How much control do we have over who we are and what we do? On some levels, it feels like we are in command and make choices from free will. But there are so many factors that influence our decision making... our past, our social conditioning, our parents, our physical needs, our mental predispositions and body chemistry. Most of the time, I think, we are just reacting - to circumstance, urges, outside demands and expectations, emotion...
For our own sanity, peace of mind, we build a suitable story around our existence, past and present, and fit decisions, experiences, interactions and outcomes into a prefabbed mould that we are comfortable with. It is a survival mechanism. A way to cope. In truth, we are fictionalising events. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this but I am extemporaneously contemplating possible alternatives.
Nobody likes to be trapped. But the worst trap is to be trapped by yourself. By yourself and beyond your control. Addictions, depression, OCD... to some degree we all experience these. How to gain control - or non-control - liberation?
I don't believe it is something you do - like a step by step guide. I think it something that you strive for little by little, each day, quietly and within yourself. Questioning, meditating, practicing healthy behaviour, struggling with humility and grace. You never 'get there' but your journey is elevated through discipline and application, focus. What does this mean in real terms?
I think it means to strive to see, express and experience truth and purity. To be humble and grateful, to see the miracle all around us - beyond it's raggedy, common form, to connect with 'the great awesome' - what Indian and Aboriginal tribes did for so many centuries - connect with nature - human nature and gaia with a mindfulness, respect and importantly an all embracing joy.
Ahah! One thing to say all this. But how? I don't know exactly. I'm certainly not mr guru. I'm a guy down in the trenches. But for me doing art helps. And having warm, honest connections with people. Going to the ocean and immersing my body after a walk and a stretch each day. Eating fruit and veges. Reading. Noticing the beauty around me...
Oh, and playing poker.
For our own sanity, peace of mind, we build a suitable story around our existence, past and present, and fit decisions, experiences, interactions and outcomes into a prefabbed mould that we are comfortable with. It is a survival mechanism. A way to cope. In truth, we are fictionalising events. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this but I am extemporaneously contemplating possible alternatives.
Nobody likes to be trapped. But the worst trap is to be trapped by yourself. By yourself and beyond your control. Addictions, depression, OCD... to some degree we all experience these. How to gain control - or non-control - liberation?
I don't believe it is something you do - like a step by step guide. I think it something that you strive for little by little, each day, quietly and within yourself. Questioning, meditating, practicing healthy behaviour, struggling with humility and grace. You never 'get there' but your journey is elevated through discipline and application, focus. What does this mean in real terms?
I think it means to strive to see, express and experience truth and purity. To be humble and grateful, to see the miracle all around us - beyond it's raggedy, common form, to connect with 'the great awesome' - what Indian and Aboriginal tribes did for so many centuries - connect with nature - human nature and gaia with a mindfulness, respect and importantly an all embracing joy.
Ahah! One thing to say all this. But how? I don't know exactly. I'm certainly not mr guru. I'm a guy down in the trenches. But for me doing art helps. And having warm, honest connections with people. Going to the ocean and immersing my body after a walk and a stretch each day. Eating fruit and veges. Reading. Noticing the beauty around me...
Oh, and playing poker.
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