Day 110

Very productive day today in terms of progression of myself... it started out by reading a little and then I headed over to Daniel's flat. Claire was over there and we all hungout for a bit. When she left the guitar lessons started, I felt like I made pretty good progress, Daniel thinks I definitely did and was impressed with how fast I was learning it. But I feel like I was learning it slowly, although it is tough to compare something like that to anything else I learn about. Where it can just be ... well ... learned, guitar involves much more of your procedure memory in that you need to train your body (hands) to make very precise and specific movements. Remembering where to put the fingers is not the hard part, I can tell you where I put them for both of the songs I learned right now, but to be able to integrate this knowledge of information to the motor movements is another thing altogether. Anyway, after about 4 hours of this, Dave came over and then the three of us headed to the pool hall around 9. We played for a few hours, definitely a fun time. From here we headed back to Dave's and were all craving some pizza - ordered 2 XXL's from Papa John's for only 18 pounds. What a deal. Chomped on those while starting some good conversation. Dave was kinda in his own world talking to someone on the computer - but Daniel and I proceeded to get into abstract conversations. As we had two sessions of good talk the day before, it was proceeding further into pure philosophical topics. Dave ended up leaving at about 2AM I want to say, to go to bed. Daniel and I kept talking, and the next thing I know, the sun is up, and it is 5am! Insane. Completely worth it though, the things you learn about yourself, and the other person in times like this are unmatched and inaccessible from any other avenue. Speaking to someone about their inner most thoughts and feelings on subjects really exposes you to who they are as a person in their core, it is through this that I believe the firmest relationships can be built upon. Daniel mentioned how our conversation covered such a wide range of topics, and that in most cases, their would be someone who let their emotions get in the way or were too stubborn on their view on a topic, causing the conversation to cease or be less powerful. That is so true, for one example, we were able to talk about religion from a completely objective point of view, and I think that is a necessary tool in itself to be able to pull your human desires out of a conversation and examine it purely from a philosophical standpoint... so important for any growth. I was telling him, that earlier in this year I mentioned to my Dad that I didn't find I had a lot of people to have these talks with. That went more than tip-toeing into the pond. That upon reflection of that talk, I asked myself why, why wasn't I having these talks? In most cases, it seems that you just have to hit the right subject, and it will develop into that. There is another way though, that I have found out and utilize to the fullest now. Start them... what a concept. I have changed the way I communicate with people now, instead of skimming along in fear of offensiveness or who knows what, I immediately desire to delve into their brains and find out how they really think about a subject. I feel that in this, I am not only more satisfied with my talks with people, but we have better conversations. This is how I feel communication should be used. Not to gossip, not to talk about the latest celebrity scandals... but to evaluate your thoughts as well as come across the different possibilities and views in others thoughts. Sure, there will always be room for talking about things that don't revolve around the creation of the universe, and don't get me wrong, these are necessary for keeping a healthy lifestyle and not becoming so detached from reality. This would be what I would term the playful side of talk, however, the philosophical side is so crucial for any growth as person. I can't stress enough how much I feel this way. I remember Daniel saying towards the end of our conversation that this is probably what Socrates and Plato did, they just talked about everything so openly and became so intelligent - it is probably exactly what they did! Another thing he said really struck me, he said he felt his brain working. That is something that people need to do more often! Exercise that thing in your skull. It is after all, you, along with every single representation of this thing we call reality. I can feel myself about to go into a three hour tangent. So I will end here. But damn, I love philosophizing.