Personal Commemoration- Reflection #7

It was less than about a year ago when I had the privilege of going to Europe for Christmas Break. My father took us to Munich, Prague, Berlin, and London. I had been to Europe in the past, having gone to Italy and Switzerland. However, at the time, I was too young to fully absorb and appreciate where I was. So this vacation (event) really opened my eyes to a whole new lifestyle that I never imagined myself being in. During the three weeks we spent in those four cities, I got to visit the historical places that shaped the countries' history. It was a time where I got to appreciate the great opportunity my family offered to me. To see the world on a greater scale, apart from my confined home of Seoul, was the greatest gift I could ever ask for. It marked the climax of my passion for traveling. 

This event will commemorate the great experience and opportunity that was given to me. It will last for three weeks starting from the Friday of the third week of December to the Sunday of the first week of January. Everyday during this time period, I will constantly remind myself of these words:

"I am blessed, I am privileged, and let the opportunities I am faced with in life cherish me in every way possible. Make good use of what I am given."

In order to commemorate this event, for the three weeks, the people that celebrate this commemoration event will have  to make a pilgrimage to a historical site that helped shape their nation. They will be modest and appreciate all the things in life that are given to them and they will be blessed. They will only eat three meals a day without snacking on things that are unnecessary as it is perceived as "waste" during those three weeks. 

Once those three weeks are over, each person is to repeat "I am blessed, I am privileged, and let the opportunities I am faced with in life cherish me in every way possible. Make good use of what I am given." They will recite this to each of their family members and thank them for all that they've provided. 

The Morality of Greek Myths- Reflection #6

CUPID AND PSYCHE

In this particular myth, Venus had ordered Cupid to shoot Psyche with an arrow that will make her fall in love with a poor, unmannered man because she was jealous of the fact that Psyche was so radiantly beautiful. However, as Cupid was attempting to do as he was told, he falls in love with Venus and he weds her in secret, not revealing his identity. Curiosity and words from her sisters soon lead Psyche to visit this mysterious man at once in the nighttime. So finally, one night, she crept into his bed chamber with dagger and a torch to finally uncover the truth. Cupid, infuriated, left her as he felt betrayed and told her that her love was all he asked for. 

The moral of this story deals with human consciousness. Psyche, already a princess herself, had all the wealth she could ask for. Yet, she found herself wanting more than what she can use. This exemplifies the greediness she exhibited. She didn't trust her husband though he provided so much for her. She was veiled under the belief that he was a monster that was going to come after her one day. Had she trusted Cupid and listened to him, she could have avoided pain on both parts. In certain circumstances, curiosity can do more bad than good. "Love cannot live where there is no trust." Cupid trusted Psyche but when she turned his back on him, Cupid flees.

Does curiosity actually kill? Well, not literally but curiosity leaves behind many consequences and it's a part of life's everyday mysteries. When is 'enough'? How far will one go to fulfill their curious desires? It is evident that the important virtues for the Greeks are trust, honesty, obedience, and selflessness. Without those core values, nothing is possible - they are that significant.