Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela  MrNotebook, Missing isn't talking about abandoning hope -- like, "the situation is hopeless." (please pardon me if I'm misinterpreting you, Missing.) I think (s)he is saying that hope, or any other emotion that depends on the future or the past for fulfillment and satisfaction, doesn't work well in living a life you love. So many people hang on to the hope that things will be different or get better, and by focusing on that hope, they remain blind to the reality of the moment. The hoped for relief from pain makes the present moment occur like nothing but pain, in contrast.
I agree that hope is overrated. It's not that we should "give up hope" in the sense that "things are hopeless"; it's just worth looking at the idea that boldly being present gives you the opportunity to powerfully make a difference that hoping, or other future-based living, does not.
Hope, for me, is like blame. They are just concepts that don't work in living a life I love.
That said, I also believe that when you're in the muck and mire of what you are calling a "hopeless situation" (and considering suicide as a solution), sometimes a drastic interruption of your habitual thinking is wonderful! And moving to a new location, and all the constructive focus involved with that, might be a great, inspiring way to really boldly try on a new way of being. And if your travel involves making a big difference in the lives of others, even better - more powerful! |
Wow, thanks Angela I think I grasp what you're saying. How you broke it down actually helps me put things into a more positive perspective in terms of focusing on the Now (such as what Eckhart Tolle says).
I think for me putting all my hope into things getting better while ignoring the present moment is not at all healthy. I've been known to do that.
I think whats better for me is to have a more optimistic midset whereas I can say to myself "
I will", rather than twidle my thumbs and
only sit and hope.
Helps me think more in the sense that the power to shape and change my life is in my own hands (right now), not merely hoping (in a waiting sense) for things to get better. Instead, focus on where I am right now and how to make the best of my resources this moment to exact the future I want.
Thanks for this insight. Very well put.