hopelesshappiness.com

'Politics' may seem an odd choice of topic for a site that professes 'A Philosophy of Happiness and Hope'. At first glance, it does not seem likely that power and control in 'any' arena could possibly narrow the gap on Truth, Wisdom, or Happiness. There are those (perhaps many) who would maintain that as a result of the fight for and the use of power and control, the gap is widened. I would make the case (based on previous thoughts in previous posts) that to know balance, one must know extremes; and politics serves as a wonderful object lesson in extremes. Therefore, I believe a case can also be made for the necessity of politics, not only based on practicalities (someone has to make the rules), but also supported by our very human need to occasionally embrace malevolence. It is less objectionable / more acceptable to excoriate power as represented by those in control than it is to reveal this need for resentment/rancor/malice/hate inappropriately towards undeserving innocents. This sounds harsh - many would disagree that there is a need - but there is truth here - everyone needs a bad guy - we can't love everyone all the time.

If we define 'Politics' very broadly as 'the ability or inability to obtain any position of power or control' then it serves a purpose by allowing us to appease a guilty pleasure. We can soothe the savagery from a couple of different directions:

1. We can channel this inner villain by being one of those who seek the power and control and play the game. Admit it ... We all do this on some scale at some point or points in our life, and we know it is ugly, and (on some level) we enjoy it.
2. If we are unsuccessful players, or if we open our eyes and close the gap on Wisdom, enabling us to see the error of playing politcs, then we can justifiably call forth our esoteric enmity to slay the dragon that is not us. Again, we all do this and it is not only acceptable, but practically required; especially in an election year.

So what about the maxim (as preached in previous posts) to DO NO HARM? How can one safely avoid harming others and still feed the beast? I think our justification is that it's monster vs. monster. We feel that we are not truly harming another human being but rather attempting to subdue evil or (especially if we're playing the game) advance (our definition of) good. It is a thin line, but as long as it remains a war of words most of us feel there is NO HARM DONE. And at this stage I believe that is mostly true. But as the winner advances and begins making (and enforcing) rules and regulations and if the Beast is then overfed to a point where the Beast is hungry all the time, human control becomes an illusion and monstrous power becomes the reality. And at this stage Doing Harm masquerades as Advancing Good.

DO NO HARM. It is a difficult maxim when one in a position of power and control thinks they know best. It is a dodgy (at best) proposition even when one who merely aspires to a position of power and control thinks they know best. So perhaps the key to managing politics is for one to realize that they may not know best. Yet in a (so-called) democracy it would be difficult to win an election (or get a promotion) if your campaign slogan was "I don't know what to do" - even if the second part proclaimed, "but with your help I'll do my damnedest to figure it out." Most people would only hear the first part, yet if we all voted for these enlightened individuals, we would experience something much closer to a democracy.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to completely avoid politics. We are either politically active (aspiring to or utilizing power and control), or we are subjected to politics, or (oftentimes) we are both participating and subjected in multiple roles. Even within the context or confines of a hermetic lifestyle there is likely an inner struggle for power and control between the spiritual, rational, emotional, and sensory aspects of one's humanity. And this is perhaps the truest form of politics; and one from which we can learn a lot.

Think about it. This inner struggle for power and control is a struggle because we are attempting to better ourselves. It is a struggle because we do not know what is best. The perversion of politics that we often see in government and business is a struggle because EVERYBODY knows what is best.

But it does not have to be that way. By knowing that I could be right and admitting that you could be right (sound familiar?) I have opened an avenue for dialogue. And if I take it a step further and not only ask for your help, but for other's input as well ... And then if I get really crazy and empathetically listen for understanding ... Wow! Think of the possibilities.

Just as my inner struggle strives for balance by examining extremes, so too must our sociocultural struggles. I do not believe we will ever find ourselves short of corpulent invectives from extreme perspectives. And this is how politics will narrow the gap on Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness - by identifying extremes to better pinpoint a centered path. It may not always be 'the' centered path, but by using the extremes to help us focus, it should be something we can live with.

The problem then becomes finding dynamic leaders to take us there. It seems that those who want to be King have already overfed the beast, while those who admit (at least some) ignorance appear underfed, sometimes emaciated, washed-out, and muted when put in the spotlight. Then even if this transition is made, it is not unlikely that the previously desirable humility gorges itself on the surrounding riches it suddenly deserves, and begins the cycle of illusion again.

Perhaps the answer begins with learning. Perhaps with more extensive, specific, in-depth study of extremes as represented by some of history's greatest thinkers, one could grow into a Philosopher-King of one's individual inner world. Perhaps this learning and experience would then encourage discipline and better prepare one for political leadership. Perhaps there should also be fewer spotlights to discourage overfeeding.

As previously stated politics will always provide fringe elements to serve our occasional need for righteous wrath. Additionally we must learn from and focus that indignation, which in turn will help us to narrow the path; first individually and then socioculturally.

Perfect centeredness and balance requires knowing all extremes. Perfection in anything is an unattainable ideal; but we should keep that secret from ourselves. The lesson from politics is to DO NO HARM by striving to know all extremes. And if enough of us stand up and admit "I may not know what is best," then we have inched that much closer to Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness.

What is the difference between a Good Day and a Bad Day? Do emotions always trump reason? How long does it take the average person to rationally work their way back from a garden-variety emotional spike (positive or negative) in their daily routine? How does outward behavior impact inner feelings and thoughts? How does inner behavior (such as spirituality, meditation, mental exercise) impact outward expression of feelings and thoughts? And how much should physical well-being or physical comfort impact one's judgment of a Good Day or a Bad Day?

I will come back to each of these questions individually, but would like to preface that discussion with the following thought: Ideally a Good Day should be measured as a microcosm of a Good Life. At the end of each day I should be able to look back and say, "this day has been a fair reflection of how I want to remember my Life, on the last day of my Life."

1. What is the difference between a Good Day and a Bad Day? - I believe this varies from day to day depending on circumstances, daily goals, and curveballs. I also believe that there is some credence to the claim that if one survives, it is a good day. Most of my days fall somewhere between survival and the 'Ideal Microcosm' described in the previous paragraph. Seldom (if ever) do I have an 'Ideal' day, and though some days may feel like I've barely survived, from a rational perspective, there are (also) very few of these days. It is a subjective call. There is no scorecard, and if there were, there would be considerable disagreement on the rules of scoring; and, the act of keeping score (I believe) would alter one's perspective and definition of good and bad by attempting to objectify subjectivism. I think the difference between a Good Day and a Bad Day should be individually subjective.
2. Do emotions always trump reason? - Yes. Even amongst the staunchest of stoics there is at least a momentary spike associated with an emotion. I don't believe emotions can be entirely eradicated. They can be subdued, hog tied, gagged, hidden, and controlled, but each emotion, when it appears, is (at least in part) new and not simply a formerly imprisoned escapee, therefore it must be acknowledged.
3. How long does it take a person to rationally work their way back from a garden-variety emotional spike (positive or negative) in their daily routine? - I can only answer this for myself as it definitely varies from person to person. For a typical positive spike, it generally takes 46.7 seconds for me to rationally fall back to normal. For a typical negative spike it generally takes 38 minutes and 18 seconds for reason to regain control. That last number is improving by the way, from an all time high of 6 hours 51 minutes 28 seconds in the Summer of '91. And these are typical, garden-variety emotions; you can imagine the impact of strong emotions. (The numbers of course are intended somewhat facetiously, to exaggerate a truthful example.)
4. How does outward behavior impact inner feelings and thoughts? - I believe for most people in most situations outward behavior impacts inner feelings and thoughts accordingly; i.e. if it is positive behavior it encourages / enhances positive feelings and thoughts, and vice versa. There is one caveat or requirement - the behavior must be a sincere or truthful effort. In other words, if one is sincerely looking to improve positivity, or truthfully looking to express disapproval or criticism (constructive or otherwise) or negative emotion such as anger, then said behavior will impact thoughts and feelings in said manner. However, if one is not sincere or truthful and is exhibiting outward behavior that is a lie, then resentment comes into play and a negative impact is likely felt; (I would think this more often occurs with behavior that is intended to be construed as positive; for example towards an authority figure - behavior that is employed to stay out of trouble or stay in someone's good graces).
5. How does purposeful inner behavior (such as spirituality, meditation, mental exercise) impact outward expression of feelings and thoughts? - I believe purposeful inner behavior will lead to growth. I believe growth will lead to more meaningful, productive, efficient expression (in words and actions). Much like a funnel, purposeful inner behavior will direct and focus swirling thoughts and feelings, allowing for a coherent, defined output. I believe inner work is always positive. The output, if it goes against the maxim DO NO HARM, can be negative or destructive. I would like to think that most of us will discover this in the process and choose to DO NO HARM.
6. How much should physical well-being or physical comfort impact one's judgment of a Good Day or a Bad Day? - Note that I'm asking how much it 'should' impact one's judgment. From personal experience I can say it does have an impact - but should it? The physical aspect of our humanity is unavoidable and will impact (at the end of the day) one's outlook and therefore will likely impact one's judgment of good or bad. I believe one should attempt to rationally discount / subtract physical comfort and/or well-being from a judgment of a Good or Bad day. This is difficult at the end of the day; easier to do the following day or later in the week. I go back to Epictetus (55 - 135 CE) who said that nothing can truly be taken from us. He maintained that inner peace begins when we stop saying "I have lost it" and instead say "it has been returned to where it came from." This of course includes one's physical being and physical well-being, which strengthens the argument that physical well-being or physical comfort should NOT impact one's judgment of a Good Day or a Bad Day. On the last day of one's Life, physical comfort and well-being will not be a consideration for judging a Good Life, and if my goal is that each day be a microcosm of that Good Life, then (as Epictetus has stated) the things of this world should not come into play.

Bottom Line - I believe if at the end of each day I review it rationally and subjectively, appreciate the fact that I have survived, and make plans to live another Lifetime tomorrow, then perhaps I will consistently close the gap on (unattainable) 'Ideals' such as Truth, Wisdom, Happiness, Inner Peace, Exoteric Goodness, and 'The Good Day' that will perfectly reflect how I would like to live the entire span of all my days. Each day I am given, is a new opportunity.

Have A Good Day!

Last week I encouraged myself to let go of my ego. I contemplated a society with no egos and wondered if the commonality would be loneliness and despair or compassion and community. I am guessing that question arose because the only truly unpretentious fellowship I have personal experience with, involved (at least in part) being an outcast and/or a member of a minority; which circumstance actually resulted in some shared compassion and a cautious sense of community, but also involved a good deal of loneliness and despair.

I believe there are like-minded affiliations (closely-knit and sharing a groupthink mentality) that may experience an egoless bond, but in this circumstance I don't believe it uncommon that the group itself be characterized by a disdainful, smug arrogance toward outsiders. And I believe within any group, given enough time, a hierarchy will form and egos will reappear.

So I come back to the question, is a consistently compassionate, sincere humility even possible over an extended period of time? And if it is possible for an individual or even a like-minded group, can those lessons extend across the maze of man-made borders and barriers we have created?

This latter scenario seems overwhelmingly impossible. But then, according to hopelesshappiness.com, so does Happiness; and I have not yet given up in that search, as further illustrated by my belief that efforts toward an empathetic, compassionate sense of community stretching across all boundaries will bring me closer to Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness, than will a sense of entitlement, a yearning for power, or the belief that 'I' know what is best and right. I should start with 'me'.

Unfortunately, I do not always practice what I preach ... It is easier said than done ... Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone ...

So who am I to be pursuing the impossible? Upon close examination, based on all the cliches and parables we could throw at this, as well as my personal history, I should be one of the last people touting the benefits of no ego. But based strictly on ego-experience, I may make a pretty good test subject for an 'ego-free' experiment. My ego often shows up as anger. As the years have gone by I have learned to control this outward ego-expression, but inwardly it remains; and at times it dominates. (I'm not sure these initial thoughts will evolve into a full-blown study or experiment, but I am curious about its feasibility and potential results.)

So how do 'I' get away from 'me'? Don't we encourage independent thought and diversity? And don't we teach our children (at least in this culture) that each one of us is special and unique? So perhaps an ego is necessary. Or perhaps it is just so ingrained into the fabric of what we have become, that it has become necessary.

Maybe we could layer or segment our individual humanity, allowing for an ego empirically and rationally, and reining it in emotionally and spiritually. At first glance it seems this would allow for individual expression, and at the same time encourage tolerance, compassion, empathy, learning, and growth; ultimately leading us closer to Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness. Or am I getting a little carried away?

(Slow down ... Question everything ... Think it through ... Dig deeper ...)

To clarify - My ego by (my) definition has more relevance to and influence on my daily existence than anything originating from outside of me. What I am suggesting above is that my ego should be predominant in the interpretation of empirical, sensory data, and in the reasoning process (my mind) and its outcomes. These (personally) rational outcomes can and do guide/influence my emotions and spiritual sense/beliefs, however my ego should not interfere with or attempt to thwart other's spiritual or emotional ego outcomes. So instead of saying 'no egos', perhaps I am suggesting (in regard to emotions and spirituality) - 'No Predominant Egos'.

Yet, in a way, if one's emotional base and sense of spirituality is a result of one's empirical interpretations (perception) and reasoning, then it is in these areas (empirically and rationally) where one's ego resides, which strengthens the premise that there should be no judgments of right or wrong within, around, or about emotional and spiritual expression - with one caveat - DO NO HARM! Therefore it seems the ego does not belong in the emotional or spiritual realms to begin with, so perhaps I am closer to where I began in encouraging 'no egos' - or more accurately, 'no ego expression'. When we express ourselves empirically or rationally we are typically matter-of-fact or reasonable. When we express ourselves emotionally or spiritually we run the risk of being controversial, adversarial, and/or overbearing.

So back to the question How do 'I' get away from 'me'? - Perhaps I can begin by learning to create some distance between the realms. This way I could recognize emotional and spiritual expression (emanating from myself or others) when it appears, thus allowing for equal time and consideration of all perspectives. Once recognized, since I have stated that the ego has no place in these interactions, I should work my way back to empirical and rational expression. It has been a rather long, circuitous route to arrive at the conclusion that I should 'act like an adult', but it is interesting in that it seems the way 'I' can get away from 'me' is by returning to 'me'.

The essence of 'me' is empirical and rational.

The spiritual 'me' is a result of my perception and reasoning, but also comes from my intuition, which is difficult to articulate. Due to its esoteric nature it can appear to others as confused, exaggerated, foolish, or futile, and due to its sacrosanct significance it can also enflame emotions.

The emotional 'me' is also a result of my perception and reasoning, and should be channeled accordingly (empirically and rationally) so my ego (which should be the essence of 'me') does not manifest itself as a distorted, monstrous perversion of 'me'.

I think most of us (excluding celebrities, politicians, and bureaucrats) do act like adults most of the time; at least outwardly. Perhaps by structuring individual humanity (empirical-rational-emotional-spiritual) and identifying appropriate ego expression within this structure, I will additionally gain inward maturity. Awareness is the first step.

I am going to make an effort to spend more time off my pedestal. And after this week's thoughts, I believe time off my pedestal to be more urgently important when I am alone than when I am interacting with others.

I have to let go; or (as the case may be) jump off. I'm talking about my pedestal. I think we all have one; a very ornate, marble, solid (yet comfortable and secure) pedestal.

I stand on it, tall and proud, looking over my world. A sea of my own making, filled with darting, playful, silvery promise. I also see other pedestals with other humans; each pedestal big enough for one. From my perspective, all other pedestals are shorter, and their occupants don't stand as tall.

Occasionally, a big wave comes along and knocks me off my pedestal. When this happens, I stubbornly hang on until the wave or storm passes, and eventually climb back up to dry in the sun and once again stand tall.

Occasionally (sometimes frequently), I venture out to procure some measure of fulfillment by laying hold of and consuming the hope and expectancy shining beneath the surface. At times these glints of silver are bountiful; at other times, less so. Sustenance.

Sometimes, those nearby let me hold on to their pedestal for a short period of time when I need to.

Sometimes I wander a little far.

And sometimes (because I am considerate and charitable) I let others hang on to my pedestal when they need to. Once or twice I have actually come off my pedestal and helped another onto it, so they could dry in the sun. But I always (in fairly short order) encourage them to return to their pedestal. I don't understand how anyone could be so lost as to not know where their pedestal is.

I always return to my pedestal.

I wonder what is beyond the pedestals.

I wonder if there is a 'beyond the pedestals'.

If there is, would the silvery promise be more bountiful? And/or, would it be more difficult to acquire?

I know if I jumped off my pedestal, I could not fly; but if there were no pedestals to hang onto, how long would I stay afloat?

I am afraid of drowning.

Are there others beyond the pedestals?

If so, are some better swimmers than others?

If there is a 'beyond the pedestals', is it a realm of higher consciousness, compassion, and community, or is it an expanse of loneliness and despair?

Is a pedestal necessary for mental stability?

If there were no pedestals, would I learn to be a better swimmer?

If there were no pedestals, would I be prey for dark, ugly creatures from the depths?

I am afraid of monsters.

Perhaps I would not drown.

Perhaps I could slay the monsters ... Or befriend them.

Perhaps the buoyancy would give me the feeling of weightlessness. Flying. No Gravity.

Maybe we don't all have or need a pedestal; (but it seems like we do).

Maybe 'beyond the pedestals' is not so scary; (but it seems like it would be).

I would like to see beyond the pedestals; or at least, see how long I could stay afloat with no pedestal.

I must jump off; or (as the case may be) let go ...

The idea of moving from 'order to disorder' or 'simplicity to complexity' is fascinating. For me (and I believe for many others) it succinctly describes the direction that we do move through time. One cannot erase experience. We may not always remember or be able to identify the specific influence of a specific moment, but I believe all of experience synergistically exerts an influence on every moment. So as I add individual experiences throughout my lifetime it is logical that disorder becomes more and more likely and simplicity becomes more and more difficult.

Yet I like order and I want to simplify. If I cannot find 'simple order' I will settle for organized complexity. This is why of late I have been drawn to Steampunk. Described as 'What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner' its images (for me) represent domesticated disorder. This is what I have been attempting to do with Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness every week for the past year. I would like to take all the cogs and wheels and clockworks and gears and brass and top hats and goggles and corsets of life, and if not make some sense of it all, at least make it more visually appealing and thought-provoking; (which in itself should add some sense). As I progress through this increasing disorder I want to remain passionate and excited about living life. I don't want to shuffle along in a rut avoiding the chaos of swirling expectations and experiences. I want to be a collector; but not one who piles it all in heaps of unintelligible clutter in the barn or attic. I want Steampunk clutter - Harmonious Discord.

I have previously touched upon the importance of finding accord in the midst of the discord of Life. I have advocated prioritizing and organizing the minutiae of Life. And here I am again encouraging rhythm and harmony to assist in this ordering of disorder. So as with most objectives, it must be easier said than done. I will dig deeper.

Perhaps it is as simple as avoiding that rut; combining known methods of orchestration (reading, writing, learning) with subtle, intuitive reminders (music, art, nature), and adding new discoveries (like my recent crush on Steampunk). Of course new discoveries will almost always be an existing sub-class or sub-genre found in the process of reminders and orchestrations, and will often carry the additional stigma of being quirky, eccentric, or frivolous.

Though the phrase 'Steampunk' has been around nearly 30 years, and its roots go back to Victorian times, I think many would still identify it as a fad. Continuing to think this through, I am now asking myself if a fad is truly a new discovery or just a way to combat boredom and convince myself that I am open to new ideas and not in a rut. Wow ... Am I just a sad old man trying to keep up, or does 'branching out' really add vitality and ignite passion? ... tough question.

... Or is it a tough question? ... (small epiphany) - If something resonates within, no matter how short-lived, I need not worry, nor make apologies; especially if I can learn from it and apply it to other aspects of my Life. On the other hand, if I am jumping on the bandwagon because everyone else is, then that is a problem. So we have come around to uninhibited truthfulness with oneself; (again). I have to look inward to examine my motivations and my true feelings.

And having done so now, in this case, I still like Steampunk.

So qualifying it thusly, I believe there is potential validity to creating harmonious discord by staying out of a rut. But once off the beaten path, what then? I'm thinking there must be more to it than just new discoveries.

Part of it is learning and application as previously stated. But would that require a certain amount of consistency and stability to which new learning can be applied? and does that sound a little like another rut? How do I keep it fresh?

... ... ... ...

Repetition? I have come back to writing about this theme of harmony / rhythm (multiple times) and I do find myself re-reading various passages in favorite books, and this repetition does seem to add to my understanding.

Added Depth? When I re-think various concepts I force myself to dig deeper by asking more questions. (I've also said before that) by adding depth I am essentially simplifying by ordering (organizing) complexity.

To summarize: as I experience Life it becomes increasingly disordered while I aspire to simplify and organize. So I search for rhythm and harmony to layer the chaos and I utilize the following to keep it fresh and vibrant:

• New Discoveries (that resonate)
• Repetition
• Added Depth
• Learning and Application (Growth)

I cannot undo what is done. In this lifetime there is no subtraction; there is only addition. I suppose I could play it safe and add small increments, and end with a small contribution. Or I could add ridiculously large increments, ending with a ridiculously large impact. Or I could add purposeful, meaningful increments, that will end in a positive contribution.

There is no subtraction - yet paradoxically, without a certain amount of order, rhythm, and harmony, one could end their Life with a negative contribution.