A Deep Concern About World Poverty

In trying to summarize my experience in this class of have come to realize how much I value the opportunity to actually do something. For me the message of the class has been that action is relatively easy and that the barriers are mostly mental. This class has showed me that the difference between thinking and doing is simply following your ideas to their natural conclusions. Oh sure, sometimes stuff doesn’t work out and things fall apart but when you strip all that away, action is basically and idea plus doing. I know this might not make sense but trying to encapsulate all that is involved in beginning and successfully executing a project is difficult to describe. Instead, I offer a recipe, not for success mind you, but for positive action.

Begin with clean-slate/empty vase; a naïve good-doer type. If none can be found then substitute with cynical, jaded but good-hearted and eager type. If using substitution, pay no attention to their skepticism. It will settle eventually and if it does not it can be rinsed and strained out with sieve.

Collect all materials together in one room. Let stir and swell.

Add impetus.

Skim the residue: the sense of unimportance/failure/defeatism off the top. Make sure to continue to stir adding in flavors or spices that you enjoy. (Warning: some meat may not take to all additives).

Let flavors absorb. To encourage this, gentle nudge with spoon/fork/hammer/fist/your voice.

Let rest. Allowing your dish to change its shape if necessary (this is almost always necessary).

Add enthusiasm and care. Encourage your meal. At this point you may stop stirring. This step can be difficult but you have to let the dish cook on its own.

Stop while still pink on the inside. It should still be tender because it will harden with time.

Enjoy. You have made something great.