Lesson One

Music. It's a vast concept that differs to every human on the planet. Some like rock, and won't give any other form of music a chance. For others, rap is the best. I won't go through the list of all the types of music, because I figure you're smart enough to get my gist. Human society can be just as absolute; we have a tendency to judge people on their outward appearance, just as we judge music by its sound. All music has its place, as does every human, but we get so wrapped up in the judgments in our heads that we forget that everyone is entitled to a fair chance. This doesn't mean you have to hang out with them, but it does mean that if, say, a homeless person walks up to you on the street asking for money, treat them like a human. Treat them how you would if, say, Arnold Schwarzenegger walked up to you and said that you have on a nice shirt. God did make those people, just as it made you, and just as it made Arnold. You don't have to believe a certain way, but we do, and we judge anyone who doesn't fit in with your belief system. If they aren't what you deem is good and wholesome, just say no and leave it at that. You don't have to put them down or think nasty thoughts. Who knows, that person you just ran into could be a diplomat from another country trying to find his way home. Just because you think he's just a crazy drunk doesn't mean you have to treat him like something you'd wipe off the bottom of your shoe. We have slogans like "stop the hate" and "we are the world", and we love those sentiments, but we don't live them. We have to change, because if we don't, the world won't change, and isn't that what we all want? You wouldn't tell Arnold to get out of your face, would you? Then why say that to this guy who's asking for your hard-earned money?
If you act respectful, you will be respected, end of story. This means also that you should be prepared to ward off attackers, just in case the guy does get violent. There are methods of cooking out there that is very healthy, and you will be able to defend yourself, with a proper diet and training. Learn how to defend. You can be your own shield. Just as if you'd try not to listen to someone else's preferred choice in music if you can't stand it, you don't have to listen to it, and you don't have to fight without reason. But if there's a reason, and you are endangered (as in the pulls a knife on you or is dangerous some way... not someone asking for your change), go ahead and defend. You have the knowledge you need to tune it out, and you have the knowledge to protect if in danger. Let them know they can't fuck with you, and they won't.

I'm in the middle of writing my lessons, and this is the first one. Two things to take from it:
1). Treat others with respect, for you will be respected.
2). Know how to defend against those who don't care if they're respected.

Thanks for reading. Namaste. God bless. Be back with my next lesson soon.