Self-awareness & Emotional Intelligence; Two Essential Elements to Navigate through Actuality of Life in Respect to the Digital World & Creating a Positive Demeanor

As human beings, it’s in our nature to be self-destructive through the infatuation of what we desire. With moderation of time, there’s always been a lack of effort in recognizing the concept of individuality towards the contributive tendency of unfolding reality in regards to any aspect of our daily lives. I really do believe that our words and actions carry the weight that creates a ripple effect in our surroundings. Thus, leading to having a type of influence that radiates within the circle of family, friends, coworkers or even strangers that we cross paths within our existence. As 2020 approaches, I can’t help but fathom the sort of changes we’ve manifested in our environment that extends within the span of our society. It’s quite captivating and strange to see a shift of pattern that’s gravitating towards narcissistic attitude as it progresses forward. Perhaps, this could be a domino effect that may have sprung from the existence and the mismanagement of social media over the decade. Although, we’ve adapted and kept pace with the culture of innovative technology and social media. I think it has infiltrated our capacity to think bigger and compare our lives to each other that is more so a fantasy than actuality. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep a comprehensive understanding of the parallel distinction between the actuality and virtual aspects of life, as it can be disruptive towards our collective sentiment overall for the environment that we surround ourselves in.

Through my experience of interacting with most people around me, it has led me to arrive at the conclusion that we’re always interested in perceiving the idea of connecting well with someone based on something tangible that impresses one’s ability to conceive an adequate relationship. We are losing focus on our ability to give more importance to the conduct of our morale in humanity that we share as a whole regardless of our indifferences. Yet, it’s more pleasing to feel self-entitled by the ownership of materialistic things we pursue or attain in life. I, myself am guilty of it; but I do believe it is relatively essential for us to not negate anything intangible relative to the subject of emotional intelligence. It seems to be losing its significance now more than ever. Our instinct has been manipulated over the decade to see the world transmit in accordance with the digital world and take that as a measuring stick to set the bar of our standard of living. Thus, creating an effect and a backlash for those who feel like they are missing out; undermining the reality in a grand scheme of things, as well as, our unique ability to stay lucid with what makes us human. For all we know, some people that we meet could be faced with harsh realities and underlying circumstances, and smile through it all. It’s so important that we start valuing relationships by being compassionate and kind to each other. Because the alternative is that some of us are willing to grow out of what makes us human, and transition to either grow arrogant in the process by devaluing those that are less fortunate or even worse by belittling those who are compatible due to envy. Often, there is an unrecognized fine line between arrogance and pride which ends up being crossed during the process of attaining what we desire. There is a paradigm in our nature to want more so that we can feel accomplished. Most of the time we aren’t pleased until we get recognition from external sources around us, without fully allowing ourselves to live up to the capacity of being fulfilled and be content in the moment. Hence, materialism becomes problematic when we lose our capability to have self-awareness and move forward without acknowledging our purpose in life.

I can’t help but fathom a disposition in the number of people tumbling in anxiety and depression over the years. I, myself, can vouch to be empathetic towards the phenomenon that seems to remain under the radar and is overlooked in our common lives until we experience it firsthand within our social groups. We tend to make life complicated usually because of the expectations that we set for ourselves and others around us, which is as natural as it can be. However, what most people don’t realize is that expectation is our internal navigation towards an understanding of how we chose to perceive ourselves and others. Therefore, our aim to set our mind to inherit good thoughts and positivity will allow us to stay indestructible regardless of any opinion others may have about an individual. Anything external is a matter of judgment based on their perception, allowing for someone to accept only that which is beneficial for their personal growth; whether it is positive or negative.

Perceive

The fact of the matter is that our lives are interconnected now more than ever due to having social media, where the information about personal lives are shared and projected for us to conceive. It’s ideal for us to interpret what is presented before our eyes. Yet, it’s not always the case that seeing is believing. On the contrary, things aren’t always as it seems. Creating social identity is necessary, but we need to find clarity in having self-identity first. Often, we end up defining ourselves by the things we pursue in life. Although, that doesn’t really imply to who we are as individuals. Somehow, the idea of being successful is perceived as securing large accumulated net worth. It’s mainly portrayed to us on social media through celebrities and or business entrepreneurs that we start to idolize & incorporate that as culture in our common lives. Indeed, that is a misconception; net-worth isn’t equivalent to self-worth. Although, money is resourceful for our needs and wants as we all desire for a quality life. However, true value isn’t determined by the things that we pursue & own in life. Rather, it’s the attitude towards an objective that is utilized through an individual’s demeanor. Being true to the core values that allow an individual to stay well-grounded and stick to the foundation throughout the course of different stages in life. Therefore, it’s fair to keep the skepticism that our society has gradually started to deteriorate morally due the sources of self-interest, mainly materialism, that has made people remarkably consumed with a perception of life which can be dangerously deceptive & toxic for us in the long run if we truly want to keep in touch with our morality.

Manage

Being pretentious is almost as rash, and if anything worse than arrogance. Anyone with the right intellect knows that true confidence is attained by having humility and acknowledging the fact that there isn’t any need for external validation. Authenticity is real, and it seems more genuine to people. Unlike, pretentiousness, or a make-belief that is quite transparent on those who seek others approval. Therefore, self-esteem is key, but self-awareness is an ultimate solution to keep excelling for the betterment of our own wellbeing: physically, mentally & spiritually. Once that is accomplished, the nature of our attitude will shift entirely in a positive source of enlightenment. Consequently, those who are genuine and likeminded will reciprocate the same energy, creating a better atmosphere, which eventually will lead to a healthier lifestyle overall.

Understand

Comparing lives among each other only creates the drawback for an individual to fully acknowledge their own potential. It’s more powerful when the focus is remained on creating our own reality and let others deal with theirs. Most of the time, people struggle to face their insecurities due to the fear of judgment from others. That shouldn’t be the case because everyone has an ideal that differs from one another. The commonality is to look for faults within and work for the betterment of ourselves. It’s absurd and pointless for an individual to ever think of themselves in high regard because there are areas that every individual lacks perfection in. So, the best solution for avoiding negative repercussions in our social circle is to keep an open mind by allowing others to grow comfortable in their own skin and not be so judgmental. After all, acceptance is the force that drives us to have an outwardly behavior. Thus, being our authentic selves, accepting our flaws and staying centered on the uniqueness that variates our potential to somebody else’s allows self-confidence to build within which helps us adhere to our surroundings. Perhaps, that is more genuine and receptive to creating a healthy environment. Also, it would be less complicated for us if we can learn to respect and appreciate individualism. Ultimately, that serves a better purpose for each of us to learn something from others regardless of our indifferences.

Facilitate

Our natural disposition towards the outlook of a circumstance, especially under pressure, is to look for someone or something to point fingers. It’s quite easy to let our emotions take control, and not necessarily analyze the situation, to begin with. For most people, including myself, it’s hard to think otherwise that perhaps we may be wrong, or the abrupt approach should’ve been avoided to solve the problem rather than making matters worse. Our judgment is mainly one-sided; either lead by our emotions or simply based on rationality. I believe it’s crucial for each of us to develop having them both aligned in order to keep relationships healthy and maintain the flow in a positive direction. Emotional Intelligence is our guide to be in sync within our social circle and have the understanding to create meaningful relationships in any environment. However, we must learn to navigate ourselves first and understand our emotions; our moral compass. Hence, empathy is one of the essential traits to inherit that directs us to establish vibrant relationships.

Therefore,

It starts with having the right Vision, It All begins with US.

When we encourage, and not discourage. When we start giving others the benefit of the doubt, instead of doubting and using them for the sake of our own benefit. When we reflect positivity through our actions and stay negligent to any sort of negativity that disrupts a peace of mind.  When we start giving more and taking less. When we shift our lenses from ‘lack of potential’ to ‘full of potential’. When we find similarities in each other, rather than focusing on our differences. When we accept vulnerability and allow ourselves to be able to grow comfortable in our own skins. When we choose Love, not fear, yet be vigilant and be willing to stand against Hate. I believe in the power of positivity, and every individual can implicate it in their daily lives as a tool to create an impact within their social circle. The art of influence exists within us, and if it is being nurtured with the right discipline, it can have a ripple effect on a larger scale. The question we must ask ourselves is this; are we going to act on it now, or leave it till later? Do we care about creating a healthier future now? Do we seek change? Or are we comfortable in our shoes, and carry on turning a blind eye? Do we have what it takes? Do we have the courage? …

 

 

Creativity

Creativity is a sense of clarity with defining a subject of work in a profound manner.

Perhaps it is a pattern to a solution that can help solve a problem;

even arrive at a conclusion.

A skill that can be manifested in various professions.

An ability to choose mind over matter,

Just like climbing the ladder, and overcoming any barrier;

Therefore, reinventing its meaning as an act of perseverance.

On a personal note,

Creativity can be displayed through many ways of expression, writing per se;

Where it’s just an individual’s mind vs. the pen, and missing words waiting to fill up the empty pages.

After all, that’s what life is about;

Willingness to keep moving forward when it pushes back.

Executing all the conflicts by having the strength to face it.

Really what I’m trying to say is,

I can put the pen down in the middle of the page,

and stop me from finishing off a story because it’s too hard to focus.

However, if I give up now

I’d miss on an opportunity that could turn out to be a masterpiece

Artistry through Music, and it’s Cause & Effect

It’s no surprise that music is a form of art; a language of expression that is projected through the work of an artist. For some people it comes naturally to be able to sing, create content and melodies which end up being record hits. However, for most, it’s the challenge of perfecting the art and producing a content that reaches the charts and excel. Being an artist is a form of storytelling and creating a substance to voice the heartfelt experiences that can be heard by everyone on many levels because of our emotional capacity, which is compatible universally regardless of the indifference in racial background & traditional beliefs.       

The genre of Rap has been quite influential over the culture of music & entertainment. It has gone through so much complexity over the years that it has left someone that grew up listening to hip-hop from early 90’s in nostalgia because of the polarization of it overtime. In high school, I found myself in tune with rap music because it always played in the cafeteria during lunch time & gym class. I had an mp3 player with selective songs from various artist: Akon, Eminem, G-Unit, Nas, Jay-Z, Fabulous & the list goes on. After a while, a friend of mine introduce me to Tupac & the Outlaws from the 90’s. I was intrigued to some of their record hits and the story line throughout high school up until now. After discovering their music, I started listening to Hip-hop. To my knowledge, the culture of Hip-hop was originated in the music industry during early 80’s. The ideal form of hip-hop was to be raw in delivering poetic verses & expression of a kindled spirit through the mic. Also, forming unity to become the voice for the people under oppression. That’s how I had seen it ever since I discovered groups like, Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, Outkast & The Roots. It truly was a golden era that remain classics to this day.

Today, there is recognition from few Artists in the music industry who are keeping it authentic by representing the culture of Hip-hop in its true form. For example, the transformation of J.Cole, Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar & the late rapper Nipsey Hussle has been exceptional throughout the decade. Embarking on a footprint which I believe resembles the legendary late rapper, Tupac Shakur, from the 90’s.

Not too long ago, I remember coming across a video of an interview which showed Tupac making a record during his time in prison. In the middle of it, he mentions something so immaculate to the interviewee which is in-comprehensive to most of the Artists in this decade.

“Don’t support the phonies, support the real. How can these people talk about how real they are, and they don’t care about our communities? They talk about I’m this and I’m that, but they don’t give a sh*t about the community. Listen to the words that people say in their lyrics, and tell me if that’s some real sh*t, if that’s real to you? Listen to what they’re saying. Don’t just bob your head to the beat, peep the game. And listen to what I’m saying and Hold us accountable for it.” – Tupac Shakur

This shows the integral process of a mindset behind the art of his work & his personality. A true Artist with integrity & clarity of his role in society. Now a days, our natural way of thinking has been manipulated by most of the rappers who dehumanize the role of men & women through their songs. I may sound hypocritical due to my interest in listening to it. However, I’ve always remained admirable of rap from a perspective of storytelling. Thus, listening to artists that are underground and purely talented in the literacy of their expression in a poetic way. I’d like to believe that majority of us are still independent thinkers & recognize the epidemic of music. “Choose wisely” is the terminology that explains best to what we listen to because it affects us, whether we believe it not. It’s a basic psychological concept that many of us are being negligent of while listening to music. Our behavioral instinct is shaped through the ability to allow what we hear and see. Of course, there is positive and negative approach to everything; it’s called cause and effect. Right now, songs with negative connotation is widespread, and it’s reflected through our social interaction because of the popularity on mainstream media. I believe rap music is filled with infectious lyricism that is poisonous for the millennials who are plunged in negativity now more than ever. It is incorporating a culture that is steering us in the direction of exploiting the parallel distinguish between unethical & ethical values, fantasy & reality.

Table 1: Greatest of All timeline in Hip-Hop

Commercial (Hollywood)	Non-commercial (Underground)
Eminem	Outerspace
50-Cent	Jedi mind tricks
Tupac & the Outlaws *	Snowgoons
Biggie	Turk N Tyke (TNT)
Papoose	Immortal Technique *
Big L/ Big Pun/ Nas	Lowkey *
Young Jeezy	Akala
T.I	Mic Righteous
The Roots*	English Frank
Wu-Tang Clan	Logic Peoples Army
Tribe Called Quest	Sabac Red
Rakim/ Mobb deep/ Fugees	Viro the Virus*
Lil Kim/ Erykah Badu/ Lauryn Hill	Divine *
Kendrick Lamar	MC Altaf
Logic	Naezy Da Baa
Nipsey Hussle *	Outlandish
J.Cole (Dreamville)*	Native Deen *
Meek Mill	Muslim Belal

These are some of the deliberate artists among few more from all around the world, in my opinion, who have kept the authenticity of retaining hip-hop in its true form. The mastering of their craft on & off stage and using their voice to represent their identities. The star besides the name represent a significance of their work and music that is legendary. In UK, London, the culture of hip-hop is rejuvenated in rap music till today through mainstream media and non-commercial platforms. Due to the freedom of access to create a platform through social media; some of the upcoming artists have lacked creativity in the process of making their music over the decade. For an artist to grow independently, making music is easy because that should be natural for them to deliver. However, it can be tricky from the business aspects because they’re trying to sell it to their audience. It seems as if it’s all about the quantity over quality in order to earn their stripes. The negativity has consumed all the “Artists”; they are being illusive on keeping the art contemporary by projecting the elements in their lyrics of accustomed & a privileged lifestyle that is represented in Hollywood by Artists who have been in the industry for a long time. Upcoming rappers are fabricating and glorifying themselves through their work to accumulate funds & gain popularity that will remain for the short period of time. Eventually, leading them to have consumers who aren’t going to stick to their material in the long run. This should be important and meaningful to an artist because it’s also the people who believe in their potential because music is relative through the art of storytelling which is universal.

“Music for the soul” is an expression that is used to appreciate an artist’s song because to an extent it causes one to vibrate on the same energy that’s sensational, and allows their mood to be enlightened. Therefore, it’s important that the energy that is sent out is positive because that is going to be receptive to their audience. At the end of the day; for an artist, it’s the matter of having self-awareness in creating a blueprint for them to grow and attract like-minded individuals to feel included on the same journey as theirs. The purpose of music is to let the talent display & shed light through creative endeavors. I believe true form of artistry is mastering the concept of remaining deliberate on a craft that represents an embodiment of an individual, and their ability to stay authentic through it all. Yes, music is there for the purpose of entertainment & it’s fun to listen to. However, I believe, even on the stage we must salute what is real and organic. Thus, as an audience or fans exposed to the different genres of music; we should be actively coherent on the kind of artists we invest our time listening to because it cultivates the behavior and the outlook of their understanding of life, which definitely has an influence because of it’s ability to resonate through us.