WHY DIDN’T THEY TEACH ME?

In this short article, I want to share my experience and observations along with insights from three of my favorite teachers of history. I challenge you to take refuge from book-learning in nature, the men and women of that time discovered the world.  

I have come to believe it is equally important to ask questions more today than ever before. Otherwise, what is the potential of learning or the purpose of having a mind, a heart, or even a conscience? What is the purpose of having curiosity? I genuinely believe a mind goes dark — when it doesn’t critically think or ask enough questions. The mind is distinguished by the good to great questions it can ask and can think upon. It is appreciated by the significance of even the simplest answer to the profound question. 

I’ve come to believe that adults and children can lose their curiosity. Ever since Covid, it has been more noticeable that human curiosity is deteriorating in quality. Along with other foundational tools that helped civilization develop into its greatness. Why? Because humanity is so distracted and mentally distorted that it reverts to a nursery-type mind. One that craves (dopamine and serotonin) for attention rather than paying attention. 

One of my favorite teachers is Aristotle who truly believed: “Out of the mouths of babies comes, if not wisdom, at least the search for it.” All too often, I catch myself expressing to my very own kids as well as my students: “Ask questions, for when you ask questions you learn and nobody can take that from you.” Even though we might be physically vulnerable or emotionally vulnerable. We have in many ways, our inner domain that is impenetrable, if the mind is sharp and always prepared for battle. Which battles am I referring to? The daily battles; are family, career, bills, health, economy, and expectation. And we can’t forget about the other battles; public opinion, self-perception, demonization, etc, 

I have taken the liberty of asking you a few questions. For instance; What is the difference between existing and not existing? What is common to all things that do exist, and what are the properties of things that do not exist? Are there different ways in which things can exist? Do some things exist only in the mind or for the mind, whereas others exist outside the mind, and whether or not they are known to us at all? Is the realm of possibility even existable? These are questions to explore, not to overthink. Even though they may seem a bit overwhelming. They are good for the person that thinks. They are good for the person who has no understanding of meaning, purpose, or potential. 

The great teacher Epictetus once said: “No, it is events that give rise to fear, when another has power over them or can prevent them, that person becomes able to inspire fear. How was the fortress destroyed? Not by iron or fire, but by judgment. Here is where we must begin, it is from this front that we must see the fortress and throw out the tyrants.” Many of these ancient teachers gave us a marvelous concept of questions that would help us to understand the meaning of questions and to think for ourselves. And how to answer them with logic, ethics, integrity, and character. All this is done for a reason. That humanity would learn how to avoid the dangerous mind. And how to safeguard and protect our liberty and soul from the tyrants that betray us from the outside. Emperor Marcus Aurelius repeated this throughout his teachings as well, saying: “Stuff cannot touch the soul,” and he was right. All the circumstances, situations, and events will always confront our minds with curiosity and questions. We will always be liable for answering. When we don’t answer we become ignorant and even enslaved by the questions and events. This is called the open gate — when one leaves the gate open all may come in and destroy the fortress of your mind. This is exactly what has taken place today — we see an array of politicians who have destroyed the integrity, character, and credibility of leadership.  And here’s a few teachers that left us all wondering where we went wrong!! 

Moral Saying of Seneca: 

No man, there’s no glare nobler than his fellow, even if it happened that his spiritual nature is better constituted, and he has more capable of higher learning. The world is the one mother of a soul, and the ultimate origin of each one of us can be traced back to her, whether the steps in the latter of dissent, be noble or humble. To no one is virtue forbidden; she is acceptable to all; she admits to everyone, she invites everyone in free men and freedmen, slaves, kings, and exiles. She regards neither birth nor fortune; the man alone is all she wants. 

It is a mistake to think that the status of a slave affects the whole of a persons nature; the nobler part of it is not touched thereby. Every single person, even if there is nothing else to recommend him, I must hold in regard, because he bears the name of man. 

In the treatment of a slave, we have to consider not how much we can do to him without being liable to punishment, but how much the nature of right and of justice allows us to do, seeing that these bid us treat gently even prisoners and purchased slaves. Although, in the treatment of a slave, everything is allowed, there is, nevertheless something which, through the common right of every living being is stigmatized as not permissible in the treatment of a man, because he is of the same nature as thyself. This, in fact, is the man which is laid upon each man, namely, that he works, when possible, for the welfare of many; if that is impracticable, that he works for the welfare of a few; feeling that, for the welfare of his neighbors, and if that is impossible, but his own. 

It is true on train, benevolence, that the bag or one over, and there is no disposition so hard and so hostile, loving, treating us to refuse love to the good people, it will be in the end I have to thank again for something more. “ another word for thanks did I get! What am I now to begin to do?” With the gods do, who began to shower benefits on us, before we are aware of it, and continue them, even though we do not thank them. 

Moral Sayings of

Epictetus: 

Nature is wonderful, and full of love for all creatures. Wait upon God, ye men. When He calls you, and releases you from service, then go to Him; but for the present remain quietly, and the position in which He has placed you. 

You carry a God about with you, and do not know it, unhappy one! You have him within yourself and do not notice it when you defile him with unclean thoughts or foul deeds. Cultivate the will to satisfy yourself, and to stand for what is right before God. Strive to be pure, one with yourself and one with God Almighty. Think silence best; say only what is necessary, and say it shortly. Above all, do not talk about my fellow man, either to praise them, or to blame them, or to compare them with others. Do not swear; never, if possible, or at any rate as seldom as possible. Your bodily wants — food, drink, clothing, housing, service, satisfying in the simplest way. Avoid unseemly joking, for there is always a danger of becoming vulgar, and joking away the respect of your fellow man. 

As you are careful when you walk in not to tread on a nail or to sprain your ankle, so take care not to let your soul get hurt. 

Moral Saying of Emperor Marcus Aurelius: 

Everything that happens, happens right, and if you can observe things carefully, you will recognize that it is so. I do not mean only in accordance with the course of nature, but much more that they happen in the accordance of the law of righteousness, and as if controlled by a been, who orders all things, according to the merits. If I am active, I am so with due regard to the general welfare. If anything happens to me, I accept it, and considerate and relation to the Almighty God, and the universal sauce from which, enclosed connection, come all our happenings. He who commits unrighteousness is godless, for universal nature, created, rational beans for one another; to help each other, where there is need, but never to enjoy one another. 

Love mankind; obey the Godhead. If thou art unwilling to get up in the morning, reflect thus: I am awaking in or to go and work as a man. Seek all die, joy and contentment, in advancing, mindful always of God, from one generally useful deed to another. The best way to avenge oneself on anyone is to avoid returning evil for evil. It is a privilege of man to love even those who do you wrong. One can reach this level by reflecting that all men are of one family with one: that their shortcomings are due to ignorance, and against their will; that, in a short time, both of you will be dead. 

What is good is necessarily useful, and that is why the good is noble man must be concerned about it. Nobody gets tired of seeking his own advantage. But doing so procures us in activity, which is natural. Never get tired, then, of seeking thine own advantage, provided thou procurest thus the advantage of others also. Treat as benefits, a man endowed with reason, that is magnanimously and noble, the animals, which are not so endowed, and indeed, all creatures whatever that can feel, but have no reason. But other men, since they are endowed with reason, treat with friendly affection. Thou has existed till now as a fragment of the universe, and wilt someday be absorbent, and my creator, or rather, thou wilt suffer a transformation and reappear as a new germ of life. Many grains of incense are destined for the same altar. Some fall soon into the flame, others later, but that makes no difference. 

I genuinely appreciate the teachers of ancient times and the few of today. Those of the academia or the intellectual minds paved the way for positive psychology or for us to think outside the box. It truly is amazing to see what is possible when you put passion, purpose, discipline, and training into your mind. Stanford psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, once said: “This isn’t some hypothetical situation, dependent on any manner of factors from genes to environment. It’s a mindset. And it’s one you can cultivate at any point in life.” In her beautiful book “Mindset” she explains why many grow or develop into a “fixed mindset” before middle school. And how a “growth mindset,” is pretty much the exact opposite — it’s a tendency to believe that one can grow or develop into a strong mindset of intelligence. Which is an area that is stretching to exist in our future. Especially, if we don’t use our innate or God-given potential and abilities. The foundation of America will cease to exist. 

With gratitude, 

Coach Frank Sagasta 

Leadership & Life-Skills Instructor 

Resources: 

The Philosophy of Civilization by Dr. Albert Schweitzer 

Studies in Reading by Season & Martain 

Daily Stoicism by Ryan Holiday 

                   (c) Coach Frank Sagasta 2023 

BRILLIANT LESSON

In this article, ‘BRILLIANT LESSON’ we will explore five valuable lessons and five important habits you can’t ignore or afford to learn or practice too late. Times have changed — people have changed emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. What hasn’t changed is the nature of life lessons and habits. 

Over the past forty-three years, I have had to endure specific life lessons, but in the end, they become habits that would impact my life forever. These life lessons and habits helped in my personal development and professional performance. Over ten years, I have spent countless hours preparing and practicing the use of these essential keys to a fulfilling and prosperous existence. 

Now. . . Let me share a short story of a young student. Being the field of education/exploration. I am faced with different issues or challenges from students. But this one reminded me of myself. This young student has a case of lost personality and values — He refuses to value the truth. He refuses to change his attitude in learning or outward behaviors toward others. I expressed to him yesterday, that if these areas didn’t change. Life’s challenges will hold greater consequences. Now I know, that someone will scoff or negatively criticize my professional style of handling situations like this because people have changed their life lessons (values & principles) and habits (attitudes). But life is a continuous journey of habits, experiences, and learning. With those areas comes growth. And with that growth comes the pain of resentment or the pain of fulfilled results. However, when we learned to appreciate these values of experience and successful habit-making. They can significantly impact your overall well-being, happiness, and fulfillment in life. These lessons and habits encompass communication, time management, relationship building, continuous learning, self-awareness, and most importantly self-care. 

LIFE LESSONS & HABIT MAKING DECISIONS 

1. Everything starts with effective internal and external communication. Many businesses and families are lost because we never learn the importance of this value. Some companies are starting to recognize that creating a positive corporate culture and diverse workforce isn’t just the right thing to do; business needs to grow. So, if it is important to businesses. Why isn’t it important for the family? I mean their businesses too!! 

1. Time is a non-renewable resource, and you can never get it back once it’s passed. I have told students for years when they distract from the learning process. They are stealing time from others and that’s a thief. So, managing your time effectively and prioritizing tasks that align with your goals, dreams, desires, and values is crucial. To make the most of your time, consider the following tips: A. Determine your short-term and long-term daily objectives, and use these to guide your daily tasks. B. Distractions kill actions — Identify common distractions in your environment, and minimize them while working or focusing on essential daily objectives or tasks. C. Energy Vampires or Mind Dumpers — Don’t let others waste your valuable energy or time. Only say “yes” to what motivates you toward your personal and professional ideas, dreams, or goals. 

1. Relationships are essential to life. Building relationships with family, friends, communities, and colleagues is essential for a well-rounded life. To build a strong foundation of relationships — we must start by providing love, compassion, inspiration, encouragement, guidance, and assistance during challenging times. Building and maintaining healthy relationships requires active participation in four stages of listening. Listening to learn. Listening to reflect. Listening to understand and listening to respond. 

1. Continuous learning revolutionized personal and professional growth. Many successful individuals, such as Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, etc. They all experienced numerous failures before achieving their dreams or goals. How? By embracing failure and learning from it!! They looked at it from a different perspective and learned how to differentiate it from the other experience. Helen Keller knew this very well, you see setbacks as opportunities for growth or improvement. That is the optimistic view. In fact, that is one of the titles of her books. 

1. Cultivate an environment of self-care. This ties into self-awareness as well, for when you’re aware that your self-care is diminishing, or in decay, you do something about it. Your mental or emotional health profoundly impacts your overall well-being and quality of life. Self-care is an essential component for maintaining balance and fostering happiness and satisfaction. Consider these tips, I have learned and am still practicing: A. Establish a habit of incorporating daily exercise, meditation, or journaling into your schedule. B. Set up boundaries is important and possible. Protect yourself by; limiting work at home, social obligations, and screen time. Prioritize activities that rejuvenate and fulfill you with a positive mental attitude and electrifying energy. C. Ask. . . Ask!! If you're going through a rough patch, seek a professional or someone more knowledgeable in the area. I struggle with this before my mid-30s. But after finding the right mentor/coach things became easier to understand. 

We often wonder what sets successful individuals apart from average individuals. In every book, I’ve read or workshop experience, I’ve attended. It turns out that daily experiences and habits play a significant role in shaping the lives, achievements, and successes of high performers. The fundamental truths of how those mentioned above along with these values; kindness, compassion, optimism, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude have advanced other civilizations in record numbers. To give a real foundation of truth to the ethical and logical view of why these two areas (lesson & habits) are indeed as important as breathing. Of course, those willing to read and practice the steps herein must remember — individual preferences and circumstances may vary, so finding the best habits for you are essential. I personally and professionally have been waking up between the hours of 3 AM thru 4 AM for continuous learning and meditation. In addition, I have been exercising regularly and attending our local church functions weekly. And I have been doubling down on family time. 

I genuinely believe by incorporating some or all of these daily lessons or habits into your life, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking your full- potential and achieving your desired achievements or successes.  The Emperor Marcus Aurelius stated this way; “How does your ruling reason manage itself?  For that is the key to everything.  Whatever else remains, be at in the power of your choice or not, is but a corpse and smoke.”  In a way, that is exactly what I have expressed.  What might you ask yourself throughout the day?  What influences the ruling reason that guides your life?  What habits do you need to stop and start today?  What phenomenal life lessons could you real start using?  

With gratitude, 

Resources: 

Growth Mindset, Carol Dweck

Energy Bus, Jon Gordon

Limitless, Jim Kwik 

Atomic Habits, James Clear

        

Coach Frank & Sarah Sagasta

Leadership & Life-Skills Instructor 

                     (c) Coach Frank Sagasta 2023 

GO TO JAIL! DO NOT COLLECT 200 FOR PASSING GO!!

 GO TO JAIL! DO NOT COLLECT $200 FOR PASSING GO!! 

So, I just heard that Donald J Trump, our former President of the once great America is soon to be arrested on Tuesday. Now, I don’t know the whole details, but the shenanigans going on in this country is unbelievable and interesting. Interesting because they are using the Justice Department for power. Just like; FBI, CIA, NSA, or NIH. Many of us observed how they scrutinized or manipulated us to believe that there was Russian collusion, January 6, and much more involving Trump. 

I am not a lawyer, and nor do I profess to be one but it’s quite obvious that Donald J Trump is hated by a select group of individuals in this country. These individuals have ties or are politically connected to a certain party. What blows my mind, is that the same individuals/parties cry for somatic racism, bias, spiritual hatred, or unethical practice. Just happen to be from the Democratic Party. These lawyers claim to use obstruction of justice against the former President of the United States of America. And yearslong investigation into a hush-money scheme involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. What we have is a two-tier system of justice, plain and simple. 

I am convinced that civilization as we once remembered is gone at the hands of a politically polarized, and radical idealist. everything that I see going on, reminds me of a great book by George Orwell — if you haven’t read the book, I recommend you get a copy before it is banned from Amazon or any other book retail store. 

Why are there so many people, including those in the Democratic Party still going after the former President? Why is the Democratic Party up and arms against Donald Trump? Has the Democratic Party genuinely forgotten what it has stood for? 

Many past presidents have been strongly disliked by large portions of Americans. For instance, George Bush was strongly disliked by many Americans mostly for his Iraq war policy, his connection to the things at the World Trade Center, or family history of illegal transactions, and his hush money schemes. Barack Obama and his policies to give away our heart earn money to the corrupt banking system. That we can all attest too and see how some of those CEOs lived lavishly and thrive with parties from our tax paying money. And the list goes on with different former employees!! Yep many of them were able to pass go and collector 200, but WHY? Is it impossible to believe that maybe they were all actually connected? When I say connected, I am referring to or specifically talking about swimming, in the same swamp of corruption. Because during Donald J Trump’s presidency. He exposed the Deep State and the corruption. Many of us were blinded by manipulation, hence George Orwell, book 1984 and many others. 

The unexpected truth is that we, as a nation have fallen into a deep pit. I genuinely believe with all my heart, that even if ‘Donald J Trump’ was elected president of America for a second time. It would take more than two terms for him to eradicate the deep state. I believe that the hearts and minds of Americans, have grown cold and dark. That there is no return from its unethical practices or behavior. And we two will be remembered as a nation that fail like the great Republic of Rome. The unexpected truth is that all of these people hate Donald J. Trump. They hate what he values — and from reading, and learning more about Donald J Trump, he values individual responsibility over social responsibility. He favored low tax rates over higher tax rates. He has always been a huge favor of less government versus big government. He is valued leadership and ownership. The people at the core of their hatred toward Donald J Trump are those who hate him because of his values. What that they hated, is what he did in making America great. Despite what others think of Donald J Trump, he’s accomplished more in two years despite all the hatred, animosity, and shenanigans. Just imagine what our country would look like if people could give a positive chance or fair chance to someone. . . Think of how much more successes or accomplishment our country could achieve?  

So, what could fix America? What would make America great again? 

I genuinely believe after this next year‘s election. The person who leads the US must fix the five broken systems within the US; Our political system, our economic system, our justice system, our social system, and our educational system.

With gratitude, 

Coach Frank Sagasta

Leadership & Life-Skills Instructor 

Arizona 

                 (c) Coach Frank Sagasta 2023 

HAPPY SEXY CRISIS

 Happy Sexy Crisis. . . 

By Coach Frank Sagasta

Does anyone see that our civilization today is in turmoil? Does anyone see the collapse of our civilization today in America? 

For some apparent reason, most people think that the crisis is due to Covid. Most people think that crisis is due to the war in Ukraine, but they would be wrong. Most people think that the crisis is due to politicians but they might be right!! 

Clever, manipulative, and narcissistic men stumble about our society or civilization looking to destroy life, liberty, happiness, and prosperity. For their self-deception motives. When they were called upon for answers for their actions and responsibilities, they become embarrassed. So, much so that it’s rather difficult to give an ear or attention to them because their lies haven’t changed since they started. These same individuals have pioneered the elaboration of manipulation of the human mind today. The same individuals have influenced the considerations and practices of an immoral movement of society, to transform itself into an indigenous unethical disastrous future. Those same individuals tell us in terriblely harsh language that our ancestors were accelerating toward catastrophic destruction because of their ignorance, but how wrong these individuals have been. 

Judging from the events of our modern day, and over the past 40 years, one might even say that we have evolved into self-entitled, self-deception, and unethical people. The most widespread danger throughout history has consisted, and the fact that through this psychological term; conditioned. Our civilization of mankind has become a greater number of unfree, instead of free. This free society of mankind comes with the transcending thought, that has preceded generations with achievement and success like no other. From the different accounts of wonderful books that I have read over the span of 10 years. The type of man, who once cultivated his own bit of land, has been manipulated to believe that he cannot do so, for he is destroying the environment. What a decay of thought and idea to believe such rubbish. 

Any society that loses its elementary freedom will find itself emerging into bondage. Any people who lose their elementary freedom will find themselves in oppression. Any people who lose their elementary freedom will find themselves forced into a slave mindset. Any civilization, that no longer has the extensive and unbroken consciousness of the responsibility factors or those who live by their own independent labor. The conditions of their existence are therefore unnatural and they no longer care about the struggle for existence — for they have become, the sheep and not the lions. It truly is unfortunate that our civilization has acquired the mentality of unfree men, and ideas of civilization can no longer become constipated in conversation or within the clarity of thought because we have become so distorted by the atmosphere of manipulation and cognitive distortion. And because of these factors or incisive behavior. We have in many respects crippled ourselves; mentally, physically, emotionally, economically, and spiritually in our capacity to progress toward life, liberty, happiness, and prosperity. We have lowered ourselves to vain, pride, greed, fear, ignorance, and lust. 

How do we regain power as a people from the devastating character and legacy of undignified, individuals to two be the conquerors we were designed to be? Can we genuinely build a bridge toward the harboring of thought and understanding of unity? Will there ever be a reviving of the heart, mind, and soul in America? Have we been fooled to believe by the advancement of knowledge, and power, we did not reflect on the danger it would expose to our future?  Does anyone else think America is in a crisis?  

(c) Coach Frank Sagasta 2023 

America United

 America United

BASIC AMERICAN UNITY OF LIFE

By Coach Frank Sagasta 

INTRODUCTION

Has America fallen into the same trap of the Roman Empire?  Many Americans believe that the country’s predominance will last forever. Former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed ‘morning in America’ and celebrated its uniqueness and exemption from the laws of history.  However, there is no exemption from progress, only results. 

Where is America. . . 

AMERICA 🇺🇸 is in TROUBLE 

AMERICA 🇺🇸 is in PERIL

AMERICA 🇺🇸 is in CRISIS 

AMERICA 🇺🇸 needs help!!! 

America 🇺🇸 needs more accountability — we have lost our moral and ethical values.  We have become blinded by our own ego, pride, greed, and ignorance.  Could the world’s greatest power fall like that of the Roman Empire? 

I asked my beautiful wife this morning about the peril of our border and the crisis we’ve all endured for the past three years?  Her response was rather blunt; “It’s the way the elites want it!!”  I know this isn’t the same old blog or writing that you’ve seen from me, but something about today got me wondering.  How much longer will genuine Americans put-up with the shenanigans?  Where did America go wrong?  And is there a point of return?  Can the House of Representatives or even Donald J. Trump really help to save the fallen nation of America?  With all due respect. . . I’ll give you time to deeply think about those questions.

I wholeheartedly believe that America has fallen apart.  The monstrosity of big government and open agendas that overshadowed our nation's greatest achievements.  It is now a machine of propaganda that includes; agendas, political, ideological, and psychological manipulations.  Americans have become so drugged up by discrimination and distractions.  Not only those drugs which are consuming our citizens too!!  But I am referring to the drug of attention.  Because of this attention drug, we as a society have lost all values of respect and responsibility.  The respect and responsibility of our citizens and future generations.  The respect and responsibility to deep thinking or even speaking with eloquence on key issues.  We have lost the vision of life in general — all because of this attention drug that has hijacked our God given ability to pay attention to the things that matter most.  If you ask a few kids ages 10 - 22 today about dreams, goals, or vision of the future in America — many fall prey to the reality that they don’t know.  

I was born August 29th, 1979 in Riverside, California. — America was still divided, but not as divided as it is presently.  These days it feels as if the United States has never been less united and cannot seem to get back on track.  The nation, it seems, has become irrevocably fractured along political and ideological lines — Republican/Democrat, liberal/conservative, red/blue, black/white, gay/straight, right/wrong, rich/poor, or intelligent/ignorance, etc.  I know for certain that we have changed as a nation and not for the sake of betterment, but worse!!  Even sitting down for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or dinner with friends has never been more uncomfortable and the admonition to avoid discussing religion, politics, education, economics, or even raising children.  

Did the plandemic really change the cognitive structure or function of society?  

Over the past three years, I have had the greatest opportunity of speaking with individuals much older and wiser than I and they also feel that the nation has never been so split.  Many agree that we’ve been more politically conscious for more than a few decades and therefore have a narrow timeline from which to compare.  Still, there is good evidence that proves American political parties have become increasingly polarized over the past 20-30 years.  The question — what happens when nations of democracies become polarized?  And what are the long-term effects of polarized politics in our ‘United States’ democracy?  

There are two wonderful articles to help any individual to understand the point of which I am consciously trying to make.  Of course, I will add them at the end of my blog for your own observation, instruction, and understanding.  Finishing up a book by Dr. Albert Schweitzer titled; “The Philosophy of Civilization,” really opened up my mind.  Especially, on the rise of an “us versus them” mindset.  Dr. Schweitzer wrote: "Ethics is nothing other than Reverence for Life.  Reverence for Life affords me my fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, assisting and enhancing life, and to destroy, to harm or to hinder life is evil." Another great book by a brilliant psychiatrist, Dr. Jean M. Twenge, a Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University.  The title of her book; “Generation, Me.”  In my experience, education, and research.  America's sociopolitical life is evident for instance look at partisan media machine.  Look at educational institutions in America.  Look at big government institutions.  Look at social media platforms.  Look at businesses.  In fact, look at Americans' willingness to marry someone from the opposing political party or race.  Oh, America is in peril  — if you don’t want to believe me, that is okay!  I certainly, know that there are individuals who do believe as I do, and they too, believe we are in a crisis.  And that ignorance and distraction has become so entrenched into our lives, that we have forgotten the American way.  We have forgotten what respect and responsibility genuinely mean.  We have forgotten what compassion and empathy really mean.  We have forgotten what moral and ethical standards really mean.  We have forgotten what service to our country really means.  We have forgotten what unity really means.  We have allowed propaganda machine and political elites to re-fabricate our democracy.  

Let me remind each, and every single reader.  We must be willing to tighten the belts.  We must be willingly, to sacrifice, in order to redefine the greatness of our nation.  In the great book of one of the great teachers and stoicism — Plato’s “Republic" aimed to teach us all that justice, in itself, is worthwhile, and that it is better to be just than unjust.  It is better to be just than unjust for the just person avoids a life of misery, and the just person lives a happy and fulfilled life.  It also goes so far as to teach the value of moderation and self-control to citizens of democracy and democracy itself.  As we can see presently, there is no self-control or moderation only out of control behaviors and addictions. 

Look. . I am not sorry for sharing this blog!  I am not sorry for being famous.  I am not sorry for being rich and powerful.  I am not sorry for following the status  quo of graduating from one of the top elite universities.  I am not sorry for becoming the world's greatest writer, or New York’s best seller.  That is not my business or purpose on this earth.  However, it is my purpose to serve, protect, love, and to share with others that there are methods of removing from ourselves the demonic sociopolitical polarization of thinking from our society.  And it starts with removing members of these communities mentioned above.  No!! an elected official, who claims to be a leader, ought to demand from the people an unjust way of thinking and behaving. 

Articles for clarification:  

https://carnegieendowment.org/2022/01/18/what-happens-when-democracies-become-perniciously-polarized-pub-86190

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/201809/why-has-america-become-so-divided

https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/10/05162647/10-05-2017-Political-landscape-release.pdf

                            (c) CoachFrankSagasta 2023 

KEEP - N - MIND

Fast Minds 

What happened to creativity?  Is it age, luck, or talent?  Maybe it is our habits, environment, or attitudes.  

I want you all to take a moment and think. . . Think deeply about your early life.  Remember, when we were kids, our mind never stopped to wonder about time or even the future for that matter.  We played and lived in the present moment.  We didn’t have cellphones to distract ourselves.  We were always open to new experiences.  We absorbed those experiences like a sponge of possibilities.  Example; The possibility of jumping off the roof with the trash bag and landed safely.  Of course, we learn fast — that doesn’t work.  And just because your friend jumped over an open construction trench and lands doesn’t always mean you will too!  But we learned fast because the world around us was excited to develop.  

I have come to the terms of believing our minds can stop growing and move with excitement.  One of my favorite teachers, philosophers, thinkers, and Stoics.  Aristotle taught that life is defined by movement.  If that was the case, then what doesn’t move would be considered dead or what doesn’t grow must be removed.  This growth can come from areas in life that have value.  The tree cannot grow with toxic chemicals that are contrary to its development and a lush garden will never produce year after year with intoxication.  I hope that makes sense. 

We have a few new babies in our church, and I’m reminded weekly of how we all start off with a mobile mind, but as many get older, and the more distractions we allow possible, our minds becomes immobile.  All too often, we are enslaved as human beings by the looks.  By the new trends, politics, economy, environment, entertainment, etc.  But what we truly need is the fluidity of the mind that we once possessed and have received from the beginning of your existence.  I genuinely believe when we have our mind on something that angers us.  Something that frustrates us.  Something that makes us depressed.  We must try even harder to revert back to our child like mind — when something flashy could still are attention and we can forget about the anger, frustration, stress, desperation or pain.  I believe we have the power to distract ourselves with something positive or something worthy.  

I love being a leadership/life-skills coach — one of my powers is training young people that our connection to our mind starts with our attitude, habits, and choices.  Second to that is our connection to others when we are in the present.  I challenge you not to waste your time, or your energy on things you cannot change or influence.  As one of the great comedian Sebastian Maniscalco says “Never hold the line-up, just keep it moving.”  So, once again — I challenge you to keep that mind moving in the right direction.  

Coach Frank Sagasta 

Leadership & Life-Skills Coach 

                       (c) Coach Frank Sagasta 2023