Thanks for your thoughtful response, Jill. I am working on deconstructing and deprogramming old belief systems. This one is worth taking a closer look at because once you know you can't unknow it!
I think it enhances it…a balance. I know I can attribute experiences to something supernatural that may have been due to a natural consequence and possibly vice versa. It’s all mystery to me.
I credit my study of Stoic philosophy plus some excellent therapy in helping me move along this continuum. I am choosing to spend the rest of my years, how ever many are left, on my terms. But this has been 69 years in the making. Long overdo. Greece sounds lovely.
I also appreciate Stoicism. There are some excellent tools in that philosophy. I'm glad you're vibin' with me about being deliberate in how we spend the rest of our lives. Too much time has been already wasted being unaware. Thanks, Jan.
Your exploration of free will, especially the dynamic between Sapolsky's deterministic view and Dennett's more moderate stance, really got me pondering. If our choices are so heavily influenced by biology, trauma, and even ancestral stress responses – and if, as you put it, "hunger hormones kick in, your brain shuts off" – where does genuine agency truly begin? Is the act of "working with" the knowledge that free will is questionable itself a predetermined response, or does it represent a tiny sliver of conscious, unscripted defiance?
Ilona Goanos: Pretty much all you say here rings true with me.
I like very much the clamshell -- Knowledge.
My spare time is spent in books (usually in German) -- literature, philosophy, history.
The Mind is a wonder of Nature, and to me it is a great Sin to let oneself be ignorant.
Which is why we have an Orange Mess with a cruel ICE.
Your values and columns certainly reflect art, reflection and knowledge, as well as a capacity for deep love, as was shown with the beautiful picture of your grandson and you, the other day.
The mind is a great wonder, and yet we have so many who believe lies. WHY? I wish I knew, but awareness is always the beginning. Seeking the truth about who we are should be a lifelong mission. Thank you as always for reading, restacking, and commenting!
I totally agree with everything that I read. My problem is that I have MS. I’m strong minded. Probably too much. Today, for example, I am in severe pain. My neck, arms, fingers/hands are aching to the point that I have to be fused to my couch. I did way too much physically the 5 days. It has now caught up with me. My brain is going nuts because I have a hard time relaxing when I have to due to over use. I quit drinking almost 2 years ago because I realized how much it affected my mental state. I am not an alcoholic. I did not drink too much. I’m just using my brain to help my body, mind and soul. I have PTSD, I am bipolar, I have ADHD, and I suffer from depression. Staying busy helps me to better cope with all of these issues. Bottom line… that’s why I have put a lot of my energy into learning how to rethink when the bad things creep into my mind.
I think we all have to put a lot of energy into learning how to rethink. I imagine you're always walking the line between wanting to do more and considering the consequences and impact on your body. I also have this problem because I think I can still do everything I did when I was younger. I learn this lesson every year when I garden and end up exhausted.
When I worked with the folks in recovery, I used to cringe when they would call themselves addicts or alcoholics. I always felt it was such a limiting way to describe who they really were. Kudos to you for quitting drinking! It can only help you in navigating your health issues.
Thank you for saying that. It is a grace-filled moment when we realize we don't need to be so harsh with ourselves because half that crap isn't even our fault f'real!
Hi, I'm listening to you and THEN to my heart and THEN to my brain.
Active? Waaaay too active brain overthinking even when I realize I'm not at all in control, but I still aim high. Or is that what I'm doing?
I'm programmed, as are most Americans, to set goals, have daily TO DO lists, and accomplish something. Check items off those lists.
Did you get me thinking?
YES.
Thanks.
heartfully,
Moi
Thanks for your thoughtful response, Jill. I am working on deconstructing and deprogramming old belief systems. This one is worth taking a closer look at because once you know you can't unknow it!
Interesting way to think about this, Ilona!
I wonder if that contrasts with what you believe.
I think it enhances it…a balance. I know I can attribute experiences to something supernatural that may have been due to a natural consequence and possibly vice versa. It’s all mystery to me.
I credit my study of Stoic philosophy plus some excellent therapy in helping me move along this continuum. I am choosing to spend the rest of my years, how ever many are left, on my terms. But this has been 69 years in the making. Long overdo. Greece sounds lovely.
I also appreciate Stoicism. There are some excellent tools in that philosophy. I'm glad you're vibin' with me about being deliberate in how we spend the rest of our lives. Too much time has been already wasted being unaware. Thanks, Jan.
Your exploration of free will, especially the dynamic between Sapolsky's deterministic view and Dennett's more moderate stance, really got me pondering. If our choices are so heavily influenced by biology, trauma, and even ancestral stress responses – and if, as you put it, "hunger hormones kick in, your brain shuts off" – where does genuine agency truly begin? Is the act of "working with" the knowledge that free will is questionable itself a predetermined response, or does it represent a tiny sliver of conscious, unscripted defiance?
Woah! My brain hurts! Way to go, Dr. A. Now you've got me thinking. We can never know for sure.
Ilona Goanos: Pretty much all you say here rings true with me.
I like very much the clamshell -- Knowledge.
My spare time is spent in books (usually in German) -- literature, philosophy, history.
The Mind is a wonder of Nature, and to me it is a great Sin to let oneself be ignorant.
Which is why we have an Orange Mess with a cruel ICE.
Your values and columns certainly reflect art, reflection and knowledge, as well as a capacity for deep love, as was shown with the beautiful picture of your grandson and you, the other day.
The mind is a great wonder, and yet we have so many who believe lies. WHY? I wish I knew, but awareness is always the beginning. Seeking the truth about who we are should be a lifelong mission. Thank you as always for reading, restacking, and commenting!
Ilona Goanos: Restacking is natural, for you are the best. The very best.
"Seeking the truth about who we are should be a lifelong mission."
For anyone living a full, human life, this search IS a lifelong mission. And joy.
I totally agree with everything that I read. My problem is that I have MS. I’m strong minded. Probably too much. Today, for example, I am in severe pain. My neck, arms, fingers/hands are aching to the point that I have to be fused to my couch. I did way too much physically the 5 days. It has now caught up with me. My brain is going nuts because I have a hard time relaxing when I have to due to over use. I quit drinking almost 2 years ago because I realized how much it affected my mental state. I am not an alcoholic. I did not drink too much. I’m just using my brain to help my body, mind and soul. I have PTSD, I am bipolar, I have ADHD, and I suffer from depression. Staying busy helps me to better cope with all of these issues. Bottom line… that’s why I have put a lot of my energy into learning how to rethink when the bad things creep into my mind.
I think we all have to put a lot of energy into learning how to rethink. I imagine you're always walking the line between wanting to do more and considering the consequences and impact on your body. I also have this problem because I think I can still do everything I did when I was younger. I learn this lesson every year when I garden and end up exhausted.
When I worked with the folks in recovery, I used to cringe when they would call themselves addicts or alcoholics. I always felt it was such a limiting way to describe who they really were. Kudos to you for quitting drinking! It can only help you in navigating your health issues.
What a relief! I'm giving myself grace as a human
Thank you for saying that. It is a grace-filled moment when we realize we don't need to be so harsh with ourselves because half that crap isn't even our fault f'real!