Understanding how embracing reality, rather a culture of simulation, elevates our sense of self to discover how we can make a difference in the world that matters.
I like that you bring up status in this piece, Ed. I think it may well turn out to be the knife that cuts the Gordian knot. Status seeking and status assessment are incredibly deep aspects of human psychology. It's right in our DNA. They imbue and direct so much of our behaviour and leave us wide open to constant manipulation, because they're just not adequately discussed.
In my podcast interview with Jennifer Sey, which debuts Friday, we talk about thee status aspect in the conformity represented in the Progressive push for lockdowns.
Thank you. I am almost certain that no one has ever quote Anais Nin to me in reference to something that I have said. I am almost certain she crossed paths with my great aunt who was her same age, and was living in Paris in the 1920s study painting and anthropology. She was apart of that Bohemian sect. The difference between Nin and those who advocate for the law of attraction is that Nin is pointing to those aspects of our life that are hard and lonely as being just as important as those moments of affirmation and validation. My issue with much of modern religious faith is that lack of value given to the struggle of living. It is treated as something wrong, rather than as something to grow through. Jesus was far closer to Marcus Aurelius than to Bob Proctor, Tony Robbins, or Joel Osteen. My story of Berkley Tulloch in this stack, https://edbrenegar.substack.com/p/synthesizing-the-self, points to the value of humanity that can be found in being lost and alone. He had an indelible impact upon me. I'm going to think of this quote for sometime, remember my great aunt with fondness, and may even write on it. Thank you for being my muse for today.
Thank you Ed for mentioning the "law of attraction" -- it is a concept I have danced-to-sweating with. 😂
My experience aligns with what you reference in regard to struggle... For me, it is integral to living a meaningful, growth-fueled life. I can't say I always thought that way. I am grateful I have stayed open -- to learn how invigorating facing fear and challenges can be. We like the way it feels when we earn it!
I used to puzzle over this quote from Bruce Lee: "Do not wish for an easy life. Wish for the strength to endure a difficult one."
Now... I understand what he was talking about.
I'll now follow the link you included in your comment.
Yes, you are in my list.
I like that you bring up status in this piece, Ed. I think it may well turn out to be the knife that cuts the Gordian knot. Status seeking and status assessment are incredibly deep aspects of human psychology. It's right in our DNA. They imbue and direct so much of our behaviour and leave us wide open to constant manipulation, because they're just not adequately discussed.
Yes. Very much agree.
In my podcast interview with Jennifer Sey, which debuts Friday, we talk about thee status aspect in the conformity represented in the Progressive push for lockdowns.
I look forward to that. We can do a podcast sometime for your channel if you like.
Hi Ed! Thank you for this thought initiating letter!
It put me in mind of Anais Nin who had a few similar thoughts that she put to page. :)
https://quotefancy.com/quote/766028/Ana-s-Nin-Create-a-world-your-world-Alone-Stand-alone-And-then-love-will-come-to-you-then
Thank you. I am almost certain that no one has ever quote Anais Nin to me in reference to something that I have said. I am almost certain she crossed paths with my great aunt who was her same age, and was living in Paris in the 1920s study painting and anthropology. She was apart of that Bohemian sect. The difference between Nin and those who advocate for the law of attraction is that Nin is pointing to those aspects of our life that are hard and lonely as being just as important as those moments of affirmation and validation. My issue with much of modern religious faith is that lack of value given to the struggle of living. It is treated as something wrong, rather than as something to grow through. Jesus was far closer to Marcus Aurelius than to Bob Proctor, Tony Robbins, or Joel Osteen. My story of Berkley Tulloch in this stack, https://edbrenegar.substack.com/p/synthesizing-the-self, points to the value of humanity that can be found in being lost and alone. He had an indelible impact upon me. I'm going to think of this quote for sometime, remember my great aunt with fondness, and may even write on it. Thank you for being my muse for today.
Thank you Ed for mentioning the "law of attraction" -- it is a concept I have danced-to-sweating with. 😂
My experience aligns with what you reference in regard to struggle... For me, it is integral to living a meaningful, growth-fueled life. I can't say I always thought that way. I am grateful I have stayed open -- to learn how invigorating facing fear and challenges can be. We like the way it feels when we earn it!
I used to puzzle over this quote from Bruce Lee: "Do not wish for an easy life. Wish for the strength to endure a difficult one."
Now... I understand what he was talking about.
I'll now follow the link you included in your comment.