Quote of the Day – March 15 2013

“We seldom realize, for example that our most private thoughts and emotions are not actually our own. For we think in terms of languages and images which we did not invent, but which were given to us by our society.”
― Alan Wilson Watts

 

How do we break away from societal conditioning or at least realize which ideas are our own and which are just rote learned responses? Meditation helps for sure but also self-examination. If I feel myself having a fast reaction to something whether it be someone asking for money in the street, someone expressing themselves loudly or in ways that I was raised to believe were pushy and rude I have started to watch my reaction (I used to try fighting my reactions, talk about a sucker’s game… better to bring them out and let them dissipate in the open air), let myself feel what I feel and then look at it and test it for integrity. Does this truly express my values or is it the part of me that is the conditioned robot?  It helps to remember that the idea is not to not be the robot but to be truly expressive of the self at all times.

 

On a different subject, today just as an experiment, on my Facebook status I asked people, “What is the most beautiful thing you see right now?” and received so many fantastic responses. Shared joy is increased! I loved the idea that just for one moment, no matter what was happening in their days and lives that whoever read it would look around them for beauty. For me at the moment, it was my son having a bit of a temper tantrum over delayed plans. I have been enjoying watching him individuate more and more (tho there are parts of it that drive me a bit nuts as well) . Easily tho the responses to my question made my day. I may be getting the hang of this social media thing and how it can be used to share meaning after all.

 

What is the most beautiful thing you have seen today?
Blessings, G

 

Click on images to see full-sized

 

Wondering if His Dreams Have Wings
Wondering If My Dreams Have Wings by G A Rosenberg

 

Green EggsGreen Eggs by G A Rosenberg

0 thoughts on “Quote of the Day – March 15 2013”

  1. Namaste G.,
    Am stuck indoors since it has been too cold to enjoy the outdoor. Your visual arts brought back the promise of spring, which is always refreshing.

    Mostly, it’s about colors for me, my art and visualizing my gardens when spring is here.
    Just did some re-decoration (moving furniture around and de-cluttering) for my work room which is the sun room and although it isn’t as beautiful as I wish it to be .. but for now, it will suffice.
    Agnes

    1. One of my favourite native expressions (or expressions of any kind is “May you walk in beauty”
      This I wish for you always Agnes…

  2. What a beautiful post – starting off with a complete and utter genius, and continuing with such true words which should be seen by everyone! So happy to see other people out there seeing what the world really is 🙂

  3. Sometimes it’s difficult to define the moment, Gary. As I’m passionate about talking I can find the beauty there perhaps. And this moment can not occur this day or that day. : )

    1. What was amazing to me is how many people took time out to appreciate the beauty of their moment and yes so often it can be in words and with words…
      Words are the ultimate toys aren’t they? Legos, Lincoln logs and Play Dough and always new ways to express ourselves

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