- June 2, 2018
I was a member of Twin Oaks Toastmasters in San Marcos, CA from April 2003 until April 1, 2008. I prepared many speeches that I mostly gave before an audience in those years. This was my first of 30+ speeches given in those five years. On other parts of my Time Out Of Mind website and Blog are other references to my Toastmasters experiences.
Here is one that I wrote in 2003 that I never delivered in public.
The Visible Spirit – Copyright © May 21, 2003, by Donald W. Larson
- We are all a complex combination of DNA molecules propelled by a life force:
- The life force is felt within us, but rarely observed
- The Visible Spirit is the outward expression of that life force
- The Visible Spirit is manifested by the convergence of:
- Acknowledging those unique aspects of your life, your:
- Personality
- Intelligence
- Sense of humor
- Perseverance
- Accepting the intrinsic behaviors we all share in common;
- Morals
- Empathy
- Love
- Self-doubt
- The next progression towards the Visible Spirit is indicated by the diminishing reluctance to inspect our true selves:
- Speak openly of our thoughts to trusted friends
- Reveal periods of insecurity or other emotional pains
- Offer compassion to those also in need
- Think through each important issue completely several times regardless of how long it takes or how much it may hurt
- The synthesis becomes self-apparent when you discover you are evolving in subtle ways:
- Disturbing thoughts become less disruptive
- You have more energy
- Your vocabulary and style of speech becomes more positive
- You find yourself relaxed in stressful situations
- The Visible Spirit is fully embodied by a transformation over about a year’s time:
- You speak with words of conviction in a methodical, logical, and convincing manner
- Your self-confidence is extremely high
- You recognize the equality amongst all people, but differentiate yourself by your own special abilities and forms of delivery
- You know you can handle anything life brings your way because your eternal Spirit is now visible to you
- People naturally gravitate towards you, sensing your inner-strengths and ethical commitments to others
- Acknowledging those unique aspects of your life, your:
Several people in this room have Visible Spirits. They are the reason these weekly sessions are so revitalizing to me. I’m fortunate to be in their presence.
One day I may actually give this speech, perhaps in one of my digital art presentations as a storyteller. Time will tell, as always…