Soul of a Citizen
September 13, 2014
The literary piece “Soul of a Citizen” is an insightful article that describes the how the human desire for interaction, companionship, social and environmental change, and collaborative acts for community improvement are often hindered by the negative thoughts people have towards their abilities to induce such movements. The author describes how many individuals are discouraged from starting community movements for positive change because they feel that their voices will not be heard, and that they are not a powerful enough force to compete with larger organizations. The author includes a few examples of true success stories of individuals from all socio-economical backgrounds that have prevailed in coming together with other individuals in their community for a common cause.
How did these individuals succeed against all odds?
One common denominator I found among the entirety of these success stories is that these people had a deep passion towards changing something that they saw to be detrimental to their community. These individuals united others that shared this same passion for their cause, and erected the formation of a group that progressively became larger and more impact-ful as their efforts and labors increased. These people worked side by side passionately for change with friends, neighbors, and family to come to an outcome that would benefit all.
I now see that our potential as individuals cannot be ignited without the help and concern of others. To make change, we have to work together, we have to feel together, and share a passion. We cannot hold back our voices, or wait for someone else to do the work for us. We must feed off the energy of other people and climb together. If we act helpless, we will become helpless. If we believe we can be strong, we will become strong.
As the title indicates, we citizens have s SOUL that is representative of the passion that us humans have for interaction, communication, and the well-being of ourselves and the community. How can we re-invigorate our cities in a way that allows its SOUL to flourish and prosper? How can we rearrange, recycle, and rebuild upon our current assets so that it facilitates the coming together of people and the expression of our culture? These questions are something I aim to solve in the coming months in this praxis lab. I hope to diagnose the city of its ailments and isolate a treatment that will induce health, happiness, and wealth in our community.
In this praxis lab I hope that I can unite not only with my classmates and professor, but also with other powers in the community, the state government, and the citizens themselves to make Salt Lake City an even more beautiful place to live. I am absolutely invigorated with motivation, energy, and passion!
Invisible Valley 