There is a place in us that is afraid of new thought. No matter what we tell ourselves - there is a part of us that loves who we are. If we did not love who we were on a deep level, we would cease to be our present selves.
And this is where our protectionism comes into play. Despite what we espouse outwardly, inwardly we are afraid of new thoughts and those that conflict with our internal monologue. We cast aside different worldviews in order to craft our own reality in which our deeper selves feel safe and content.
Despite our best efforts, we cannot shield ourselves from new ideas all of the time. We find ourselves in conflict with other people and one way or another are forced to confront the truth behind how we really feel. This is a painful process, but it is necessary for real growth.
The natural inclination to shy away from those ideas foreign to our way of thought, and newfound tools to shield our fragile egos from criticism, has created a generation of radicals and reactionaries.
So you have to think, why are your convictions so strong? Is there really inherent truth to the ideas you hold onto so dearly? Would you hold the same beliefs in a different life?
In a world devoid of some godhead who decrees such and such good and such and such bad - isn't it ultimately up to you what is good and bad? And how do you make that decision?
I think in the end our beliefs are like a set of cards. We are dealt those cards and we hold them close to our hearts. We can grab a new hand, but we are afraid to let go of what we have. We are afraid of the unknown.
What do you have to lose? All of your fears only exist within your head. You can overcome them. The first step is deconstructing your ego. Let yourself go. Once you stop guarding the boundaries of your own mind you will be open to what is outside of yourself.
Realize that nothing matters beyond what you choose to matter. Take in new information from a neutral place. Understand your beliefs are not inherently more right or wrong than anyone else's. Recognize that you will die soon, and try to view reality from the lens of one who sees its absurdity for what it is.
Try to imagine yourself as a salt block placed in the ocean. No matter how hard you struggle to divorce yourself from the sea - it will consume you.
Once you accept the world for what it is, then you will be content. And in this you will find the key to destroying your fear.
And this is where our protectionism comes into play. Despite what we espouse outwardly, inwardly we are afraid of new thoughts and those that conflict with our internal monologue. We cast aside different worldviews in order to craft our own reality in which our deeper selves feel safe and content.
Despite our best efforts, we cannot shield ourselves from new ideas all of the time. We find ourselves in conflict with other people and one way or another are forced to confront the truth behind how we really feel. This is a painful process, but it is necessary for real growth.
The natural inclination to shy away from those ideas foreign to our way of thought, and newfound tools to shield our fragile egos from criticism, has created a generation of radicals and reactionaries.
So you have to think, why are your convictions so strong? Is there really inherent truth to the ideas you hold onto so dearly? Would you hold the same beliefs in a different life?
In a world devoid of some godhead who decrees such and such good and such and such bad - isn't it ultimately up to you what is good and bad? And how do you make that decision?
I think in the end our beliefs are like a set of cards. We are dealt those cards and we hold them close to our hearts. We can grab a new hand, but we are afraid to let go of what we have. We are afraid of the unknown.
What do you have to lose? All of your fears only exist within your head. You can overcome them. The first step is deconstructing your ego. Let yourself go. Once you stop guarding the boundaries of your own mind you will be open to what is outside of yourself.
Realize that nothing matters beyond what you choose to matter. Take in new information from a neutral place. Understand your beliefs are not inherently more right or wrong than anyone else's. Recognize that you will die soon, and try to view reality from the lens of one who sees its absurdity for what it is.
Try to imagine yourself as a salt block placed in the ocean. No matter how hard you struggle to divorce yourself from the sea - it will consume you.
Once you accept the world for what it is, then you will be content. And in this you will find the key to destroying your fear.
