We can’t notice and know everything: the cognitive limits of our brain simply won’t let us. That means we have to filter or edit what we take in. So what we choose to let through and to leave out is crucial. We mostly admit the information that makes us feel great about ourselves, while conveniently filtering whatever unsettles our fragile egos and most vital beliefs. It’s a truism that love is blind; what’s less obvious is just how much evidence it can ignore. Ideology powerfully masks what, to the uncaptivated mind, is obvious, dangerous, or absurd and there’s much about how, and even where, we live that leaves us in the dark. — Margaret Heffernan
During this time of Covid-19, and most of the world being on lockdown, a lot of folks have had to realize one thing in particular: they’re going to have to spend more time with not only family members, but most importantly, themselves as individuals. This can be a daunting thought for some, because we’ve grown so accustomed to having distractions all around us during normal times. For perhaps the first time in recent memory, humans are having to face the very real possibility that they don’t quite like themselves or, that if they do, perhaps they shouldn’t. And, this has some complicated consequences and raises some uncomfortable questions.
Personally, I continually have internal battles with liking myself. Not because I don’t think I’m a decent person, I am — relatively speaking — it’s just part of being a human being in a world that has so many insecurities about itself. We make choices every second of every day. Whether they are consciously or, indeed subconsciously — they’re still choices. Besides, if one were to take a religious look at it, an important part of having been created, is being “allowed” to have freedom of choice, isn’t it? Nothing happens in a vacuum. And, as open as I remain to the concept of it, I don’t think much of life is “random”, either. Not if one were to follow the pattern of whatever it is one happens (haha) to think just randomly.. occurred.
We’ve been conditioned to fit in with general consensus on a lot of everyday things of life, and to a certain extent, that’s good. For example, we generally all agree that murder is not okay or, that Marmite is one of the most disgusting products ever produced by human beings. These are good things on which to agree.
The challenge; however, comes in the form of that aspect of your true self that has the desire for “free will” — that soft voice — because more often than not, what you’d have to give up for it, is in contradiction to general consensus. Whether it’s a job; love interest; hobby; passion. These things exist in us, but the meaning they have to us, differ. However, as real as they are to is, they’re not always realistically attainable, are they? Whether or not you like to admit it to yourself, and I hope that you do — even if just personally, it affects us emotionally.
So, be mindful. And, when you’re sitting with yourself during the next few weeks, be kind to yourself. Take a walk (in your backyard). Write in a journal. Reach out to someone who is important to you. Be thankful towards folks on front line of this current pandemic we’re facing. And, don’t forget to remember: your feelings are valid; your mental and emotional health is important.
And hopefully, one day, we’ll realize — that we’re perfectly flawed in our own ways; on our own journey.
And, that maybe.. that’s okay.
Originally published at http://oddblueprint.wordpress.com on March 30, 2020.
