LIVING LIFE BETWEEN YOUR EARS

So much of how we view the world we live in is how we "Think" our world. In fact, we become conditioned, and, if I may say, addicted to "thinking" our way through life. Thoughtfulness is just what it implies; full of thought. We equate this with virtue. This is a cultural pattern derived from the roman and greek social mores. The romans and greeks had a refined materialistic view of life and how it should be lived. Their Gods were "Order Suppliers" only. Other cultures operate in other ways. Often relying on omens, non-verbal signals, listening, and nature-based guides before making decisions. Who is to say which is better? A culture that can create microwave ovens, cell phones, synthetic polymers, and other comforts and conveniences that eventually will have a limit on what can be invented, or ongoing cultures that have an infinite number of guiding choices emanating from the forces of creation and ever changing dynamics of energy? This is not to demonize the advances of science, but rather to add greater choices that have been tried and true for millenia to improve the quality of life. Learning how to listen and observe the messages nature sends that can help humanity is a laudable opportunity. Just as any learning event develops, this can grow gradually in small steps by practice. I.E. taking a silent walk through what is left of our wilderness or neighborhood parks. Sitting silently watching our breath, and letting our thoughts pass before our inner eye un-acted upon. Listening to the heart of another person and not just the meaning of the words. Remember: words are thoughts between the ears. Words are magnificent, but inadequate to convey the real meaning. Trying this should gradually provide us with a "spiritual" foundation for living our lives. This can include beliefs, but really operates in our life far beyond the help of belief. When someone says that they "Believe" in something this is only a partial explanation of the operating principle in their lives. What they believe is unimportant to the listener. This doesn't really tell us much. What are they are experiencing in the whole expanse of their lives is what is interesting or how this belief impacts daily events is interesting. What they "Believe" may be of some interest, but how does this work for them, and possibly for us? What goes on "Between the Ears" is very pale in contrast to what goes on in the heart. This spiritual (not religious) place is what gives us a ground of operation, and allows us to feel safe in a real sense and confident among others in our tribe of humanity. This is the source of confident Jolliness. Jolliness based on our latest conquest, acquisition, etc. will eventually fade into despair. The ground we walk on must be firm.

ACCOUNTABILITY / EMOTIONAL VOCABULARY

This is a difficult one to discuss. There are many dimensions to this topic so I will limit my attention to the underlying theme and its application to our everyday culture. A child doesn't feel accountable to anyone, and in fact, is really not accountable to anyone until socialization begins. Generally this is after the toddler phase as the cognitive process broadens to include a greater world than mothers' breast or bottle, and dads' smell. Slowly the individual learns how to socially negotiate the bumps and scrapes of interaction with similar beasts. Finally life unfolds and we begin to "civilize" and become responsive to others' needs as well as our own finding a middle ground that works for all parties concerned. This is the beginning of accountability for the social human. Again this process appears in early adolescence after puberty begins. It is as though the child is again no longer accountable to anyone but themselves. They seem to be learning social skills all over again, and questioning all previous ideas. Most of this is not conscious, and thus the danger. This is the time when we develop what I call our "Emotional Vocabulary". If trauma occurs the individual can become "frozen" emotionally at any given stage in this process. Here I am not speaking only about extreme trauma. Even subtle unconscious attacks to the central nervous system can create a profound impact to the ability to communicate emotions. This is where the subject of this entry "ACCOUNTABILITY" became apparent to me. We live in our moment of crisis(es) most of our lives. That is, the various points in our emergence from adolescence where we became stuck. This can be caused by strong influences like anger,fear,sex,physical abuse,attack, substances of all kinds in a toxic amount, diet, etc. In order to move on we need to develop an "Emotional Vocabulary" and an ability to be accountable to others in society both intimately and collectively. Fortunately or unfortunately we always are accountable to others, seen and unseen, in this journey of life. Be strong and courageous and begin to write and practice your Emotional Vocabulary so that you can fearlessly be accountable to all in your path. Great things will begin to happen.