As the aroma of my first cup of coffee tickles my senses; I am mentally gearing up for the start of a new job as well as returning back to school for the winter quarter. While the steam of my first morning brew brushes against my cheek, I take a sip, exhale and relax. In realizing that the start of new job always raises my anxiety level, I refuse to allow my mind to become a battleground for emotional overload. I allow the coffee to work its magic and take this opportunity to be thankful; thankful for being able to find a job in an economy that has seen its highest unemployment rate sense 1987. With each sip, I reflect on the promise of hope and become invigorated by each breath I take. Life is never promised and should never be taken for granted. So as I began this day, I send a message of love and hope. I hope that you would take this opportunity to relax, be thankful for life and enjoy your first morning brew.

Image Bashing









We are all familiar with the power of images. They play a large role in our perception of the world around us by contributing to the way we think, feel, act and interact with people daily. Images have the power to entice, persuade and dissuade in addition to stimulating emotions of fear, dismay or anxiety. The list is never ending, and we often dismiss the power of images; never questioning—our inner selves—to make sure that our first reaction is the best one.


What would you do?

What is your first reaction when you realize that you are on a flight with several Muslims? Do you automatically go into panic mode by assuming that he or she is a terrorist? Do you blatantly study their actions; looking for any odd behavior that may be “strange” to you? For nine passengers yesterday on an AirTran flight, being Muslim and having casual conversation about airplane safety was obviously a crime. Although the conversation was between a husband and his wife (who were traveling with their young children on vacation) other passengers were also removed due to their religious practice and race.
With the Images of 911 being etched in the minds of Americans, many of us continue to harbor unresolved resentment towards a group of individuals merely for his or her religious belief. Though all of the passengers were detained, questioned and released by the FBI, AirTran refused to accommodate the passengers with a new flight.
http://muslimmatters.org/2009/01/02/nine-muslim-passengers-removed-from-airtran-flight/



After discovering this article, I was completely outraged by the ignorance that continues to saturate today’s society. Although we want change, circumstance as this one illustrates a lack of acceptance for those who do not fit into the “norms”.





In moving towards a better you, issues as this one should matter. Each of us can play a role by starting with self. What roles do Images play in your beliefs about a culture, religion, race etc..?




You can start by being honest with you!



"milestone in the comprehensive system of a self-knowing – self-analytic vehicle that empowers a person to pilot his or her own self-growth and success in life”
http://www.imagepsychology.com/