The Palace of Illusions

 

Getting back to reading the RA Favorite books, it’s been a busy couple of weeks.  The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, is an ancient historical tale that the author has re-told through the eyes of the heroine.  The original story rooted in Indian tradition, taken from Sanskrit, known as the Mahabharata, a tale of the Kurukshetra War and features the fates of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes.  In Divakaruni’s version, she tells the story from the voice of the King’s daughter, Panchaali, who fights historical notions of women, and creates her own legacy as a ruler.  She is told that she will live the prophecy of fighting in the world battle, but early in her life she initially has to fight tradition as a female watching her only brother be trained as a future warrior while she studies and does “womanly” type things. Panchaali decides to have her future read by a “fortune-teller” who describes a life she couldn’t imagine, fighting battles and marrying five men (who end up being brothers, their mother requires she marries them all)…. Guess what happens… ask for the future, and you never know what will happen.  She avenges the life her father would never let her lead and builds the mansion, the palace of illusions, where she becomes the queen.  One of her husband’s gambles the palace and all of their earthly possessions away and Panchaali and the family are driven from their home into the forest hiding in exile.  Finally at the end of being in hiding they fight the war of wars, pitting all of the Indian Kings in battle against one another.  Who will win?  The story does have some level of in depth detail, so the reader needs to pay attention, or else miss it.  It captures ancient times and the flight of the female leader is before it’s time.  After reading the book I tweeted to the author, who answered me back with a “thank you” tweet.  Maybe an invite for an RA book club read this fall?  Good epic story.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Time to go back to ancient times for this RA Favorite book, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (circa 170 AD, they think).  The book has twelve “chapters” that researchers believe was a ‘journal’ that capture the authors views on how to best live his life, almost like an ancient “self-improvement” book. Having a strong foundation in one’s judgement is paramount for a person’s success.  Early in the book he credits his grandfather, great-grandfather, and mother for characteristics that illustrate his belief of balance, self-reliance, and modesty.  He then goes on to credit ancient philosophers for many of the virtues that share in their writings to be the “quintessential man,” who is able to appeal to others through a tranquil, modest, and thoughtful manner in relation to the world. He finally finishes chapter one thanking the Gods for having a family and friend base who provided so much to him for the gifts he has received. 

Here is one section from the book that captures the author’s journaling on the betterment of the person:

If thou shall find anything in this mortal life better than righteousness, than truth, temperament, fortitude, and in general better than a mind contended both with those things in according to right and reason she doth, and in those, which without her will and knowledge happen unto thee by the providence; if I say, thy canst find out anything better than this, apply thyself unto it with thy whole heart, and that which is best wheresoever thou dost find it, enjoy freely.  But if nothing thy shall find worthy to be preferred to that spirit which is within thee; if nothing better that to subject unto thee thine own lusts and desires, and not to give way to any fancies or imaginations before thou hast duly considered of them, nothing better than to withdraw thyself (to use Socrates his words) from all sensuality, and submit to thyself unto the Gods and to have care for all men in general: if thou shall not find all other things in comparison of this, are vile, and of a little moment, then give not way to any other thing, which being once though but afflicted or inclined unto, it will no more be in thy power without all distraction as thou oughtest to prefer and to pursue after that good, which is thine own and proper good.   

The book is fairly straightforward “life’s lessons” to be enacted through the wisdom imparted by those that Marcus holds in highest esteem.  He certainly studied the life and the manners in which people carried themselves and leaves us with some very thoughtful and sensible ways to live our lives.  The book seems to reiterate these lessons, over and over again.  So one chapter may capture most of his thoughts as they don’t necessarily go into layers of depth, but examples are clear-cut for the reader to take from Marcus.  Almost a pre-cursor to the lessons of a more modern Dale Carnegie’s How to win friends and influence people.  Treat others, as you would like to be treated, the golden rule… also good to read books on self-improvement.

The Flowers of Evil

The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire was first published in 1857.  Baudelaire’s work was not greeted with applause and cheer, in fact, the series of poems were seen as an “outrage” by the aristocracy in Paris, whom he openly defiles with the neglect for the poor in the modernization of the urban center. He also takes aim at the “sacred one” for false promises that are not delivered to the poor, but praises our engagement with nature (not necessarily begot from the divine in his context), especially the sea, which he argues offers us reflection, somber and fight.  He also provides short poems on the clouds, evening sunset, and seasons of the year.  The short series of poems also offer insight to his thoughts on exotic perfume and beauty.  His style of rhyming couplets, almost throughout, is a work of art (though remember I am reading the translated version, so probably better in French).  Poets are truly amazing in capturing a thought, an idea, or a moment perfectly, and Baudelaire is no different.  His reflection on how music moves his spirit in the same manner as nature is how musicians I know explain what happens to them when they are working on a project:

                        Oft Music possesses me like the seas!

To my planet pale,

'Neath a ceiling of mist, in the lofty breeze,        

I set my sail.

With inflated lungs and expanded chest,

Like to a sail,

On the backs of the heaped-up billows I rest

Which the shadows veil

I feel all the anguish within me arise

Of a ship in distress;

The tempest, the rain, 'neath the lowering skies,

For me, it captures the places the artists goes when they are consumed by a project (song/piece of art, etc.) that inspires them.  Reminds me of my sister’s work creating a new design for her tiles.  The overall poems are quite short and challenges the reader on a society influx with a new modern view on fellow society and nature.  

This is Water (extra read)

Listening to the words of smart people is motivating and at times JOLTS me to action including reading the short commencement speech, turned into a short story by David Wallace Foster called This is Water.  It is the actual commencement speech he gave in 2005 for Kenyon College graduates (Wallace Foster died two and a half years later taking his own life).  The speech captures the importance of a liberal arts education.  He provides context for learning, the challenging life ahead, and not to believe everything you think to be true.  Be thoughtful in knowing truth, as it is often disguised and not what you may think it is.  Remember empathy, we never truly know the other person’s story. His speech is funny, poignant, and with multiple meanings, as only an intelligent and confused thinker can do.  Wallace Foster was brilliant beyond his own time.  His own confusion and deep thinking cost him his own life.  We lost an intelligent and witty man.  A man who asked us to look beyond ourselves and what we take from this life, but to see what could be possible by treating others with decency.  The liberal arts education is priceless in that it should teach us how to treat others, be conscious of our dealings with others, and act appropriately in our daily life.  The 24 minute speech is well worth your time.    One of the best commencement speeches I have heard in my life, and I have heard more than one should have to be subjected…  Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CrOL-ydFMI  God rest your soul David!  

The Reason I Jump (extra book)

I always enjoy reading a second favorite RA book when the RA I am meeting with can’t make up their mind between two favorites.  On Friday I met with an RA who was so impressive in articulating her journey of life.  It made me easily get excited to read her second favorite book, Naoki Higashida’s The Reason I Jump.  The book tells the story of a 13 year old Japanese boy who has autism and communicates by using an alphabet grid that he has learned from a school teacher who worked hard to understand him.  Higashida’s story was written in 2006 and gained critical acclaim when English writer David Mitchell found the book investigating how he could better understand his own son’s life with autism.  The book is a series of questions that the author responds to, such as: Why don’t you do what your told right away, what’s the worst thing about having autism, why do you move your arms and legs about in that awkward way, and why do you jump?   It is the very first deep insight into the mind of an autistic person from their own words.  It is rather amazing that Higashida is able to provide his full account in basic observable ways.  Patience, love, and on-going listening is the answer.  I was so moved by the responses he provides in ways that gives one pause to realize how difficult it must be for anyone on the autism spectrum.  Higashida also includes a few short stories that he shares that further captures the manner in which we tend to ignore the needs of autistic people.  I have the utmost respect and admiration for anyone who works to understand others, before being understood.  This story demonstrates why this is so important.   Great read, quick read, but worth every minute!  Gain a perspective, pick the book up! Thanks J for the recommendation.  Your brother is lucky to have you!

The Untethered Soul (Extra Book)

Thanks to the AnBryce scholars who provided me with a copy of The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer.  The book was a gift in response to the passing of both my sister and my mother-in-law. It was a very thoughtful gesture, which I so appreciate.  I always enjoy deep thinking about why I am the way I am, how I interact with the world and my environment, how I find peace within myself, and whether I have realized my place in this world in relation to all that swirls around us.  Reflection, at any part of our lives is critically important, and none more important than at the moments of time when it all seems far beyond our own ability to understand “why – bad things happen to good people” and we need to determine what is actually bad.  The book is a journey which attempts to take us beyond ourselves and find a place of “inner freedom.”  It is very Zen like book, which draws upon the tenets of the practice.  Singer does an outstanding job of laying the process out to begin to understand who we are, our barriers, and how to work beyond them by utilizing real life examples.  Removing the clutter; the messages we speak in our minds are the first thing to go.  What a simple concept, yet it is so hard to not knock ourselves, others, and the various distractions that we see and feel every day.  Who is that “inner roommate” and why do we allow the little “person” on our shoulder to whisper things that make us unable to go to where we want to go as a person.  Shouldn’t we all be able to succeed?  What holds us back?  Why allow these voices to impact us so much?  Once we begin to address this, we may be able to really find out who we are.   What energy do we need to get to that place between where the ying and the yang exist?  What type of ‘letting go’ of our failures, our weaknesses, and uncontrollable emotions has to happen?  Finding freedom will invigorate us and allow us to be deeply connected to a self that is not tied to the failings of this world.  In many ways, Singer is suggesting through his work that there is a better place for us… that is outside of this world.  This is a temporary space for us, a space for us to exist, do great things and be prepared for the more lasting life outside of this world.  Clearly there is major overtone of spirituality, a higher being, and a world beyond.  For those who don’t believe in a greater life after this, it may not be as plausible. But for me, and for the work I do with life coaching, much fits into the philosophy I believe.  Singer’s last section of five, goes into depth about how we need to live this life, finding unconditional happiness, working towards a spiritual path of nonresistance, how to contemplate death (we shouldn’t see it as our enemy – so true, the more I live, the more I get it!), the secret of the middle way, and the loving eyes of God.  Even if you don’t believe, I would have you read it to help contemplate – then what?  Thanks, scholars.  A perfect read at a perfect time in life for me.

AVP: Leading from the unique role of Associate/Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs

Always good to read a book for my professional development – on the job reading!  The book is called AVP: Leading from the unique role of Associate/Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, edited by Amy Hecht and Jason Pina.  It is a good introductory read for anyone who is moving from a directorship position in student affairs (Housing, Career Services, Multicultural Affairs, etc.) into the #2 position working directly for a Vice President of Student Affairs.  Each chapter is written by a number of student affairs professionals who provide their personal journeys on the road to or through the Vice President position.  The first chapters capture what it takes to be a great AVP, from competencies necessary to expectations.  The next chapter follows the progression from being hired, what it takes to be successful in the first 30, 60, and 90 days with some helpful tidbits/nuggets of common sense to do the job well and connect to the institutional mission, division goals, and the networks of staff/students who you will need to get to know.  There are some redundancies throughout the book on the supervision piece, managing multiple areas of the division, and ensuring you serve your VP well.  Other focus areas within the book include: navigating politics in the role; human resource management; managing fiscal resources (a 101 version in my opinion); and creating a work-life integration model.  The last chapter was helpful to reinforce eating healthy, integrating a daily physical exercise regimen, and get enough sleep into one’s life.  The only piece I completely disagree with is the idea that the higher you move up, the less interaction you have with students.  I maintain, and always will, that is a personal choice one makes in their life.  If student interaction is something you value, build it in!!!  Chapter 9 focuses on maximizing the role, how to stay motivated and remaining effective.  This was probably my favorite chapter of good solid take-away ideas to be successful.  The last chapter followed the paths of five professionals who landed an AVP position and moved on to VP.  I was much less interested in this chapter, ho-hum good for them, not sure how it was helpful for current AVPs…  Overall a better read for newbies with some self-reflective exercises to keep one thinking about your development.  Pretty quick book to finish with a few nuggets and mostly common—sense, oh-yeah, that is true statements.  NASPA produced book.  Oh yeah, and always fun to be reading a quote that you provided to one of the authors!  Thanks JPK!  

The Buried Giant

I know… what am I doing reading books on Valentine’s Day?.. Well, it’s been too long since I have had the chance to read some good books!  Today I finished a book by one of my favorite authors, Kazuo Ishiguro, who wrote Never Let Me Go (a RA Book Club read), this time it is The Buried Giant.  The book is set in medieval times, soon after the era of King Arthur, as one of his strongest warriors, Sir Gawain makes an appearance in the book.  The story focuses on a married British couple, Axl and Beatrice, who decide to leave their homeland in search of a son whom left their home years ago.  The couple’s memory has faded as the years have transpired, and also due to the she-dragon’s spell, in this case the mist that the dragon spreads among the valley.  Axl and Beatrice set out on their journey and come to a village of Saxons and are joined by a young boy (Edwin) who has been bit by something and the community is afraid the “disease” he now seems to carry will spread to them and his companion warrior Wistan.  The journey to find their missing son includes battles, secret passages, a boat ride that almost drowns them, and a glorious escape from the priests on a mountaintop.  A final battle ensues between Sir Gawain and Wistan to determine who will slay the evil she-dragon.  Wistan prevails!  With the elderly couple close in proximity for the battle they begin to “see” the past as the mist lifts with Querig’s death.  The final passage has the couple begin to realize why in fact their son left their home years earlier, based on infidelities of Beatrice.  Beatrice and Axl begin to face the question of whether their new journey of “life ever after” for the couple is possible as they are asked to separate for a ride across to the ‘forever’ island together or alone.  Is forgiveness really possible?  Do the two trust each other enough to face the past so they can move on to a future together?  Ishiguro, like his previous book, uses metaphors and the device of the ‘mist’ brilliantly.  His storyline is engaging and pushes the reader to understand mortality, companionship, and truth and how does it all fit together at the end of our journey.  For anyone who has ever erred in life and in relationships, it hits one hard.  A beautiful story and one that has an inward reflective set of questions facing us.  Worth the ten year wait from his last book!

The Meaning of Human Existence (extra book)

 

As we prepare for the return of students for the spring semester, I decided to go to Barnes and Noble for a few books to read.  I usually look for some of the favorite novels of all-time, but lately I have been moving towards the recent New York Times Bestsellers.  I chose to read The Meaning of Human Existence by Edward O. Wilson. 

Wilson provides a contrary view to the creationist theory, maybe I’m not capturing him correctly – he reiterates throughout the book that religion serves the purpose of making people feel good in a ‘communal way,’ having each other to support and commiserate during difficult times in life, and religion (at its worse), “makes good people do bad things”.  While he and I don’t share the same belief, it is always helpful for me to read the opposing view, and in this case Wilson presents multiple times WHY there is no God, and how we evolved from chimpanzees.  Wilson, a renowned biologist and author of more than twenty books, is an emeritus professor at Harvard University and has spent years studying various species (even identifying 20+ new species of ants) which leads him to outline a series of arguments that share many of the lessons learned throughout his lifetime. 

The book begins with an overview on why we exist, with a great deal of data on the various forms of life including the development of aspects of nature.  Wilson puts forth the argument that the sciences and the humanities need to be more jointly combined as they are coming together through new discoveries each day. The book flows from his early work with ants to the differences among homo sapiens and other life forms.  Some of the other issues covered in the book include: the social nature of man; how our senses differ greatly from other living species; how we gain our knowledge as homo sapiens; what the worlds outside of earth can teach us; the last chapters focus on instinct, religion, and free will. 

Wilson’s book serves as a philosophical treatise on all he has learned in his life, almost a “this is the truth – damnit!” and his last chapter sums up the future, “in the technoscientific age, freedom has acquired a new meaning.  Like an adult emerging from childhood.  We have a vastly wider range of choices but also a comparably larger number of risks and responsibilities”.  Yes we do.  Just look around at chemical warfare, an unknown outcome for climate change, religious zealots, and the loss of numerous species of living organisms every year.  Is the future bright?  Wilson believes humans are the smartest species and CAN fix all, but our complicated natures may make it impossible.  While he provides hope, like most scientists, he attempts to map out the “how” in doing so.  A brilliant man offering a compelling dissertation (of sorts) in having humans be more thoughtful on the role we play on the evolution of the future.   A heavy dense read, but couldn’t put it down.

Every Day I Fight (extra book)

Statistics show that 39.6 % of all men and women will get cancer during the course of their lifetime.  Staggering numbers.  Get on the subway tomorrow and think that almost every other person you run into will get cancer…..  so goes the story of Stuart Scott in his book Every Day I Fight  who battled with cancer for 7 years.  For those who didn’t know Scott, he was the “new generation” of announcers in sports and helped to build the brand that announcing sports can be fun and connected to cultures outside of the main stream.  Scott, an African-American man, helped break barriers and bring a new way of showing enthusiasm and spark for sports through his nightly Sportscenter broadcasts on ESPN. 

Scott died on January 4, 2015, just over a year ago and this New York Times bestselling book chronicles his life, but most importantly, his journey with cancer.  Scott opens up doors to the uber-masculine athlete type by sharing the pain, the numbing of emotions, and what really matters in life…. Do you know what matters to you?  This book uncovers a soul who turns to God, those closest to him, and explains why you can just be you.  This book hits me personally, as I witness my sister’s struggles, who like Scott, has had multiple cancer discoveries in many places throughout her body.  His approach of not knowing the “chances” and staying fit (where he can) shows the mental fortitude and fight to say “FU Cancer”…..  his ability to accept the ESPY Award for courage in summer 2014, after 17 days in the hospital further illustrates that one can truly attempt anything when the mind and will tell you to.  Highest praise for the man, his family, and caregivers.  Caregivers need more praise as witnessing the decline of a loved one, knowing that there may be limited hope is like the rollercoaster ride that won’t end.  For those with strong wills and no fear, read this book, you may find a bit more compassion towards your own failures and faults that you may not be able to control.  Great and touching tribute to a man… by the man himself.