Sorry for taking so long to reply, people. I've been busy and I've been meditating on the issue also.
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Originally Posted by Illustro Cado Ah, let me stop you right there. Lightworking/darkworking are not behavior based labels. Polarization revolves around motivation. The actions we each take are, in many cases, the same. As I noted, some people try to adopt them as behavior based (and behavior limiting) constructs but they misunderstand polarity on a fundamental level. At its core it's about energy. |
Now that I re-read your statement, I finally get it. So to make sure we're on the same page, do we agree that polarization changes throughout an individual's lifetime?
Also, I'd like to bring up another point of contention with the labels...They're based on a false dichotomy. When we help others we benefit from the help we've brought too. So maybe there's a label missing..."Wholeworker" perhaps?
By the way...Yes, I see the irony of arguing against labelling and suggesting a new label
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Originally Posted by Karanime There's a vibe here that really freaks me out. And it's not just you, so this isn't personal. What you said here just seems to encompass the kind of mind I'm afraid of, and I'm eager to clarify this even more.
It's the whole, "Careful what you do because it could be dangerous to someone else" thing. It's a combination of what-if, a danger mindset, and some vague delusion about how our actions can absolutely control other's lives.
"In some minds" is the what-if concept. I had a lot of this in another of my threads. People were afraid that *someone* reading the thread would get the wrong idea and seriously damage themselves. Ironically, no one who posted on there seemed to be taking the idea in any damaging kind of way. They all seemed pretty eager to protect themselves, actually.
"Make it" and "imprisoned" is the thing about control. |
I see what you're saying. You're talking about political correctness. On a whole, we're more preoccupied with not offending anyone than we are about seeking the truth. It annoys the **** out of me too so don't worry. It's a mindset that's forged out of fear. But it's not what I'm talking about, I'm basing my arguments on my observations and understanding, which I make an effort to keep as objective as I can.
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Originally Posted by Karanime I have to ask... do you think our perceptions influence a person's behavior, and there's nothing that person can do about it? |
There's 2 parts to your question. First, do I think our perceptions influence a person's behaviour? Yes, absolutely. In far-reaching ways that most of us don't take the time to consider. I'll use a gigantic elephant in the room as an example: gender. We're all expected to speak and act a certain way, and when an individual doesn't, most of us unconsciously reinforce the power of labels. So for example, an effeminate man will be often greeted with contempt and disgust. Because that person doesn't fit the label "man". "Boys don't cry" is a ridiculous truism that sculpts most men's behaviours towards their emotions in a negative way. Look around you. There's tons of examples of labels shaping the way people think and act. Examples: Christian, rich, poor, boy, girl, stupid, American, Ethiopian, muslim, etc. I'm sure you can think of tons more. And when I'm talking about behaviour-based labels in particular, you'll notice that many children who grow up in poor neighborhoods often get told they're stupid, worthless, etc. And as a result a lot of them grow up with deep feelings of inferiority that affect their behaviour in profound ways.
Second, do I think that there's nothing that person can do about it? No. It is possible to stretch the limits of labels. And it's directly related to our consciousness and awareness. It also takes a lot of courage and conviction to defy labelling. Some have died because of it. But it's definitely possible, and it's definitely exciting and motivating!
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Originally Posted by Karanime You're like me. You don't like being limited, in any capacity. |
At first when you said that my reaction was "This girl doesn't know me, how can she make that claim?". But now that I've let it settle down...I have to say that you're quite perceptive! What you said was completely accurate.