A Human Being

“We know artists by their most important creations” –Kurt Bruner at thriving family.com

Human beings are such amazing creatures, don’t you think? There is something special about being human. Something unique. Something that separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom, and all creation. I think people instinctively know and believe that. We speak, blush, have compassion, wear clothing, have a spirit, appreciate beauty, have very fine hair, walk upright, understand time, live long childhoods, know the difference between right and wrong, and are self-conscious.

Here are a few interesting things I found online about the difference between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom.

“Without a doubt, the human trait that sets us apart the most from the animal kingdom is our extraordinary brain. Humans don’t have the largest brains in the world… …Yet the human brain, weighing only about 3 pounds when fully grown, give us the ability to reason and think on our feet beyond the capabilities of the rest of the animal kingdom, and provided the works of Mozart, Einstein and many other geniuses.”  —livescience.com

“Animals sing. So do we, but we make it into music.
Animals breed. So do we, but we also make it into love..
Animals kill. So do we, but we try to feel remorse.” (source)

Do you think humans are unique? If so, why?

Hanging Around (Tanaga)

I was invited by Elizabeth from Tea and Paper to join the Five Photos, Five Stories Challenge: “Post a photo each day for five consecutive days and attach a story to the photo. It can be fiction or non-fiction, a poem or a short paragraph and each day nominate another blogger for the challenge”. Elizabeth posts photos, poems, artsy stuff and other things on her lovely blog. Please drop by and check it out.

My nomination for today is Rob, from The V-Pub. Rob is a fun blogger that writes about everything and anything, and has been a faithful friend for over a year and a half now.

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The above photo is of a plant that hangs from bananas, and was taken close to my house. I have written a Tanaga poem once again to pair with my photo. I thought the theme of the poem was perfect for it.

Here is another photo I took of the plant hanging from the bananas.

Modern living has placed expectations on humanity (at least much of the western world) to always be busy. I have decided not to buy into that way of thinking. I believe that living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just mean eating right and exercising. A healthy lifestyle includes taking care of the entire being – body, soul and spirit. For this to happen, it is necessary to stop regularly and just hang out. Do nothing. Relax and rest. It may even mean saying ‘no’ to others when they ask something of you.

Do you regularly take time out to just hang out? To do nothing? To relax and breathe a bit? What do you like to do to relax and take care of yourself?

A Human Being – Haiku

A human being
Poetry in the making
Each word penned with thought

A human being
Fine musical orchestra
The conductor leads

A human being
Not complicated machine
Spirit, soul, body

Have you ever thought about what it means to be a human being? Considered the differences there are between humans and other creatures? Do you think we’re special in some way? Just a bit of food for thought as we go into our weekend.

This is my first Haiku poem.  I’m new to writing, especially poetry.  I know I’m not that seasoned yet, but I’m really wanting to branch out and grow.  I would appreciate any feedback or advice that you may have for me :-). So many of you are such eloquent poets and writers, and I admire the beauty that I read in your work.  Your words to me will not be taken lightly.