To "Think" Or Not To "Think"

Blog # 5

While I’ve never thought of myself as much of a “hero”, I do consider myself a “thinker”.  While there are examples of formalized positions in every culture, like high priests and informal examples, like monks, I believe that it is the everyday “thinker” that can have an impact on the world.

There is a reason they call it Confucian. Lol  Why make it difficult?  As an everyday “thinker”, I simply follow the golden rule.  While this rule is most commonly known by me from Christianity, and I’m not the biggest fan, it is the simplest way to describe what I believe.  “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

How does it feel when someone holds open the door for you?  Gives you a compliment on your hair or outfit?  Let’s you take the parking space or move into the next lane on the highway.  If it feels good, and you focus on the joy of creating that joy for someone else, life can be pretty peaceful. ;)   Karma, Budism, and  heck, every religion I can think of discuss this simple process.  Many religions go on to create colorful and strange rules to achieve this process, but I believe that goes against the Dao, or the way. 

By creating levels and rules, it closes down the possibility for unique thought.  And here is a kickin’ thought for you.  While I truly believe that there are some, even, many people, that are unaware and move about life blindly, I also think that there are some that are aware but use this information for things less than good and more selfishly.  They have used their power of influence, talents, and charm in a way that creates chaos and harm rather than peace and harmony.  And I believe some of these people have achieved positions that can create much harm.  By putting people in a position where they are forced to struggle for survival every day, instead of being able to plan, dream and work for a future, it gives them no time to reflect or even understand what is really happening around them. 

A personal example that I have reflected on in my life was a strong ying/yang relationship.   I like to reflect and focus on the way, how to be a better person and impact the world positively. (I, by no means think I am a perfect or better person, but work towards these ideals)  Anyway, it wasn’t until after this destructive relationship ended, that I realized I was getting lip service from this yang about being positive and creating a better world, he was sabotaging and negative at every turn.

Hmmm….my points?  One is that possibly everyone lives by the golden rule, but has different expectations on how they believe they should be treated.  I which case, they should reflect more on that if they want a greater outcome for themselves.  Also, that I don’t think that quantity replaces quality when it comes to how to live your life.  But, while I feel the colorful passages that we have read may be unnecessary, it has caused me to think and reflect which may be by design.