. Now this may be because of my own passivity or the callousness of others or both. But I blame no one, of course, for everyone has their own life full of its own issues that need to be addressed - that, in fact, can only be addressed by them - and how they choose to do that is their business, not mine.
The simple purpose of this blog is to give me an outlet with which I can share what's on my heart and mind. Here I may post pictures, quotes, ideas, Bible studies, poems, and maybe even complaints; I'll post whatever I feel like posting, and hopefully many of my friends and family will be able to view this blog and gain a better understanding of me, as well as any friends I may make over the internet after starting this blog.
Something I've heard from all the people in my life over and over and, yes, over again is that I have a talent for writing, that I can communicate things with that skill that they've never learned from actually talking to me and that I should do more of it, possibly in blog form. That is the primary goal of this blog.
Something else I hope to gain from this "experience" is a greater self-awareness and engagement with my own mind and with the minds of others that will prove to be edifying for all those involved.
I already have other things on my mind, but they will have to wait for other posts. For now I'll just say, "God bless and 'till next time."
Yours Truly,
Nathan Knerr
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