One of Those Weeks

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19607_10150561253524956_1804358799561093639_nHave you ever had one of those weeks? You might know what I am talking about here. There are weeks when a lot of things decide to happen together. Last week was one of those weeks for me when so many great things happened together that I am still trying to recount them all. I am so thankful for each one of this blessings. Among all those blessings, I had the opportunity to teach three nights, three different subjects: basic computer skills, painting, and sculpting. Of course, on each one many other teaching opportunities came along.  My wife says that no matter what I am doing I find the chance to teach something. I can’t stop myself from teaching something, because I learn through teaching.

11073071_10150564957424956_9088131320696504778_nBeing an educator is a challenge but it is also an amazing blessing. It doesn’t matter what the subject is. In ancient Greece the concept of subjects was technically the concept of branches of practice but it came from the three of knowledge and had to be connected to its trunk and rooted in practical life. Subjects were not isolated concepts. Specializations, so to speak, had a purpose in service. Switching subjects was a continuum. Math and music could be having a discussion together, and philosophy could assist the conversation inviting science to share its point of view while a poet put to rhythmic speech the historical account of the piece of art being created with the brush or under the chisel.

I see knowledge as one unlimited supply of interconnected events, points of views, interpretations, results from experience and experimentation, explanations of our surroundings, assumptions of what we don’t know based on the things we do know, and abstract descriptions of an idea. As I explained to one of the participants: “Everything we see, hear, and say is an abstraction of an idea”. Letters are the abstraction of the idea of a sound that we translate into a symbol, but that sound itself is an abstraction of the idea of that particular sound. Objects are abstractions of ideas producing symbols we get attached to. The object perish, and the symbol changes its value based on time and context, but the idea remains. Sadly, humans attach themselves to so many perishable abstractions instead of taking hold of the idea. Even more so, we often forget to rely on the source of life who put the idea into visual and palpable realization with just speaking.

11150225_10150566159194956_8952423942549070099_nOn that thought, I begin my week still in awe and spiritually refreshed after witnessing how 43 individuals made a profession of faith last night through baptism at City Church. It is such a fulfilling experience to hear each story towards transformation. It is also great to share this experience in community with a bunch of strangers that become family in Christ. This week we just began can be one of those weeks too if only we focus on being thankful, on keeping the faith with patience to see the fulfillment of the promise of God.

April is almost coming to an end but there are still things to do and classes to teach. I continue the computer class at The Literacy Center of Milford, and if you are missing on all the fun of the painting and sculpting parties, we are going to be sculpting at The Grove in New Haven, Friday, April 24. The events for the month of May are listed also so you can RSVP with time. You can also request private sculpting and painting parties, as well as art lessons.

Comedy and Philosophy

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image-2Once upon a time I was funny. Since a very early age I participated in school and church plays and town events always as the funny kid. After graduating high school I began working as a radio announcer and thought that I found my ‘seriousness’. To my surprise people began inviting me more and more to host events as master of ceremonies from which I began introducing myself as stand-up comedian thanks to a friend who inspired me to do so. That adventure went on for about 14-15 years. In 2006 I decided to quit comedy and immerse myself in pursuing a philosophy doctorate in education while returning to create art. I thought I found my seriousness once and for all. When I went to Uganda, Africa the kids gave me the nickname ‘Munakatemba’ (the funny guy) which confirmed how wrong I was about my seriousness. The fact is that philosophy only fueled more jokes into my head than ever before. Not because of the pursue of knowledge but how people behave trying to validate themselves by proving a point as irrefutable. They are hilarious! After all comedy and philosophy are not so different.

Comedy and philosophy are trying to make sense of our existence rationalizing behavior and intentions in their own special way but neither one is more insightful than the other if you pay attention.  Both are seeking an interpretation of life. The funny of comedy is no different from the cynical of philosophy. The thoughtfulness of philosophy is not more valuable than the sincerity of comedy. Comedians and philosophers seek their paths with passion and risk mockery in the pursue of truth. Both are also largely misunderstood and alienated in a simple-minded, power-thirsty society seeking only self-serving entertainment.

An open-minded audience enjoys both and relate the message to their realities as they also try to cope and understand human behavior. There is always someone who tries to criticize the philosopher or being funnier than the comedian. It is always easier to lash critiques hiding in the crowd than exposing yourself standing on stage. It is always easier to say, ‘Why don’t you post an intelligent question?’ instead of posting an intelligent question. Everyone has an answer, comment, or critique after a question or point of view is presented but very few are capable to initiate a thoughtful and reflective discussion on their own. It is always easier for people to pass judgement as to the merits of the traveler’s path and intentions than to begin  their own journey. Know this: The traveler will keep walking and pass by in search for a new destination.