I was clicking though television channels and happened upon a program I saw months ago, a Greek Orthodox Christian psychiatrist being interviewed on a Greek channel. Below is a combination of my thoughts and what he said.
He talked about things I knew and it would be a good time to write a post about this, during a time when many are polarized: defund police; police are heroes; you owe us retributions for slavery; that was centuries ago; wear masks; don't wear masks; and lots more.
I am sure you can take away some things for yourself and find the relevance in today's events.
Humble does not mean your do not know or even say your good attributes. You know they are sourced from God. False humility, which is worse than conceit, is not saying what your good attributes are, but rather allowing a friend to do so, or those on social media. I have observed in some circles that people do not say what their good attributes or accomplishments are, but someone in their circle does. So they get to show off while appearing humble. Here is a scenario: A successful business man has a friend who owns a newspaper and writes an article about the business. The businessman another day gives an award to the newspaper owner for being a good journalism or philanthropist. I add, tout your own horn once in a while, especially if negative and jealous people around you don't acknowledge you. It is a way to be thankful for what you have, give a message you know you have it and won't be gaslighted and increasing your power and self-esteem. You are telling the Universe you mean business. Of course, do not do it all day long.
On pleasure: It is not bad in and of itself.
I will second that. Being hedonistic is needed, whether it is taking a walk and observing nature, dancing, having a good meal, or whatever suits your fancy if you do not hurt anyone. I am into balance. Taking a break and relaxing and fun are wonderful. If your life is based on fun, though, without meaning, it leads to emptiness and despair. Going after every stimulus is an excess. For instance, you eat an éclair every time you see one. The doctor gave an example where a relationship only based on sex fizzles out because the serotonin wears out, and there is no meaning behind it.
Living for moments can be good if it is being grateful for little things or everything: the sunrise and sunset, a cup of coffee, stretching your toes. If you live only for the moment and do not have a context of meaning in your life, for most a Higher Power and a purpose, there will be an existential crisis.
Meaning can come from overcoming the obstacles in a relationship or life. What you learn from the pain and overcoming obstacles makes you grow and increase self-confidence. You see things in what you go through and build character. You can transmute the pain you feel to power, strength, and energy to work, experience, accomplish and create. This can lead to joy and peace.
Simple scenarios I thought of quickly: You punch a bag with anger energy and end up with happy hormones.
You cry and take a walk to get away from it all. You notice nature and become calm.
You do not like that someone put an obstacle in your career. Your anger fuels healthy competition. You accomplish something and are confident.
In the paralytic verses of the Bible, Christ asks the paralytic if he wants to get better. First you must make a choice to get better. I always said that complaining is good to a point. You can get to know someone and get to know your ability for empathy if you listen. Relationships can deepen. You get things off your chest and out of your blood and your cells, if you will. But it does not lead to growth, progress or happiness if you do it too much. Being fake is never good. But if you are the victim all the time, you end up dominating those around you. If the paralytic did not pick up his bed and assume responsibility, he would still be lying down in it, possibly even bringing his family down with him. Do not BE a victim all day with all of your being. Some people or groups being victims make other people guilty if they are doing well and the victimization can be a mask for hate and domination.
Check out my books on wwwAuthorhouse.com or www.Amazon.com The Boy in a Wheelchair, Life, Work and Play and PocketGuide to Fitness and Musings on www.Lulu.com.
He talked about things I knew and it would be a good time to write a post about this, during a time when many are polarized: defund police; police are heroes; you owe us retributions for slavery; that was centuries ago; wear masks; don't wear masks; and lots more.
I am sure you can take away some things for yourself and find the relevance in today's events.
Humble does not mean your do not know or even say your good attributes. You know they are sourced from God. False humility, which is worse than conceit, is not saying what your good attributes are, but rather allowing a friend to do so, or those on social media. I have observed in some circles that people do not say what their good attributes or accomplishments are, but someone in their circle does. So they get to show off while appearing humble. Here is a scenario: A successful business man has a friend who owns a newspaper and writes an article about the business. The businessman another day gives an award to the newspaper owner for being a good journalism or philanthropist. I add, tout your own horn once in a while, especially if negative and jealous people around you don't acknowledge you. It is a way to be thankful for what you have, give a message you know you have it and won't be gaslighted and increasing your power and self-esteem. You are telling the Universe you mean business. Of course, do not do it all day long.
On pleasure: It is not bad in and of itself.
I will second that. Being hedonistic is needed, whether it is taking a walk and observing nature, dancing, having a good meal, or whatever suits your fancy if you do not hurt anyone. I am into balance. Taking a break and relaxing and fun are wonderful. If your life is based on fun, though, without meaning, it leads to emptiness and despair. Going after every stimulus is an excess. For instance, you eat an éclair every time you see one. The doctor gave an example where a relationship only based on sex fizzles out because the serotonin wears out, and there is no meaning behind it.
Living for moments can be good if it is being grateful for little things or everything: the sunrise and sunset, a cup of coffee, stretching your toes. If you live only for the moment and do not have a context of meaning in your life, for most a Higher Power and a purpose, there will be an existential crisis.
Meaning can come from overcoming the obstacles in a relationship or life. What you learn from the pain and overcoming obstacles makes you grow and increase self-confidence. You see things in what you go through and build character. You can transmute the pain you feel to power, strength, and energy to work, experience, accomplish and create. This can lead to joy and peace.
Simple scenarios I thought of quickly: You punch a bag with anger energy and end up with happy hormones.
You cry and take a walk to get away from it all. You notice nature and become calm.
You do not like that someone put an obstacle in your career. Your anger fuels healthy competition. You accomplish something and are confident.
In the paralytic verses of the Bible, Christ asks the paralytic if he wants to get better. First you must make a choice to get better. I always said that complaining is good to a point. You can get to know someone and get to know your ability for empathy if you listen. Relationships can deepen. You get things off your chest and out of your blood and your cells, if you will. But it does not lead to growth, progress or happiness if you do it too much. Being fake is never good. But if you are the victim all the time, you end up dominating those around you. If the paralytic did not pick up his bed and assume responsibility, he would still be lying down in it, possibly even bringing his family down with him. Do not BE a victim all day with all of your being. Some people or groups being victims make other people guilty if they are doing well and the victimization can be a mask for hate and domination.
Check out my books on wwwAuthorhouse.com or www.Amazon.com The Boy in a Wheelchair, Life, Work and Play and PocketGuide to Fitness and Musings on www.Lulu.com.
