I especially think expounding on two of your points would be helpful
First, the training of people to laugh at cruelty as humor. I think this has been inserting into much media and politics over a few decades. You can especially the result in many members of the regime. They begin talking, get cruel and nasty and start grinning or chuckling. You are suppose to "get in on the joke" or be cowered at their bullying.
Second on the stealing of your joy. In my personal circumstances with medical and other issues, I have learned happiness in a choice. The majority of the time I can do it. I am having trouble with this regime. I think it is because of their flood the zone approach as well as their attempt to retrain you as to what happiness should be for you. I am working to get my joy back.
Long ago, probably in my twenties, I decided that the greatest sin one could commit was to ‘fuck up someone else’s path’. As a corollary, I decided that I wanted to be on a path of forgiveness, tolerance, and generosity as a way to enjoy the beauty of life without being sidetracked with useless anger. I learned to remind myself that my own ego was usually the stumbling block that unsettled my peace of mind.
At 80 I’ve become pretty good at recognizing that insults from others are most often born from their own lack of satisfaction with themselves. But one anger I can’t seem to conquer is the anger that rises up when I witness anyone deliberately trying to ‘fuck up someone else’s path’. It is the thing that bothers me the most about DJT and his entourage. They say and do the most egregiously cruel and confrontational things they can think up. I try to reach for the tool of understanding that they are the sum of their inborn nature and their life’s baggage, but I must admit that those mind fuckers still can get to me.
Mike, this is so needed. In my thinking on things, I see the lack of alignment as a catalyst for this. There has been over the last 30 yrs more teaching people to "go along to get along". Instead people need to practice integrity. It is hard. But you can look your reflection in the mirror in the eye and know you are living truth.
Every line in this is spot on but this paragraph in particular goes so hard: “The thing about moral choices is that they don't arrive on a schedule. They don't announce themselves with trumpets, or come with convenient warning labels. They happen every minute of every day, in moments so small we barely notice them passing.”
Choosing Reality instead of "going along to get along" takes courage & fortitude. For your personal life this will surely be transformative because "going along" is our default mode. You may experience the loss of relationships or being ostracized. Speaking out in public is another level which takes even more courage. You may experience mockery or disdain from the meme gallery, but hold fast to that which is True & Good & Beautiful. Value that which is Real above every compromise. Embracing Reality will not only set you free, it will help all those around you... eventually.
"I'm describing a way of being fully present in your own life, making choices aligned with your deepest values rather than drifting with currents of fear or convenience."
I would truly like to see more exposition about what our deepest values are and how we arrive at them: most of what I see are mere slogans or shorthand phrases, which can mean radically different things to different people
It's fantastic that Trump has made it so easy for us. A melange of creeps, erotic sadists, fast-talking liars, emotional retards, and other general incompetents has now aroused a healthy patriotic backlash.
This is a great development that really needs us to embolden an economic agenda to transform the basic conditions that led to their access to power. Gross inequality can be remedied, but only over all the money in the world. Democratizing corporations and creating public finance are easy to legitimize, but face the Promethean challenge of overcoming a mountain of misbegotten ideas about about how to make an economy work for everyone.
Thank you. Well said.
I especially think expounding on two of your points would be helpful
First, the training of people to laugh at cruelty as humor. I think this has been inserting into much media and politics over a few decades. You can especially the result in many members of the regime. They begin talking, get cruel and nasty and start grinning or chuckling. You are suppose to "get in on the joke" or be cowered at their bullying.
Second on the stealing of your joy. In my personal circumstances with medical and other issues, I have learned happiness in a choice. The majority of the time I can do it. I am having trouble with this regime. I think it is because of their flood the zone approach as well as their attempt to retrain you as to what happiness should be for you. I am working to get my joy back.
Again thank you for your writing.
I am 67.
I've never seen anything like this in my adult life.
Anyone who knows me knows I hate confrontation, but damn, I am SO angry at what is happening that I CANNOT sit by and do nothing!!!
We should ALL be angry enough to take to the streets!!!
I am so grateful to all of the folks on Substack who are speaking the truth with the voice of reason, and encouraging us all!!!!
Long ago, probably in my twenties, I decided that the greatest sin one could commit was to ‘fuck up someone else’s path’. As a corollary, I decided that I wanted to be on a path of forgiveness, tolerance, and generosity as a way to enjoy the beauty of life without being sidetracked with useless anger. I learned to remind myself that my own ego was usually the stumbling block that unsettled my peace of mind.
At 80 I’ve become pretty good at recognizing that insults from others are most often born from their own lack of satisfaction with themselves. But one anger I can’t seem to conquer is the anger that rises up when I witness anyone deliberately trying to ‘fuck up someone else’s path’. It is the thing that bothers me the most about DJT and his entourage. They say and do the most egregiously cruel and confrontational things they can think up. I try to reach for the tool of understanding that they are the sum of their inborn nature and their life’s baggage, but I must admit that those mind fuckers still can get to me.
Very insightful.
Thank you Mike, for the clarity of steps that can be taken when I am overwhelmed with all the current news.
remain human, to stay awake
I appreciate this piece. It will give confidence to people who feel overwhelmed.
Mike, this is so needed. In my thinking on things, I see the lack of alignment as a catalyst for this. There has been over the last 30 yrs more teaching people to "go along to get along". Instead people need to practice integrity. It is hard. But you can look your reflection in the mirror in the eye and know you are living truth.
Wow, thank you! I couldn’t sleep. I read this, it was so comforting.
Every line in this is spot on but this paragraph in particular goes so hard: “The thing about moral choices is that they don't arrive on a schedule. They don't announce themselves with trumpets, or come with convenient warning labels. They happen every minute of every day, in moments so small we barely notice them passing.”
Choosing Reality instead of "going along to get along" takes courage & fortitude. For your personal life this will surely be transformative because "going along" is our default mode. You may experience the loss of relationships or being ostracized. Speaking out in public is another level which takes even more courage. You may experience mockery or disdain from the meme gallery, but hold fast to that which is True & Good & Beautiful. Value that which is Real above every compromise. Embracing Reality will not only set you free, it will help all those around you... eventually.
"I'm describing a way of being fully present in your own life, making choices aligned with your deepest values rather than drifting with currents of fear or convenience."
I would truly like to see more exposition about what our deepest values are and how we arrive at them: most of what I see are mere slogans or shorthand phrases, which can mean radically different things to different people
Don't forget to forgive yourself,when you fall short.
It's fantastic that Trump has made it so easy for us. A melange of creeps, erotic sadists, fast-talking liars, emotional retards, and other general incompetents has now aroused a healthy patriotic backlash.
This is a great development that really needs us to embolden an economic agenda to transform the basic conditions that led to their access to power. Gross inequality can be remedied, but only over all the money in the world. Democratizing corporations and creating public finance are easy to legitimize, but face the Promethean challenge of overcoming a mountain of misbegotten ideas about about how to make an economy work for everyone.
Excellent
"Not a violent one. Not with guns. A cognitive revolution."
Can we not do all three?!