Don't Quit

Let's love ourselves because we do the best we can. Our life mainly consists of continuous striving to achieve what we feel we are lacking. This the reason why we can be so creative. We need to be more lenient towards our efforts, although often fruitless, to attain improvement and progress. We know that we are not perfect and we know that we never will. At the same time we also know that our potential is much greater than it appears at first sight. If we try to overcome what we believe to be our limits, we can  do more than we thought. But, while doing this, we need to be patient, kind and understanding towards ourselves. It is only natural to feel discouraged at times, but it's the non-quitter, the persistent person who reaches (at least partially) their goal. And let's not forget to appreciate ourselves in the process.

Sophie's World

I have just finished re-reading the well-known book "Sophie's World".
The first two questions that Sophie is asked are quite interesting:
"Who are you?"
"Where does the world come from?"
Yes, who are we? Why are we here? I wonder if many people care to ask this question, if they care to try to find out what is the reason for their being in this world. I also wonder how many believe that knowing where we come from is really that important.
Mine are simple philosophical elucubrations that probably don't change anything in everyday life. But one thing is sure: "I" would definitely like to know, I would love to find some answers so that I could see more clearly what the past has been and why the present is the way it is.

Dreadful Doubt

I have recently watched a documentary about the rise of the Third Reich (all original footage and documents). Now a doubt is bothering me: Had I lived in those days, had I been bombarded with that propaganda, would I have believed in those ideas, followed those ideals? I can't help wondering: To what extent is our mind receptive and susceptible to conditioning? When certain thoughts are instilled since childhood, how "free" is a human being to judge with clarity? Some individuals are certainly able to oppose what they do not believe to be true or fair but, probably, this happens only if they are confronted by such ideas as adults. On the other hand, what chances does a child have? At this point, it's worth pondering about the importance of education, i.e. influence of society (mainly the media), school system and parents' way of relating to their offspring.

Lowly Listening

One of my favorite thinkers, Ralph Waldo Emerson, wrote: "There is guidance for each of us, and by LOWLY listening, we shall hear the right word." The adverb "lowly" means humbly, in an unassuming, in a non pretentious, in a non arrogant way. Are you - every now and then - arrogant? Do you have an exaggerated sense of your own importance and abilities? As long as you believe you know it all, as long as you are convinced that you are always right, you won't be able to hear "the right word" that your inner wisdom is whispering to you. "This does not concern me. I am not arrogant", you will most probably say at this point. Aren't you? Honestly? I dare you to remind yourself of your own thoughts when someone else is expressing a different opinion than yours, to remember your attitude when another behaves in a way you disapprove of... I dare you to deny that you often feel superior, that you believe you know more and better than others. This is the feeling that does not allow you to actually listen to the voice of your inner guidance, and this is what makes you go on creating contrast and uneasiness in your life.

Successful Outcome

William James (American psychologist and philosopher) said that our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is one thing that insures the successful outcome of our venture. Therefore we need to believe in ourselves, believe that we can make things happen. It's not always easy to nurture a deep trust in what you are about to undertake. The awareness of the problems you are going to face tries to scare you (It's going to be very difficult!). Self-doubt creeps in (Will I be able to do it?). Uncertainty about the wisdom of your decision worries you (Is it really worth it?). It all depends on how you "feel" about it. If the motivation is strong enough, you'll find the courage to pursue your goal. If, on the other hand, you prefer to tread on the old path, it's also okay. No decision is right or wrong. Whatever you believe is right for you, at a certain moment, it probably is. But trust, confidence, courage, "guts", definitely play an important role in the outcome of whatever you decide to do (or not to do).

Democracy Or Stubbornness?

"Parliament must have the guarantee of an opposition," Maroni told Italy's Sky TG24 TV. "Otherwise it won't be a democratic parliament." This statement (relevant to Italy's economic/political crisis) makes me think about how something true can become false, how something good can become bad. Maroni's words, taken out of context, are sacrosanct truth. "Democracy" literally means "government of the people" (through their representatives). Fair enough. But what happens when the so-called representatives do not do their job well? And, most of all, what happens when blind supporters keep supporting a situation, an idea, a behavior that is clearly wrong? Even we, in our own lives, at times persist in holding on to old ideas and refuse to acknowledge the changed circumstances. Stubbornness is the word, i.e. the need to be and/or feel right at all times, firmly resolved to never give in, even when the seriousness of a situation clearly requires yielding. 

Iron Ball

Not being able to release the past is like allowing an iron ball to be tied to your ankle and accepting to keep it there. Are you okay with having to drag it wherever you go? Do you enjoy the stress you experience because of the extra weight? What about the blisters the friction of the chain around your ankle causes you? Oh, well! Most probably you are not even aware of such iron ball. You just go on living your life - complaining about the "heavy stuff" you have to face daily, about your upsets, your dis-eases and you never wonder if another possibility does exist. Which one? To simply become AWARE, have the courage to look at yourself in the eye (mirror work?) and recognize your addiction. Addiction to what?  To... feeling a victim, enjoying being pitied, remembering the wrongs done to you. In a word, addiction to twisting the knife in the wound, over and over again! Is this an acceptable way of living or would it be worthwhile to try to remove the chain? It might take a little time, some work and also a certain amount of effort, that's for sure. The decision, as usual, is yours!