meaning

As I sit here typing this very blog assignment, I am enjoying the very thing that is the most meaningful to my life. Music is more than a stream of melodic notes, more than bass heavy rhythms  more than a bunch of words mixed with subtle messages, more than colors or numbers, or any other way one may see it.

 Music is emotion- the interpretation of emotion, the representation of emotion, the simulator of emotion. How many times have you heard a song, that completely changes your whole demeanor? It can greatly influence behavior, thought, and creativity- all stemming from the emotions and feelings it creates.  Listening in itself, has helped me to get through some of the toughest of mental places. The ability to play an instrument, any given one- can be an indescribable experience. To be at one with something of the physical world, that is the key to the intangible is an amazing feeling. 

Lastly, music is a universal concept. A well composed piece, even in a foreign language, can convey the innermost feelings of the composer. One can determine the purpose/message of a piece without any prior knowledge of the man who wrote it, the culture, or the language in which it is performed. Language barriers do not exist. Neither do cultural ones. The strings, keys, horns, and sound of a voice can overcome this all. Music overcomes our differences. Music is life.

how i know stuff

Name a color... any color.
Blue.
Name something that is blue.
The sky.
Why?
Why what?
Why is it blue?
Well, you see, the color is caused by scattering light. Long lightwaves move through gas easily while short ones (blue waves) are captured by gas particles. The color is given off in all directions in the sky and it looks blue to humans.
But how do you know its BLUE?

Colors, like many things in life are taught. Truth is, I don't know much. I choose to believe or accept what has been told/taught to me and this is taken for knowledge. Take colors for example; during a conversation about life, a man once asked me "What is blue?" I said a color. He then asked, " Well give me an example." I reply "The sky is blue." He then asks "How do you know that the sky isn't purple?... How do you know that long ago, there wasn't a guy who made a mistake? How do you know that he didn't get his purples and blues mixed up? How do you know that he didn't get enough people to believe him, that they too got their B's and P's all mixed up and didn't teach others?" A seemingly simple question with a profound meaning and endless possibilities. The reason I see colors as I do is because I chose to agree with society. I chose to listen to my kindergarten teacher when we went over the color wheel. And she too chose to listen to her teachers. Her parents both, most likely, chose to conform with societies perception. Truth is, we don't know much. We choose to believe a lot. We choose to agree on alot. But we don't know much.

"The average man can't prove of most of the things that he chooses to speak of" - Damien Marley

unexamined life

I don’t believe that any man true to himself can remain the same throughout life. Within just one day, we are presented with countless opportunities to grow as an individual, take a path of decadence, or remain the same. Looking back at these paths are just as important as actively walking them. The greatest joy of life is purpose. Purpose gives motivation, determination, and substance to life. Human beings are very intelligent/spiritual beings. The very thing that sets apart from the beast wandering among us, is not necessarily our intelligence (oftentimes used for animalistic tasks); but more an awareness of one's spiritual-self and those around us. I believe that some of the greatest and most pivotal moments in life come through meditation, evaluation, and self-perceptiveness. Much can be learned through self examination. It is through this process that we may grow the most rapidly; presenting an opportunity to see/ fix a personal flaw that may be hidden to a neighbor. To live a life unexamined is to live an ignorant life. Undiscovered ignorance is detrimental to the individual and the society of a whole. Ignorance is the evil that divides us, that causes war, and blinds the eye. Careful and true self/life examination spurs growth that no other man can encourage. When accompanied with sound morals, an individual removes many of the self-imposed mental barriers that hinder spiritual growth. Simply put- to learn... is to grow... is to live.

i died..

We are gathered here today to honor the beloved Brandon Anthony Bradley. He has left his influence and love for those lucky enough to be in his presence during the all-too-short time he spent on this little blue marble. His charisma, charm, good-looks, and grace has led to a betterment of this society.

On a more serious note, Brandon was born on December 24, 1994 (sharing the same birthday with both his father and grandfather) to Teno and Katrina Bradley. Understanding the importance of a quality education, both parents sought to enroll Brandon in a prestigious educational institution from the very beginning of his education. After receiving an eighth grade diploma from Ashburn Lutheran School, Brandon was enrolled in Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Some of the many past-times Brandon took part in include: sketching, painting, poetry, football, reading, clarinet, and choral performances. Brandon leaves behind, a loving father, mother, sister, and dog.

His calm perceptiveness has allowed him to live, learn, and share with others those experiences dear to him. Although not always expressed verbally, throughout his later years in life, Brandon grew to more deeply understand the importance of self-improvement, calmness of mind, and power of thought. Striving to exhibit integrity, sympathy, sincerity, and humbleness in all things true. Through traveling, he grew to endear various cultures and religions as his appreciation for diversity continued to grow. In his final days, Brandon wished to leave behind a legacy of peace and love.