April 2, 2010

Knowledge is Control

Learning to uncover the reasons for our feelings always pays off. When we're angry, understanding the source of that anger will help us to stay clearer in thoughts and behaviors. It will dissolve the confusion in our heads that would otherwise make us even angrier.
It's not about the trigger situation, such as someone yelling at us, us losing something valuable, or whatever else. It's about the reasons for reacting to triggers the way we do. Why am I angry about a random person yelling at me? Or why am I angry that I lost my something?
Once we have our possible or definite versions, it almost makes our reactions comical. It's as if we're watching ourselves from the distance. And maybe the situation ceases to feel as serious as it was. We're observers now, not the only participants. That's how we regain a part of control that we almost lost.

5 comments:

  1. I see what you are saying about taking a step back to analyze why you are emotional about X, Y, and Z but what if you become too disconnected from your feelings? I can agree that it's silly to get angry about something like a person cutting in line or traffic. What about the little things that make you happy? For example, a warm cup of coffee makes me incredibly happy. It's way more than the taste, rush of energy, and warmth. A surge of happiness spreads through me when I take my first sip. Does that even need to be analyzed? Or should I just sip my coffee and enjoy the cup of happiness?

    I don't think we should live with an extreme of either way of thinking...overly analytical or irrationally passionate. As with most things in life we should strive for an equilibrium. Balance is the key to getting the most out of life.

    Maybe I took your post in the wrong direction but that's what came to mind when I read it.

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  2. I see what you're saying, M.V., and I agree on the fact that we should strive for an equilibrium.
    Quite often I'm too analytical, even in the midst of emotional highs, and that seems almost robotic. It will take a while to learn to quiet my mind and just let my emotions be.
    I was referring to the fact that knowing the source of our emotions would help us take control of them, instead of letting them run rampant and causing havoc. Additionally, it would help us avoid chaos within, with which most of us struggle due to the lack of self-knowledge. That's why I figured that aside from power, knowledge equals control. Deliberate control assists with balance and equilibrium.
    I hope I'm not too confusing with this :-)

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  3. Well said. I completely understand what you are saying. You have such a good grasp on things that most people will sadly never begin to contemplate. How do you suppose one begins to contemplate and strive for a well-balanced and enlightened life?

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  4. Thank you, M.V.!
    I suppose that any contemplation starts from a place of discontent. Even when we just contemplate on life, there's a subtle discontent deep down about us not knowing something. Our nature craves joy and when it's missing, it gives us signals to search for it. It also depends on human's ability to think and reflect. If one is naturally inclined to it, (s)he will start asking basic questions and then, maybe, find out the answers.
    The striving for a well-balanced and enlightened life comes later, when one finally understands that there's a need for a balanced and enlightened life (deep in our souls). Before that, a basic search has to be made and conclusions reached.
    Did I understand your question correctly?

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  5. You completely understood my question. I think if most people are honest with themselves they feel this discontent you are talking about, unless of course they are blissfully ignorant about most things in life.

    Would you venture to say that not all people will ever reach this enlightened and balanced state of life? And if not, why?

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