Ojisi

Dear Future Wife, I am Grateful. . .

17:00

"The pendulum of the mind oscillates between sense and nonsense, not between right and wrong." Carl Jung

Dear Future Wife,

Common-sense it is said is not common but everyone has got sense in them. It is their ability to express that sense or deviate from it hence the seeming nonsense. I remember being privileged this time last year to sit at the feet of a great man and his amiable wife to learn vital life lessons. One of the most sensible decisions he ever made was the woman he married.

Nne, despite his wealth and royalty, he remains humble and I felt ashamed of myself for the sometimes display of "intellectual flamboyance" after all, someone once said "the more you know the more humble you become". In my last letter I told you about being Onye Nkuzi Nwa Ticha and sometimes I like to get carried away by the little I know. So once in a while, I journey far to sit at the feet of elders and be humbled by their lessons and dispositions.

The decision for me to travel that far to seek such counsel is indeed sensible for he made so much sense. The moral injunction to do either good or bad comes from the decision to either be sensible or nonsensical. Another powerful attribute of the mentally strong is the ability to find sense in anything and also export that sense. You too must seek to be on the part where sensibility is a virtue. Whn you do seek that knowledge and you apply it, Be grateful!

It is said, to whom brain is given, sense is expected. "Each person must live their life as a model for others." Rosa Parks. One of the greatest attribute of the mentally strong is the ability to understand how to grow their wealth, and that is through giving.

Yes! Giving!

Image Credit: www.nickconedera.com

Be it alms, donations, Charities to support a cause, offerings or tithes and perhaps through bequests. These men and women understand the Spirituality of multiple blessings so they never tire in giving. Yes many say our country is in recession but these people are in a progressive state. This lesson reverberated yesterday and that resonance woke with me this morning.

On Sunday October 8, 2017, I relearned this principle. “No man needs sympathy because he has to work, because he has a burden to carry. Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Theodore Roosevelt

A strong quote by Anne Frank pushed me to further pen down this piece. She said; "Earning happiness means doing good and working, not speculating and being lazy. Laziness may look inviting, but only work gives you true satisfaction."

Yesterday I was privileged to be in the midst of men and women who by sheer dint of hardwork have made it in their various fields. A Federal Senator, A Professor, CEO Wakanow, a Nuclear Physicist, business owners, Top Management Staff of Financial institutions, CEOs of blue chip companies etc. One thing resonated among them and is best captured in this Yoruba Hymn that I live so much.

Baba mo m'ebun mi to ó wà ọ. Olùpèsè je ń rí t'emi ṣe. Òníle k'aya k'ayo. Wà gbó t'emi Baba mimo. Se mi l'oore àìnípẹ̀kun bàbà. It is a prayer of Thanksgiving offering to God who continues to bless them for their gratitude.

I have said repeatedly on this platform that a great attribute of the rich, powerful and mentally strong is their attitude of gratitude which propels and sustains their altitude of success.

God loves a cheerful giver these men and women yesterday counted their blessings, were truly surprised what God has done, is doing and will do in their lives and boy did they give with hearts filled with gratitude!

The ungrateful will continue to wonder why things are not going well for him. The one who comes back to give thanks gets more of God's grace which endures for ever. Give thanks, for your present situation is another's supplication The hymn I referred to simply translates to; "Lord I entreat you with my gifts. The great provider bless me with everlasting grace."

www.huffingtonpost.com

Givers never lack and as Napoleon Hill once said "There is but one dependable method of accumulating and legally holding riches, and that is by rendering useful service." Again, Pandurang Athavale sums it up when he says "Action not backed by knowledge and knowledge not translatable into action, both cannot stand the test of time." You know, act on the knowledge.

Let your giving - values, innovation, creativity, ingenuity, talents, wealth be for you the best method of being a true model.

Thanks to Padre Mike Umoh for the inspirational Homily on Sunday at the Ave Maria Parish, Lekki.

Lord I am grateful!

Ya gazie nụ.

OjisiEmezie

0 Comments

Creative

10 Reasons Why Classical Music is Good for You

02:39

All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is a direct result of your thoughts. James Allen

benefits of listening to classical music

Image Credit: www.takelessons.com

If you say you can, you are right, If you say you can’t, you are also right. Both are products of your thoughts and what you believe in. Scripture says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What have you deposited within that you wish to call forth? How rich or deep is your thought bank?

When you set out to do something, your first goal should be sincerity of purpose for therein lies the strength to prevail through tough times. It is imperative that you understand without sincerity and honesty, nothing can stand firm. It may stay but for a while.

My mentor Charles Umeh would always say to me "Mezie turn your "failure" into fuel... most times failure isn't game over its simply bring it on...you really have to have Bravery to see this. " I completely agree with him because the foundation of every bravery, courage and determination, hinges on sincerity of purpose, honesty and integrity.

When things start going South, it is your honesty that empowers you to rise above every storm, turning all stones hurled at you into stepping stones. Do not be afraid to fail, for even if you fail, let it be the fuel that energizes you to your success

In John 16:33, Jesus says to us; these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

These words come from a heart filled with deep love for mankind. They are beautiful reassurances that pushes us through the many vicissitudes of life; a certain kind of elixir that sustains us even though we face many storms in life.

For me, one of the ways of gathering and building positive thoughts is by listening to fine and classical music. When it comes to music you can call me an old soul. Research has it that there are amazing benefits of listening to classical music to mental health.

Another one of the many mental health benefits of music is that it has the ability to improve your concentration and focus on certain tasks. Although music with lyrics can be distracting during thinking-intensive tasks, listening to nature sounds or classical music heightens concentration.

Other benefits according to Brooke Neuman include – decreases blood pressure, boosts memory, sparks creativity, reduces stress levels, supercharges brainpower, fights depression, puts you to sleep; relieves pain, makes you happy, improves productivity. She explains further below;

1. Decreases blood pressure

Want to keep your heart healthy? According to an Oxford University study, listening to classical music can help reduce one’s blood pressure. In the study, researchers played participants different styles of music, including rap, pop, techno, and classical.

Classical music was effective at lowering participant’s blood pressure, while rap, pop, and techno actually raised blood pressure.

2. Boosts memory

Did you know that listening to Mozart can actually help improve your memory? According to a study, people who listened to Mozart’s music showed an increase in brain wave activity that’s linked directly to memory. So next time you have to memorize a big speech or presentation, put on some Mozart while you practice.

3. Sparks creativity

To get your creative juices flowing, listen to some classical music. While listening to classical music won’t instantly make you creative, it will help put into a more creative mindset. Next time you need to brainstorm, try listening to some Mozart or Bach to get your mind thinking outside the box.

4. Reduces stress levels

If you’re feeling particularly stressed, listen to some classical tunes. A study found that pregnant women who listened to classical music were less likely to feel stressed throughout their pregnancy. Scientists claim that classical music’s tempo is similar to the human heart, which eases both anxiety and depression.

5. Supercharges brainpower

Do you have a big test or project coming up? Boost your brainpower by listening to some classical music. In a study, French researchers found that students who listened to a lecture in which classical music was played in the background scored better on a test compared to other students.

6. Fights depression

When you’re feeling down in the dumps, ditch the donuts and opt for some classical music instead. Several studies have proven that classical music helps relieve depression and melancholy. In fact, a study from Mexico discovered that listening to classical music can help ease symptoms of depression.

7. Puts you to sleep

Do you toss and turn for hours before finally falling asleep? Rather than squeeze in another episode of Games of Thrones or New Girl, listen to classical music. According to a study of people with sleep issues, listening to classical music for just 45 minutes prior to bed can help improve sleep quality.

8. Relieves pain

Instead of reaching for another Tylenol, you might want to consider playing a Bach or Beethoven playlist. Multiple studies have shown that listening to classical music can help relieve pain. According to researchers in London, patients listening to classical music used significantly less pain medication.

9. Makes you happy

Want to get out of that bad mood you’re in? Listening to classical music can help increase dopamine secretion, which activates the brain’s reward and pleasure center. In fact, a 2013 study found that music can help put people in a better mood.

10. Improves productivity

It’s a Monday morning and you can’t seem to get it together. To help boost productivity, listen to some classical music. A series of studies have proven that music makes repetitive tasks more enjoyable. A study performed by researchers at the University of Maryland found that Baroque classical music in the reading room can help improve radiologists’ efficiency and accuracy.

I felt these and more on Monday October 2, 2017 listening to the Voice of Angels Choir, Catholic Church of the Annunciation, Festac Town, Lagos at the Concert to mark their 16^th Anniversary. It would interest you to know that about 7 years of my life was spent there, learning the art of Church Music before leaving, even though I am still one at heart. God bless them so much for a stellar performance. It did stir up my soul and sent me deep in thoughts and helped put me in the right frame of mind for the presentation I had later in the evening somewhere in Sibiri, Lagos . I t was a perfect way to spend the Independence holiday.

You don’t like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi … Then you don’t know what you are missing when it comes to developing a strong mental health and building positive thoughts to propel you into success.

Let me end with this words from Chanakya "Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest." Find that Fuel that enables you to fail forward. Be Sincere! But first, try listening to some classical music.

Start with Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

OjisiEmezie

0 Comments

Dear Future Wife

Dear Future Wife: I am Ojisi, Nwa Ticha.

03:21

Image result for Images of Chimezie Udechukwu

‘Teachers lead the motivation charge, helping people to unleash their passion and bear true gifts to the world.’ OjisiEmezie

Dear Future Wife,

I come from the family of illustrous teachers on both sides of the family. It is such things that make me act like an onye nkuzi even though a few people know me as nwa ticha. It was Bill Gates who once said, "Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important. Nne m, I find that statement very true especially as Today is Teachers Day!

Yeah! Uto m, I love teachers not just because Mum was a teacher for 33 years before she retired and died why waiting for her entitlements, or because she came from a family of illustrious teachers, but because of how important the teacher is.You see, for me, it comes naturally, so when you people call me oversabi, know that they referring to the teacher instincts in me working.

Image result for theme for 2017 World Teachers Day

Image Credit: www.currentaffairs.com

Baby, The theme for this year is “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers”, echoing the 2015 theme that followed the adoption of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs)(link is external) in September 2015, when teacher empowerment was reaffirmed as a top priority in all education and development strategies Last year the theme was Valuing Teachers, Improving Their Status.’ This theme is quite apt not only for the Nigerian society but also it best speaks to the African continent.

Image Credit: www.calendarpedia.com

Darling, the age long maxim 'teachers reward are in heaven' have become a dangerous philosophy, a breeding ground for contempt and the trivialization of the role of teachers. This leads to the further enslavement of teachers going by the non-provision of conducive environment, the dearth of modern teaching aids added to the backlog of salaries owed them. It was William Arthur Ward who once wrote “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires”. This is what an absence of empowerment and lack of freedom causes.

Sweetheart, do you that according to UNESCO website, , World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually worldwide and brings together governments, multi- and bilateral organizations, NGOs, private sectors, teachers and experts in the field of teaching. With the adoption of SDG 4 on education, and the dedicated target 4.c recognizing teachers as key to the achievement of the 2030 Education Agenda, it has become the occasion to mark achievements and reflect on ways to counter the remaining challenges for the promotion of the teaching profession, like the acute shortage of teachers. Indeed, according to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, the world needs 69 Million teachers if we are to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030.

It is he who hasn't been taught before that would not be grateful go for the lessons of life as presented to us by teachers. Every day, the teacher pours herself as a libation for us to become better people. Maria Montessori puts it well "It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it."

Image Credit: www.en.unesco.org

The teacher can only teach in freedom if we value them and provide the necessary facilities needed for effective teaching. The only way we can empower them is to allow them tell the right stories by leveraging on the beauty of history in explaining the present and predicting the future. This where the joint statement by UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF, UNDP and Education International is quite poignant.

Here it is;

Teachers are a critical foundation of every society’s long-term strength -- providing children, young people and adults with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfill their potential. But around the world, far too many teachers don’t have the freedom and support they need to do their vitally important jobs. That is why the theme of this year’s World Teachers’ Day –“Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers” – reaffirms the value of empowered teachers and recognizes the challenges many encounter in their professional lives across the globe.

Being an empowered teacher means having access to high-quality training, fair wages, and continuous opportunities for professional development. It also means having the freedom to support the development of national curricula -- and the professional autonomy to choose the most appropriate methods and approaches that enable more effective, inclusive and equitable education. Furthermore, it means being able to teach in safety and security during times of political change, instability, and conflict.

But in many countries, academic freedom and teacher autonomy are under pressure. For example, at the primary and secondary school levels in some countries, stringent accountability schemes have put enormous pressure on schools to deliver results on standardized tests, ignoring the need to ensure a broad-based curriculum that meets the diverse needs of students.

Image Credit: www.youtube.com

Academic freedom is critical for teachers at every level of education, but it is especially critical for higher-education teachers, supporting their ability to innovate, explore, and stay up-to-date on the latest pedagogical research. At the tertiary level, teachers are often employed on a fixed-term, contingency basis. This in turn can result in greater job insecurity, diminished career prospects, higher workload and lower wages – all of which can restrict academic freedom and undermine the quality of education that teachers can deliver.

Across all education levels, political pressure and business interests can curb the ability of educators to teach in freedom. Teachers living and working in countries and communities affected by conflicts and instability often face greater challenges, including rising intolerance, discrimination, and related restrictions on research and teaching.

This year marks the 20 year anniversary of the 1997 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel, which complements the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Together, these instruments constitute the main reference framework on the rights and responsibilities of teachers and educators. Both stress the importance of teacher autonomy and academic freedom in building a world in which education and learning are truly universal.

As the world works together to realize the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals, we appeal to our partners in governments and across the education and private sectors to commit to building a highly skilled, valued and empowered education workforce. This constitutes a critical path to realizing SDG 4, which envisions a world in which every girl, boy, woman and man has access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

This means securing decent working conditions and fair wages for all teachers including at the tertiary level. It means providing teachers with training and development. It means increasing the number of quality teachers, especially in those countries with high numbers of untrained teaching personnel. It means removing unnecessary restrictions on research and teaching and defending academic freedom at all education levels.

Finally, it means raising the status of teachers around the world in a way that honors and reflects the impact they have on the strength of society. This World Teachers’ Day, join us in empowering teachers to teach in freedom so that, in turn, every child and every adult is free to learn – to the benefit of a better world.

I would love to hear you thoughts on how we can improve the status of our teachers, how can empower them, and how they can teach in freedom.

Image Credit: www.pinterest.com

To every profession, a teacher is responsible. To the many success and ingenuity recorded in our World today, the hand of the teacher is visible. Today, the world celebrates the amazing roles Teachers play in shaping our lives and in building great minds. On days like this, I remember my mother for she gave 33 years of her life in molding Characters! Odiro ofele i bu onye nkuzi!

To all teachers out there, may God bless you with all the wisdom, knowledge and understanding together with the strength you need to build people.

We celebrate you!

OjisiEmezie

2 Comments

Issues

Yoweri, Peace and 2021: Ozoemena!

09:10

"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." Ronald Reagan.

Hi there!

It has been a while indeed. Well, I got a new job as Human Resource Personnel at a Multinational company and it has been Werk werk werk! But I was not going to miss out on this big day. Yes! Is a special day for a special person and this is wishing Som Som our Chief Justice of Nigeria in the making a happy birthday.

I had gone to bed with another thought of what I want to share today but on this international Day of Peace, I woke up to this disturbing message from one my Ugandan friend in Kampala. Here her:

Image result for images of yoweri museveni

"Colleagues, pray for Ugandans as tomorrow (today) seems to be Darkness in the noon where our current president wants to rape the constitution of Uganda by amending the constitution. (Yoweri Museveni) is currently 73 years and the current constitution bars him from contesting in 2021 since he will be 77 years." (he has been in office since 1986). The current war is now between Ugandans and the members of parliament. The Bill will be tabled tomorrow Thursday 21st September 2017. We are likely to expect several demonstrations within Kampala over this constitutional rapping process. For God and my Country."

Now this is sad!

This stupid penchant for sit-tightism is the bane of development in Africa. The same move is being targeted in Togo, Angola is rapidly becoming a family business, and Uncle Rob in Zimbabwe? Na wa! These people do not care about the lives the citizens they lead. Lessons from Sudan is enough history *mana mba, fa ma muta*

Monsieur Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is in New York attending #UNGA72 he even held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the GA. We are tired of senseless deaths of our brothers and sisters due to the selfish whims of these uncaring leaders.

Peace is the language of development and service is the currency of peace. When a leader fails to render service to his people then he is depriving his people the dividends of leadership and that fuels frustration which begets aggression. This is how civil strife erupts. This trend and pattern can be avoided.

The theme for the International Youth day in August was *Youth Building Peace* then I asked myself, what peace can the youth build when his heart is corrupted by the mindless looting of our commonwealth; the threat of fire and fury, unemployment, insecurity, famine, child abuse and molestation, nepotism, favoritism. What peace can come from a corrupted mind filled with depressive tendencies?

Image result for Images of Peace day 2017

The youth today are at the heart of the receiving end, they are major "beneficiaries" I daresay and not victims of pervasive corruption that that permeated our society today. Suffice to so even say, that they are benefactors thanks to peer influence. It is they that the likes of these leaders with Sit- tight syndrome will employ to do the dirty job. But we have a striking deviation, a huge lesson for history by the youths of Egypt during the Arab Spring.

But it can change! Yes, it should change The corrupted mind can be incorruptible. When the youth understands that the language of peace is service, it would blot out the selfish need for personal enrichment. The theme for this year's International Peace Day which we mark today is; "Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all." We therefore, call on the Ugandan President to toe the part of honor and step down after 2021. Uganda will not die after him. This also goes to other leaders on the continent who think they are the life of their countries. This takes me to the #UNGA70 the first time President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the General Assembly in 2015. Listen to him;

Image result for Images of Buhari at UNGA 70

Image Credit: www.nigerianmission.org

"The Secretary General himself has grouped the SDGs into what he calls six "essential elements" namely: • Dignity • Prosperity Justice o Partnership Planet • People As a prerequisite to these and as we look at history and remember the terrible events that gave rise to the birth of the United Nations in 1945, I would like to propose a seventh: PEACE! Peace, Mr. President, is close to the hearts of Nigerians, as we are in the front line in the war on terror. . . This is a war about values between progress and chaos; democracy and the rule of law. .

We intend to tackle inequalities arising from massive unemployment and previous government policies favouring a few people to the detriment of the many. We intend to emphasize quality technological education for development and lay foundation for comprehensive care of the aged, the disadvantaged and the infirm. But for now terrorism is the immediate problem.

This isn't the time to temporize thinking that corruption will go away. Such is wishful thinking. So, dear young people, in order to build peace, we must challenge corruption. The corruption of selfishness, hatred, violence, ethnic divisiveness, religious fundamentalism,Sit -tightism, greed, moral decadence and other social deviance that stunts our growth and development.

This is a note to you the 21st Century Youth on this special. You possess the needed ability and skills, knowledge, energy, innovation, creativity, exuberance to not only challenge corruption and build peace but to invigorate our world for sustained harmonious coexistence. This is the foundation upon which the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved. This is the 7th Element of the SDGs - Peace!

When Youths Challenge Corruption, Youth can Build Peace. A graveyard peace is like snow sprinkled with hot water.

Peace is possible. Peace is doable. We can Build Peace through genuine service!

Onwere ntị ya nụrụ

May the Peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding be with you.

OjisiEmezie