Stimuli E-Book

Leonard Oshiokhamele Anetekhai

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 82

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

This outstanding piece of literature is an exquisite compilation of free-verse poems and stimulating reflections that will captivate readers with their touching and evocative nature. Each poem and its stimulating reflection delve deeply into the human psyche, providing profound insights into the myriad of challenges and obstacles that we encounter on our personal journeys through life. Whether you seek solace, inspiration, innovative solutions, or just a moment of introspection and contemplation, Stimuli is an exceptional work of art that will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression on your mind and heart.

Leseprobe

In memory of

Those who have passed away while striving for a brighter tomorrow and those who have been forced to leave their homes due to hunger, conflicts, and natural disasters.

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Children who do not have access to the basic necessities for survival, despite the abundance of natural resources available in our world to support them.

Contents

Foreword

Preface

A Life of Sacrifice

Thorns of Life

Destiny

Brotherhood

Modesty of Life

Storms

Courage

Wisdom

Patience

Friendship

Freedom

Conscience

Beware of the Self

Humility

Virtues of Life

Why me?

Dream

Time ticks fast

Ride on with Ease!

Kindness Pays!

Take life as it is!

You and I

Tribalism

Tribute to Mine

Seeking Wisdom through Self-humility

Acquiring Experience

Faces of Life

Thorns in My Flesh

A Small World

The Future

Foreword

Leonard Anetekhai is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria. He is a Doctor of Theology with a specialization in Church History, Philosophical Theology and Pastoral Theology. He has a penchant for knowledge and writing. Hence, he has four publications to his credit. This book is the outcome of the poems and articles he published during his formation years in the Seminary. The ideas therein have been reviewed and improved upon to meet contemporary challenges.

This book deals with the realities of life as well as indispensable virtues in dealing with the challenges of life and maintaining a purpose-oriented life. At a time when many people have yielded to the fatal snare of money and wealth and live a visionless life, the author discusses the purpose of life and how to accomplish one’s mission in life. The ideas are apt and can tangibly transform the life of the reader.

The language of expression is simple and standard. Therefore, it is convenient for ordinary people and those in the academic domain. The issues are expressed in a manner that can engage the mind of the reader, leading through a process of critical reflection to self-discovery. The writing approach is poetic and persuasive. Hence the book is titled Stimuli, and each section of the book explains the message that is conveyed in the poem. The intention is to stimulate the mind of the reader and lead the reader into greater insight into the reality of life.

Reading this book will incite in the reader the desire to live a purposeful life. We all are created for a purpose. Unless one discovers the purpose of life, one cannot live a meaningful life. The book is recommended for all who truly desire to discover their ultimate purpose in life and leave a memorable impact.

Ferdinand Okafor

Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria.

July 1,2023.

Preface

As we navigate life, we encounter various obstacles that may initially seem daunting. However, these obstacles present an opportunity for personal growth and development. We can discover hidden potentials and passions by reflecting on our experiences and gaining new perspectives. Through resilience and adaptability, we can overcome obstacles and find purpose in our journey of life.

Stimuli offer inspiring free verse poems, popularly known in French as vers libre, and stimulating words to provoke thought and encourage readers to embark on a new beginning and to activate positive moods in life. The purpose of writing is not to claim a complete understanding of life but to navigate through it with reflection and caution. If you are reading this, I hope these words will inspire you in your own struggles.

Life challenges can only be faced with courage and optimism, knowing they provide a path towards a more fulfilling life. So let us face them and not flee from them.

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Sacrificing for others can evoke feelings of inspiration.

A LIFE OF SACRIFICE

Many actions in life are spurred up by human intentions.

Such intentions come from our desires.

These desires provoke us to acquire life essentials.

In acquiring our Ego turns it back on life’s reality.

Life in itself is a gift worth cherishing.

To appreciate this gift, pains are inevitable.

For the sweetness of life without its pains is a mirage.

Life’s mirage often leads to an inauthentic experience.

Behind every experience lies an unidentified purpose.

To that purpose, one must strive and exert effort.

For life fulfilment can only come to reality,

When life is accepted without inauthenticity.

Life is not a pleasurable estate,

But a pilgrimage that calls for sacrifice.

Stimuli

Throughout history, great men and writers have used the phrase “life of sacrifice.” This phrase often describes one’s dedication and commitment to a higher cause, a higher purpose for the benefit of others. It means putting aside personal desires, comforts, or advantages to achieve the common good or the well-being of others. To live a life of sacrifice requires courage, determination, and selflessness. These life ideas can take many shapes, such as involvement in a social or environmental crusade, serving in a humanitarian or military establishment organisation, or caring for underprivileged children, the sick, the elderly and displaced members of society. A life of sacrifice is not always pleasant or comfortable. Still, it can be a source of inspiration, fulfilment, and pride for many.

One example that runs through the mind is the life and story of Martin Luther King Jr., who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and peace, even when faced with racism, violence and hatred. His work and reflections were on the civil rights movement in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr is famously known for his speeches: I have a Dream, and I have been to the top of the Mountain and several letters he wrote while in prison in Birmingham.

A life of sacrifice also played a massive role in the life and time of Mahatma Gandhi, who believed that the best means of self-discovery was to lose oneself in the service of others.

He advocated for the fight against British colonial rule in India. He promoted non-violence and social justice, believing that true happiness and fulfilment could only be achieved by renouncing personal interests and selfishness in favour of the common good.

Another life sacrificed for others was the Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, who fought for the rights of the Ogoni people and criticised the military dictatorship and oil multinationals. He cried out because the ruthless use of raw materials and the oil that seeps into the soil and water from rotten pipelines and production facilities are making farmers and fishermen poor and sick. Believing in the rights of the commonwealth of the people, he never stopped fighting for justice. Being alive was a symbol of resistance for him, and his death would only make him a martyr and more dangerous to those in authority. He embraced death for the common good of the Ogoni people of Nigeria at 54. He was hanged alongside eight of his comrades on November 10, 1995.

Knowing the fate of these men and reading through their history, many will believe that sacrificing one’s life for others is without joy and self-fulfilment. Far from these thoughts, a sincere life of sacrifice for others is a life full of meaning and dedication, a life committed to something greater than oneself. A life of sacrifice changes the individual concept of life from a win-win ideology, changes the world and makes it better for others, and helps and inspires others to live a meaningful life. A life of sacrifice is one that leaves a lasting impression and is worth living.

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2

Thorns of life are opportunities to grow and learn.

THORNS OF LIFE

As humans, we encounter different attitudes in life. To fit in with these attitudes, we often have to embrace virtues and avoid vices. Virtue is what ultimately guides us towards perfection.

Thus, we must

Sting ourselves with thorns of pride to appreciate humility.

Sting ourselves with thorns of fear to appreciate braveness.

Sting ourselves with thorns of pain to appreciate healing.

Sting ourselves with thorns of foolishness to appreciate wisdom.

Sting ourselves with thorns of hatred to appreciate love.

Sting ourselves with thorns of falsehood to appreciate truthfulness.

Sting ourselves with the thorns of stupidity to appreciate maturity.

Sting ourselves with thorns of discomfort to appreciate pleasure.

Sting ourselves with thorns of sickness to appreciate good health.

Sting ourselves with thorns of worries to appreciate good times.

In all of this, we must remember that vice becomes vile when we appreciate the good things in life. We must adopt good standards in all our attitudes toward life.

Stimuli

Life is a challenging journey that can be filled with obstacles and difficulties. These obstacles may hurt, disappoint, and frustrate us, but we should not let them stop us from thriving. They are opportunities for growth and development, teaching us to be stronger, wiser, and more grateful. They help us discover our values and achieve our goals and dreams. Instead of fearing or avoiding these obstacles, we should accept and face them, for they are essential for us to experience the joys of life: love, happiness, fulfilment, and peace.

The obstacles in life are like the thorns of a rose. They guard the beauty and fragrance of the flower from those who would harm it, reminding us to be careful with what we hold dear. Sometimes obstacles shield us from danger, and at other times they are just annoying. However, life without obstacles would be dull and uninspiring, like a rose without scent or colour.