In the rapidly evolving world of spirituality, millennials are leading the charge as “spiritual free agents” who are breaking away from traditional religious institutions in favor of a more personalized approach (Ekwonye & DeLauer, 2019). This new approach to spirituality is driven by access to information and diverse perspectives made possible by technology and the internet. It has the potential to create a more inclusive and accepting world. The trend toward individualized spirituality is characterized by the rise of mindfulness practices, the popularity of alternative spirituality and holistic health practices, and a growing number who identify as spiritual but not religious (Momennasab & Jaberi, 2021). Focusing on a personal connection to spirituality is not rejecting organized religion but rather a desire for a deeper, more meaningful connection. Self-reflection also plays a crucial role in spirituality and faith-based nursing. It allows nurses to examine their beliefs and values and understand how these impact their nursing practice (Momennasab & Jaberi, 2021). By engaging in self-reflection, faith-based nurses can better integrate their spirituality into their daily work and provide more holistic, compassionate care to their patients. Exploring unconventional and thought-provoking ideas, such as the notion that time is not a constant and can change based on perspective, is valuable for spiritual growth and self-reflection. These ideas challenge our traditional understanding of the world and encourage us to think more deeply about our beliefs and values.
The Rise of Millennial Spiritual Free Agents: A New Approach to Spirituality
The central thesis of the TEDx Talk “Millennials as Spiritual Free Agents” by Steve Miller is that millennials are breaking away from traditional religious institutions and instead seeking a more personal, individualized approach to spirituality (Miller, 2016). Miller argues that millennials act as “spiritual free agents,” looking for meaning and purpose in their unique ways rather than simply following the traditions and beliefs passed down to them by previous generations (Miller, 2016). This shift in spiritual beliefs and practices is due, in part, to the growing access to information and diverse perspectives made possible by technology and the internet. Miller believes that this new approach to spirituality can lead to a more inclusive and accepting world, as individuals can create their own spiritual beliefs and practices that are meaningful to them.
Throughout the talk, Miller highlights various aspects of this new approach to spirituality, such as the rise of mindfulness practices, the popularity of alternative spirituality and holistic health practices, and the increasing number of individuals who identify as spiritual but not religious. He also notes that while this shift away from traditional religious institutions may be seen as a rejection of organized religion, it signifies a growing desire for a more personal and meaningful connection to spirituality(Miller, 2016).
Personal Factors of Effective Self-Reflection: Mindfulness, Relationships, and Challenges
I am a firm believer in the importance of self-reflection, and there are a few key factors that I have found to be particularly helpful in this process. One factor is mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness and paying attention to my thoughts and emotions helps to promote self-reflection and self-awareness. This can involve simply being present at the moment and observing my thoughts and feelings, or it can involve more structured practices such as meditation or journaling. The other factor is a reflection through relationships. My interactions with others often serve as a mirror for my behaviors and thought patterns, leading to self-reflection. Engaging in meaningful conversations, seeking feedback from trusted individuals, or participating in group therapy sessions can be ways for me to gain insight into myself through reflection. The last factor is personal challenges. Experiencing challenging life events can often lead to self-reflection. This may involve examining my beliefs and values, re-evaluating my priorities, or reconsidering long-held assumptions (Kross et al., 2023). This type of reflection can be difficult and emotional, but it can also result in growth and personal development. By reflecting on these challenges, I can gain a deeper understanding of myself and make positive changes in my life.
The Importance of Self-Reflection in Faith-Based Nursing
Self-reflection is an essential aspect of faith-based nursing, as it allows nurses to consider their beliefs and values and how they impact their practice. By self-reflection, faith-based nurses can better understand their spiritual and religious beliefs and how they influence their interactions with patients, decision-making, and overall approach to care (Hartman, 2022). For example, self-reflection can help faith-based nurses identify areas where their beliefs may conflict with their professional responsibilities and develop strategies for addressing these conflicts respectfully and ethically. This can include considering the role of prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices in patient care and exploring the impact of personal biases and prejudices on one’s nursing practice (Ekwonye & DeLauer, 2019). Additionally, self-reflection can help faith-based nurses develop a deeper understanding of their spirituality and find ways to integrate this into their daily practice. This can include seeking out opportunities for spiritual growth, participating in spiritual retreats or workshops, or connecting with others in the faith-based nursing community.
Unconventional and Thought-Provoking Ideas from TED Talks
The idea that I found surprising is that a man once tried to sue his parents for giving birth to him without his consent (Miller, 2016). This idea raises questions about personal responsibility and the concept of being born into circumstances beyond control. Another controversial idea from the talk is that time is not a constant but is relative and can change based on a person’s perspective. This concept challenges our traditional understanding of time and its role in the universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-reflection is a valuable tool for faith-based nurses, as it enables them to consider their beliefs and values and understand how these impact their nursing practice. By engaging in self-reflection, faith-based nurses can better integrate their spirituality into their daily work and provide more holistic, compassionate care to their patients.
References
Ekwonye, A. U., & DeLauer, V. (2019). Exploring individual and interpersonal level factors associated with academic success of college students at a women’s, faith-based higher institution. Higher Education Studies, 9(1), 86. https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v9n1p86
Hartman, S. (2022). A call for faith integration among graduate nursing students. Journal of Christian Nursing, 39(3), 179–185. https://doi.org/10.1097/cnj.0000000000000854
Kross, E., Ong, M., & Ayduk, O. (2023). Self-reflection at work: Why it matters and how to harness its potential and avoid its pitfalls. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 10(1), 441-464. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031921-024406
Miller, S. (2016). Millennials as Spiritual Free Agents. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csiiHqB5wAA
Momennasab, M., & Jaberi, A. (2021). The process of promoting spiritual health in Iranian Muslim adults: A grounded theory. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 26(2), 104. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_92_19
Extended Definition Of Abaya Writing Sample
Clothing is an essential part of every culture, and it is a part of a culture’s identity and its people. In my country Saudi Arabia Abaya is a cultural identity clothing; it defines the Saudi Arabia woman. Women wear Abaya because of the Islamic religious traditions and as per the Saudi Arabian culture and customs requirements. Abaya has been around for a long time and stands out; it represents good morals, kindness, modesty, pride, and a sense of direction for women who embrace them wholeheartedly.
An Abaya is a long cloak won over other clothes by the Arab and Muslim communities mostly. An Abaya covers one from head to toe, and it is usually buggy. It is the actual definition of modesty because its buggy and long nature are to protect the body well and avoid exposing any curves. It is also moral as only one’s husband can see their angles which shows respect and morality (Marifatulla, 2018). What makes this concept about the Abaya is that many people have criticized it, but the woman have stayed true to their culture and religion for decades.
An Abaya is a standard for Saudi Arabia’s culture, beliefs, and tradition. In Saudi Arabia, a woman wearing an Abaya is seen to signify tradition, culture, and religion, which she must adhere to, and a sign of pride for belonging to Saudi Arabia. Women wearing an Abaya signal benefits being Emirati citizens and respecting the tradition as opposed to those with an ill-defined set of behaviors rooted in the wrong interpretations of Islam and ignorant of the cultural practices (Trainer, 2017). People in Saudi Arabia have opinions about a woman’s appearance, and one is to wear an Abaya because it is the culture that has existed for many decades, and defying that puts one in a wrong place with society. I have had many experiences where I have had the privilege of wearing the Abaya, unlike girls who do not wear one. They are seen as outcasts for defying the odds and living free lives without rules. I have often been advised to avoid people who do not wear one because they might be law-breakers.
Abaya is the epitome of comfort; they are sowed to provide comfort for the wearer. They are big in size, wide and long, covering from head to toe; this makes them unique because few people wear baggy clothes, which increases their uniqueness. The textile industry has shifted, and many creative people are designing Abayas in different designs while maintaining the Abayas’ originality (Goncalves, 2018). No matter how many designs people come up with, an Abaya will always provide comfort, a cover-up for a woman. Some people have altered the meaning of an Abaya. For example, some young girls have overly tight abayas, and those are not Abaya (Qazi &Shah,2019). It is essential to respect people’s concepts when designing clothes, stick to that, and not try to ruin something good for another to fit a different narrative that does not align with the original designer’s ideas.
An Abaya is wealth, luxury, and value. A simple and cheap Abaya costs between 30-50 dollars, and then there are the sophisticated Abayas that are custom-made with decorations that cost more than 100 dollars (Philips, 2013). The decency of wearing an Abaya symbolizes wealth and financial comfort; the whole concept of an Abaya screams luxury (George, 2019). That means there is a luxury in decency because no one has complained about the prices, yet an entire religion believes in wearing such to cover (Ramadan &Mrad, 2017). After giving this concept a more prominent thought, it clicked that decency is a representation of wealth; it might not be material wealth, but covering up well adds value to a person because their body is not accessible visibly by every person. That is why a woman who covers up is more valued and respected than a woman.
An Abaya, a simple cloak in the Saudi Arabian community, is much more than a piece of clothing. Wearing an Abaya shows respect for the Islamic and Saudi Arabian culture and customs; it also demands respect for the lady. An Abaya is a wealth for the woman due to inaccessibility and monetary.
References
Gonçalves, T. A. D. F. (2018). Demystifying Saudi Arabia: Is Western Fashion
Changing Middle East's s Most Segregated Country? How to Approach It in
Business Terms? (Doctoral dissertation, Instituto Politecnico do Porto (Portugal)).
George, L. (2019). Modesty, dress-codes and’local taste’: examining abaya-led fashion practices in the United Arab Emirates (Doctoral dissertation, University of the Arts London).
Marifatullah, A. (2018). New Looks On Abaya as National Identity of United Arab Emirates. Insaniyat: Journal of Islam and Humanities, 3(1), 17-27.
Phillips, J. R. (2013). The Abaya: A Balancing Act of Fashion and Modesty in the Arab Gulf Region.
Qazi, M. H., & Shah, S. (2019). Discursive construction of Pakistan’s national identity through curriculum textbook discourses in a Pakistani school in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. British Educational Research Journal, 45(2), 275–297.
Ramadan, Z. B., & Mrad, M. (2017). Fashionable stereotypes and evolving trends in the United Arab Emirates. Customer Needs and Solutions, 4, 28-36.
Trainer, S. (2017). Piety, glamour, and protest: Performing social status and affiliation in the United Arab Emirates. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 46(3), 361–386.
Georgia: Hollywood Of The South Essay Sample For College
The state of Georgia has been known as “the Hollywood of the South” thanks to the state’s film incentive scheme. As a means of stimulating economic development, state governments offer film incentives in the hopes of recruiting productions that will bring in new revenue streams, create new employment opportunities, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable film industry in the state. Promoting the area as a tourist hotspot may improve the state’s tax base and, thus, its earnings. Therefore, this essay will analyze Georgia’s film incentive scheme.
Up to 30% of a production company’s expenditures in Georgia for filming purposes are eligible for reimbursement under the program. In addition to the standard 30% tax credit, the program offers an additional 5% bonus tax credit for works that include the “Peach State” logo in the closing credits. It is worth noting that the scheme allows for an additional 10% tax credit if the production company includes a Georgia promotional symbol in the end credits. There is also a sales tax exemption on production-related expenses and a payroll tax credit if more than half of the crew is hired from Georgia (Griffin & Kieffer, 2022). DOR is responsible for the implementation and administration of the credit, including the management of carryforward periods, credit levels, transfers, and sales to other taxpayers. DOR conducts cost audits to ensure production is at the estimated price (Griffin & Mcguire, 2020).
Since most production businesses cannot utilize all of the credits, they are permitted to sell any Georgia income taxpayer their unused credits. As part of the funding of a project, production companies offer these credits to individuals, trusts, and corporations. The buyers will pay less in taxes and can use that extra cash to support their enterprises. Taxpayers have expressed concern about this transferability provision since it enables production businesses to receive tax credits for money they would have spent in Georgia. As a result, rather than funding public projects, the state is subsidizing private firms.
The Georgia program has a variety of implications for local governments. On the one hand, the program helped the local economy by attracting millions of dollars in investment and generating thousands of employment. Georgian film and television productions brought in more than $4 billion in 2022, claims Mazeke (2022). On the other side, the tax credits have taken funds away from public projects like infrastructure and schools, raising worries that the program will only last for a while. Additionally, several allegations of fraud and misuse of the program have prompted calls for increased regulation and control.
A recent audit by the state auditors of Georgia found that Georgia provides more incentives to producers of television shows, movies, and video games than any of the other 31 states that do. For instance, New York provides a 30% tax credit, but it is only open to shows that spend at least 75% of their budget there. California provides a 20 per cent tax credit for film production; however, the credit may only be used once and is only worth $100 million annually (Meares et al., 2020). In Georgia, there is no minimum spending restriction or limit on the total amount awarded to the film incentive program.
The controversy surrounding the 2020 election cycle and the subsequent changes to Georgia voting procedures prompted an investigation into the state’s film incentive program in 2021. The production in Georgia is being boycotted because of a bill that drastically restricts voting access and unfairly affects Black and minority voters. Because of the outcry from directors, actors, and producers, major film and television productions avoided the state. The Georgia film incentive program lost out on millions of dollars in potential revenue as a result.
While the Georgia film incentive program has not been without its share of criticism, it has ultimately proven beneficial to the state’s economy. According to the state’s Department of Economic Development, the film industry contributed $9.5 billion to Georgia’s economy in 2018. More than 92,000 employees in Georgia are directly or indirectly related to the film and television industry, according to the Motion Picture Association of America (Bradbury, 2019). Moreover, the program’s tax credits and incentives have brought large film and television productions to Georgia, raising the state’s profile as a filming location.
The entertainment sector has swayed state governments by employing incentive programs like Georgia’s film incentive. Companies working in the film industry have successfully lobbied for increased tax credits, which can generate significant revenue for the state. Corporations in other industries, such as technology, have also utilized financial incentives to shape public policy at the state level. McCartney (2018) of the Washington Post reports that Virginia has offered Amazon a $2.4 billion incentive package to move its headquarters there.
In my opinion, authorities at the state and local levels should pay attention to these concerns. Providing incentives to businesses and stimulating economic growth can provide much-needed funds for states. However, authorities should check that these incentives are not putting an unnecessary financial strain on the public.
In conclusion, film tax credits are valuable tools for fostering economic growth. The Georgia film incentive program has proved that financial incentives may be utilized to successfully entice film production, which can yield substantial economic advantages for the state. Though, officials should check that the incentives are not overburdening the public coffers and are helping the intended groups succeed.
References
Bradbury, J. C. (2019). Film Tax Credits and the Economic Impact of the Film Industry on Georgia’s Economy. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3407921
Griffin, G. S., & Kieffer, L. (2022). Impact of the Georgia Film Tax Credit. https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/28730#:~:text=AsshowninExhibit1thecreditreachedapproximately961
Griffin, G., & Mcguire, L. (2020). Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts Performance Audit Division. https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/23486
Mazeke, K. (2022, August 1). Georgia’s film & TV productions earned over $4 billion in 2022, an industry record. WJXT. https://www.news4jax.com/news/georgia/2022/08/01/georgias-film-tv-production-earns-over-4-billion-in-2022-an-industry-record/#:~:text=Georgia-
McCartney, R. (2018). Amazon HQ2 to benefit from more than $2.4 billion in incentives from Virginia, New York and Tennessee. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-news/amazon-hq2-to-receive-more-than-28-billion-in-incentives-from-virginia-new-york-and-tennessee/2018/11/13/f3f73cf4-e757-11e8-a939-9469f1166f9d_story.html
Meares, W., Hutton, A., Brown, S., & Morris, R. (2020). Show Me the Money: An Analysis of Georgia’s State Film Tax Credit Program. QUESTIONS in POLITICS, VII. http://gpsa-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Meares_etal.pdf