Cogito Ergo Sum And Know Thyself!

I often hear people talk about how uplifting writing or reading or music or dance are… well, not dance so much, but I would hear about it more if I knew more dancers.  At varying times, all of the first three work for me.  Really, though, it's just variations on a theme.  They all find their root in letting the mind wander and picking up inspiration from the universe.

They are a sort of active meditation, and I consider meditation to be of vast significance for anyone who chooses to engage in it.

A Life Less Dynamic’s 3 Q&A’s To A Better You.

1.   “I think, therefore I am.”  Gee, thanks Descartes, but what am I?

As an intrepid reader of A Life Less Dynamic, I know that the essence of knowledge is what one knows about one’s self.  (Previous Post)  If you are right that I exist, surely I should endeavor to know who or what I am.

First, though, let’s inadequately address a two points on Descartes.  One, I won’t even touch the propriety of Descartes’ equating thought to existence, because I think it inherently confuses the meaning of existence.  Two, I do not believe thoughts exist in the absence of having been begotten.  Thus, Jamal Earl Black believes that the existence of his thoughts assumes the existence of a person or agent thinking them, namely – Jamal Earl Black.

If you can follow the preceding bundle of sentences… you exist as well.  If, on the other hand, that paragraph makes no sense to you – your lack of understanding calls your entire existence into question.  Stop reading this blog immediately on pain of complete, utter, and spontaneous self-annihilation!

2.   Ok, returning to the first train of thought:  I exist, so what am I?

In short, I don’t know for sure… but that doesn’t matter, so long as I recognize that I am not my body or my thoughts.

It is easy to cognitively acknowledge the fact that you are not your body.  After all, your thoughts prove existence… but not human and bodily existence.  In practice, however, stubbing your toe hurts.  Try telling your toe it doesn’t exist and see what happens.

Understanding that you are not your thoughts is a bit harder, because those really are all that you have.  The important thing to consider here is that your thoughts emanate from, and are relevant to, a thing which begets them.

So what is this separate thing which begets thoughts?  Science teaches that the brain thinks, but that is mere physical representation (which has not been proven to exist).  Jamal teaches that it doesn’t matter.  Acknowledgement of this thing is sufficient.

You are it.

3.   Ok, I’m a thought begetter, and…?

Much of life consists of the analysis of external stimuli, which is useful because it gives us knowledge and ability to function in the physical world.  Meditation is different.  It is the active stimulation and consideration of one’s inner self through the letting go of attention to one’s physical self.

It allows for the application of the command: “Know Thyself!”

Your thoughts do not define you – your ‘self’ defines your thoughts.  Know yourself and think with purpose and intent.  Choose your thoughts wisely.

This "Green" Post Was Made of Recycled Thoughts

'And', And Nothing More

like getting to the top of a mountain

and expecting a revelation

only to find yourself out of breath

dazzled by the sights

but awaiting an emotion that never comes

like seeing a pretty painting

but wanting a movie

even your daydreaming

suffers from insomnia

in the shadow

of expecting 'and'

when the sentence ends

-JB 07/29/11

As a reader of this continually unfolding manuscript of greatness, I hereby notify you that class is in session.

I've been told that depression runs in my family, and, truth be told, I've seen some evidence to support the assertion.  I must admit, though, I don't really "get" depression, at least not in the way others seem to describe it.  I mean, I understand it cognitively, and I've experienced it intermittently - as have all people.  For me though, it is like a dream.  I'm sad, but I feel disconnected from it until it, eventually, passes.  It doesn't define me and I would distinguish between being depressed, and feeling depressed.

Whatever the source, depression seems generally related to the most basic of philosophical questions - the meaning of life, one's purpose, why am I here.

Let's explore that for a moment.  I exist.

ex·ist - verb

1. to have actual being

2. to have life or animation

3. to continue to be or live

My existence consists of who I am and the actions I take.  Life is not what you make of it. Whoever coined that phrase missed the target.  You are what you make of yourself, life is just what happens - sometimes as a result, sometimes outside of your direct influence. Your inputs and intent matter, the output does not... apart from the effect on your ego.

The point of existence is, therefore, to make one's self. 

"There are many forks in the yellow brick road, but they'll get you to the Emerald City none-the-less." - Munchkin Proverb

Whether you choose the high road or the low road, both will have forks.  We can''t choose when and where we encounter them, but we can choose which direction to go.

Class dismissed.