I admire those who live by their own principles - even though I might not believe the same - it takes a certain amount of courage and true belief in ones self. Over my life, I have tried with no true aspiration, but a natural calling to be drawn to these type of individuals. Strong willed and steadfast in their ways. It must be the passion they all possess for their own conviction, no matter the circumstances. They will always be faithful to that core belief and in true sense, to the death.
Cultures comes to mind when I think of dire commitment to ways of life and tradition. Passing culture down from one generation to the next, never letting it fade into the past. I can't say I believe all customs should stay on course, no change, no progression, but if you love your way of life and your families and do not want to change...the hell with everything else, maintain. Continue the ongoing, perfected, right traditions.
One such culture comes to mind. In the deep reaches of the Congo lie the lands of Mbuti and Bantu. Young boys from both tribes receive hard lessons from the lash during Nbumbi, the ritual passage of boy into manhood. The young boys, roughly nine to twelve years of age receive daily whippings to toughen them up. Each boy, painted white as chalk from head to toe, receive a merciless beating from the elders as the others watch and await their own trial. Even through the stinging blows of each lashing, they maintain themselves, hold-fast, and never show a grimace. Yet, after it was over each day the boys will walk away roll with laughter. During the passage, no one was permitted to speak, but the laughter was their escape. They all knew why they were given this test and gave it all the were able to give. It was never suffering, just a step up toward their title as a man and the boys took all the pain proudly. Giving it their all for something the believed so much in. I have the utmost respect for those cultures. Their way of life, or die to have it any other way.
Why not put your whole life into something you have a indescribable passion for. Some search their whole lives to find meaning to their life. A reason to look forward to tomorrow. I have found it. My reason to wake every morning, to make my day fruitful, is the thought of knowing-more, connecting, simply living. I cannot pinpoint my desire, but I feel it after each day and I know it is my own.
