Pomp & Ceremony

All cultures seem to have some common features, and one of these features that quite annoys me is the universality of ceremonies. Why are ceremonies so important? What do people find so valuable in the pompousness and formality of a ceremony? I think it’s because it makes the people higher up feel dignified and feel that they can command attention for at least a 10 minute speech or so. But really, ceremonies are non-essential items in life. They serve no greater purpose, and they inconvenience people and make them uncomfortable especially when these ceremonies last longer than 30 minutes, (which they always do.) In fact, I happen to feel this way about almost all ceremonies. . . including weddings and funeral services. Anytime we have to stop and call extra attention to occurrences in our lives, it seems like a waste of time. Instead of “meditating” on life in this way, we could simply get more living into the short lives we have. In light of this blog, I am going to try to become a ceremony minimalist. If ceremonies are not required of me, I will forego these occurrences.

End of the Year Thoughts

Well, I have just officially finished teaching my last section here at MSU in the States. How do I feel? Not so good--kind of empty and hollow inside and wondering what I could have done better and different. I wish that I had more energy or passion for teaching. I know that teaching should be the teacher's greatest joy, but I do not feel like it is such a great joy for me. It is something I do--it's part of my identity that I hold at a distance; I don't tell people I am a teacher--I fear it will make them wonder at my age, my ability, my competency.

When will this feeling change? Is it just the day? I don't know, but since I am preparing to go teach in China, I hope that the feeling evaporates with the Spring weather. Perhaps a new semester, a new curriculum, new goals, and new experiences will be the boost I need to feel excited about this coming endeavor.