Recently I've also become far more aware of my own need for validation from others. At first I believed that I didn't depend on others so much for my self worth, but soon came to realize that I was, but in a more indirect manner. It was only after reading Edward De Bono's book "Textbook of Wisdom" that I grasped the reality of my situation more clearly: I was holding far too many expectations of self, many which were limiting my potential greatly. Most, of course, were expectations based in fear and lack. A self constructed cage, that was far more entrenched than I first thought, even after I had already made much progress in being aware of my ego and its influence on my thinking and being.
I am constantly amazed by how much conditioning is pressed onto to the mind by family, school, society, etc. It is no mystery why so many feel as if they are in a daze or feel they have no clarity on anything anymore. Just remembering back to childhood I can see many clues to why many suffer when they reach adulthood: an ever increasing level of self-inflicted expectation of every kind and forgetting that there is always choice- you are not your expectations, you can let them go if you wish!
I feel humbled and curious knowing that there is different levels of conditioning to be either discarded or changed in which to exercise a greater level of human potential; to grow without being suppressed by fear. Being motivated by curiosity over that of fear.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimOfferman  I was walking home yesterday, drumming a beat with my hands on my chest (a habit I picked up from my band's drummer). A cyclist who was passing by in the other direction saw this and felt a need to make fun of me by immitating my behavior and drawing his "you're a retard"-face. Without missing a beat, I made my "screw you gesture" and moved on. Afterwards, I only felt pity for the guy, because he apparently needed to mock me to feel good about himself. Poor thing! |
Hehe, I admire that. It's little acts of expression like that that seem so rare these days. But I must be the change I would like to see within the world, so, it's time I teach through example. Thanks for sharing that with us, I chuckle just picturing the casual chest drumming.