Introspection

We have to stop using the excuse, "that's just me" or "that's just how they are" to accept people with clear material character defects. At some point, "just me" and "just them" needs to become introspective and evolve into something better. 

Photos by Darrin Baldrige  

I am currently at leadership training for work, and self examining has been a reoccurring topic--surprisingly, I have yet to grow tired of the subject. In my opinion, introspection is important. Often times when we look at ourselves, we see ourselves as what we want to be versus what we really are. I think diving into the layers of our existence and being introspective keeps us honest and helps us identify the areas we need to grow most in. 

I've observed, that it easy for people (myself included) to identify the good in themselves but calling out weaknesses, is another story. Truly looking at ourselves takes courage. I get it, we see mistakes and missed opportunities. But if we remind ourselves that life is a journey and with the right amount of time and pressure, coals can became diamonds- introspection becomes our tool of choice.  **Warning though**, we should be careful with this tool. Sometimes I think I am being introspective and in reality I am being over analytical. We can be our own worst critics, so we have to be conscious that when we self examine we are doing it in a constructive manner.

Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology the process of introspection relies exclusively on observation of one's mental state, while in a spiritual context it may refer to the examination of one's soul. To me, being introspective is the act of looking within and self evaluating, I think it's an act that everyone human should practice. 

No one, I mean no one on this earth is perfect and realizing that is half of the battle. However, as stated above our imperfections are not allowable excuses for us to  repeatedly make poor decisions or to hurt others. So to avoid being a shi%%y complacent person, be a constructive introspective. Constantly ask yourself, "How's my psyche, how's my soul?"  

Another Art Exhibit Post- The 14th Factory

The 14th Factory is a monumental, multiple-media, socially engaged art and documentary experience conceived by the Hong Kong-based British artist Simon Birch. The exhibit is located in an abandoned wharehouse on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles. For the last few months I've seen several post about the exhibit and this weekend I finally had the opportunity to attend. The exhibit gave me Kanye West MBDTF, Frank Ocean Nostalgia Ultra, and Back to the Future vibes (See pictures below to see how I came up with those references). 

The experience challenges the current political climate by celebrating creative diversity, unity and the act of overcoming obstacles and challenges as a global society through sculptures, paintings, and video. I definitely suggest it if you are in the LA area! 

The Broad

It is my goal to visit every art museum in LA, so over the weekend I took a trip to The Broad. The Broad is a contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. I am a lover of the arts and avid supporter of anything that requires left brain activity. Art museums are so tranquil and definitely a positive source of inspiration. My favorite piece was Kara Walker's Africant. At first glance the images can be a bit vulgar but if you truly take time to gaze into the work you begin to see stories unfold of the horrid but REAL truth of a legacy of racism in America. Kara uses silhouetting to portray multiple symbolic images of sex and violence as a result of racism. 

http://www.thebroad.org/art/kara-walker