In sociology class we discussed sociological mindfulness. We described sociological mindfulness as being aware and acknowledging how peers and acquaintances connect and knowing how you can influence the world and those around you, but also knowing how they influence you. Everyone is intertwined and connected. Our actions affect other people around us and it is our job to be aware of that and what we can do to leave a positive influence or impact.We recently read the article "Sociological Mindfulness" by Michael Schwalbe. In this article he said "Treat other people the way you want to be treated." These is a common phrase that we have heard through out our lives and also repeat to young ones around us. In this day people are often talking about respect towards others and their property, but how often do we take our own words and use our own advice. We need to take in to consideration how our words and actions can affect others and ourselves. We are all shaped by our culture and the time period. Many people have there set ways and are afraid to open up to new ideas or views on life. We tend to over look things and it has become normal in most peoples life. As we learn to pay attention and appreciate those little things around us we can open our minds more widely to sociology mindfulness. We need to realize that everybody is different and has their own unique qualities. We need to be able to accept a person and their flaws along with being able to appreciate their qualities and views. Something as little as one person can make a huge impact. In class Sal said something along the lines of something as small as a ripple can end up on the other side of the ocean as a wave. Our influence can mean a lot. This reminded me of the movie pay it forward. For those of you who have never seen this movie it is about just one boy who decides to do a nice thing for three different people. These people then have to pay it forward to three more people.This movement that ends up quite a distance from its origin.This helps me to believe I can make a difference along with any other person by just setting an example. I know that in my life I tend to not give a lot of thought to things especially when it comes to school. I may not notice the influence I have on my friends directly and others around me. I have learned though through my example I can make a positive impact in other people's lives. I have noticed that I do not always openly look at things. At school I have meet many people who mainly are self involved and for that reason they do not realize or care the impact they may cause on their peers. Our community has a certain mind set and opinion as a whole and as we grow up we become accustomed to this and at sometimes causes us to think in a similar way. I have a friend who would never speak out in fear of peers and all those people around her. She never felt comfort enough to speak against others. Through example though one person at a time we can change.
We started our first day in sociology in silence. Some found it awkward and others did not. It all depends on a way a person was raised or their view on life. I find silence relaxing and peaceful. I personally love to sit outside and just listen to the silence of voices. It is nice to listen to the sounds of nature. I was a bit confused at first, as were some of my classmates. Many people were lost because their minds automatically were thinking that we should be listening to the teacher in silence.In our lives we have been taught and "brainwashed" to sit down when we enter a class room, wait in silence for the teacher to begin. When our teacher Sal did not speak I was confused. Some found the silence awkward because it was a new situation that they were not use to. We often go about a daily lives with a set schedule for the most part. When something in our schedules change it can throw us off and confuse us. I know that for me a wake up every morning and I usually know exactly what my plan is. If I sleep in too long or I miss something that I was suppose to go to it throws me off and I get confused. Every week day I go to school and when I get into the class room I sit down and just wait because that is what I learned to do when I was young. I am a kinesthetic learner. I often would have questions in class because I have trouble learning through audio. Teachers would often hold off on my question because we do not have time in class. Often they ended up not getting answered. Teachers mostly have such a precise schedule and do not revolve their teaching around the students. We often are involoved in things we are use to and this is our mind thinking sociological.
I have lived in the same place since I was four. I am the baby of the family. I have two older sisters and an older brother. My favorite color is lime green and baby blue or any other bright colors. My favorite animal is the White Bengal Tiger; I love their blue eyes and I think they are really beautiful animals. I am very shy for the most part. Although, I can be very outgoing though once I get to know people and am more comfortable with them. Some of my friends might describe me as friendly, loving, kind, caring, understanding, and, crazy. I love being adventurous and doing anything that involves the outdoors. I love snowmobiling, snowboarding or anything of that sort. I have been bungee jumping and hope to go again but this time off a bridge. I also would love to go skydiving. I love going camping with friends and family. When I am older I would love to be able to go on random spur of the moment vacations to random places. I hope someday to have been able to visit every state in the United States. I also want to travel the world and visit various historical sites and locations. I play lacrosse and absolutely love it. I love sports. I use to play basketball and volleyball, but now I just play for fun with friends. My all time favorite vacations would be going to Hawaii with my family and going to Mexico with my mom and friends. I am Mormon! Some of my biggest influences in my life are my mom and sisters. The church is also another big influence that has shaped my life. My family, the church, and my friends are a huge part of who I am and who I hope to become. I am striving my best to become a more productive and organized person. I have a very optimistic view on my life and those around me. I hope I am or can be the kind of person people can look up to. My goal in life is to start my own family.
