Bloodstar

Before I start this, I’d like to say I’m a big fan of meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy.  Both have been a huge help to me.  I had to read this article twice to be sure I understood what it was saying and what points I disagree with.

I agree that it’s important to stay aware of your motivations and thought patterns.  For myself, when I stop keeping track of my thoughts and making an effort to keep them where I want them to be, I slowly coast into depression.

I don’t agree that we are DEFINED by those thoughts.  Thoughts, behaviors and emotions are easily changeable.  My “essence” is not defined by those things.  It’s a dangerous school of thought to say that someone who is operating from a selfish or manipulative place simply IS that way.   That may be where they are now, but it doesn’t mean that’s who they are.  Allowing them to believe that is their essence prevents them from having the capacity to change their patterns and become who they want to be.

If I write an article today and my motivation is purely selfish (which it often is, and I don’t see anything wrong with that) and it gets published—the job is done.  If I write it with a motivation of altruism and it gets published—the job is done.  What does it matter where my motivation comes from?  I don’t feel guilty that I do things for selfish reasons.  It doesn’t make me less of a person.

I’ve been fairly irritated with the whole spectacle about Scott Lee Cohen.  He’s a nominee for governor in Chicago, and he’s being forced to drop out due to some previous charges (which were later dropped) of domestic abuse.  Article here. Right, so he did something stupid and morally wrong once upon a time.  So what?  That doesn’t mean we need to label him a “wife beater” and throw rotten tomatoes at him.  People make mistakes.  We are not defined by our mistakes, and people shouldn’t be restricted from being successful in life just because they fucked up once.  I’m pretty sickened at the general public for being so intolerant and unforgiving.

Tags: Angelynna, Health, Musings, Political // 1 Comment »