The Particular reason I choose to write tonight is because of a Truth that I always sensed, but never fully understood as far as it�s merit and simplicity was concerned. I had been following the strictures of this Truth for many years now and have come to realize what a strong influence it has served in my life. I am speaking in terms of personal growth and understanding. I now see the other side of this Truth clearly.
I have been traveling the path to self enlightenment so long and have been introspective long enough to understand that only I can Truly alter my behavior with any degree of certainty. The choices and responsibilities of my life are mine. I find that others may do things which make me react in various ways, but True change can only come from within. This I can attain knowingly through conscious choice or unknowingly by internal reaction to stimulus. I will begin by exploring the conscious choice aspect of behavioral change.
I find that if I observe occurrences in my personal environment I can analyze them, understand the significance and formulate a response or behavioral pattern to those occurrences. This includes my own present behavioral patterns as well as past patterns. In simpler terms, I can and have been changing the way I act by witnessing the responses my actions create. I also find that I react much differently to people than I have in the past. I feel I react much better and more rationally, with a greater degree of compassion. So by examining my own reactions and discerning their validity or flaws, I make the choice to improve myself. This is most often a positive change.
Now, the unknowing or subconscious alteration of my behavior is also self oriented. This however is more apt to be influenced by outside stimuli. This type of change tends to be more of a reactive based change and is more often of a negative influence. This is what happens when I fail to understand fully the Truths of a present or a past influence or occurrence in my life. This I think is what causes many people to react with anger and builds resentment. If we fail to analyze the reasons behind behavior, no matter how irrational, then we fail to change that behavior. This I believe is why it is so hard for a person to change once a pattern (particularly a negative one) becomes established. Because people don�t want to touch on those negativities or admit fault or personal responsibility within themselves, they fail to address the real issue, often times laying the blame elsewhere. It is so much easier for us to see the faults of others than to look within ourselves. And since we find fault within others, we then justify our behavior which is often just as faulty.
So what has this insight led me to deduce and postulate? Well it has made me understand better why people are and how they can be manipulated. People build resentment toward those trying to control them. It has also shown me that more often than naught, any attempt to change a person (even in a positive way) will result negatively. I believe that the best way to help a person to see a better way is by educating them or showing them an example or alternative. This is not changing them, but it is teaching them to look at other perspectives so they may have more power and options to choose to change themselves.
So how do we make this world a better place? Well, I believe the answer is simple. We work on being the best person we ourselves can be. Stop worrying about what the other guy is doing wrong and take the time to fix what is wrong within ourselves and perhaps when we get there we can show by example the Truths of any suggestions we offer others.(*1) If one truly wants to help others then he or she will explain this to them so they in turn may understand it�s Truth. And when one can explain this accurately they will find that it can�t be refuted. Real Truth can�t be. I feel it is knowledge and understanding such as this that wisdom is made of.
~FIN
*1 Refer to Luke 6:41-42
