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Sunday, July 07, 2002 |
SOMETHING WEBLOGGING IS DOING FOR ME
Learning to endure some filth and discomfort to uncover some gems
For much of the last 20 years, I've been a person who would (sometimes too) quickly assess whether another's point of view was consistent with my own or not. From that point, I had a tendency to then tune that person in or out for the rest of time. It was often a variation on the "what you are shouts so loudly, I don't hear a thing you're saying" school of thought. Examples include numerous liberal politicians who, once rejected over an issue, remain rejected without a hearing on all subsequent issues.
Early in this (almost) six month old experiment in weblogging, I took a similar position. Quickly, I thought I could assess whether a given weblogger had values I shared or not. However, as time has gone on, I've found that I've left some subscriptions in my news aggregator because I truly want to know what some of the "most read" people on the web are saying. I'm finding specific points of view where I agree with a person with whom I don't share a single additional value.
This approach now reaches beyond the individual to the subject matter. I've spent much of my life deciding what to put in my mind and what to leave out. Lately, I've succumbed to sites about subjects I have little or no interest in. It has been amazing. I've found some incredible resources just by cracking the mind open a little more. So far, there's been no lasting damage! Don't be misled. I continue to be rather guarded in what I elect to read, watch or focus on, but letting in a few contrary opinions hasn't hurt!
Thoreau and the Search: I've been sort of following an ongoing analysis of Thoreau's Walden Pond at In a Dark Time, a weblog of, I dare say, exceptional, value. Read the entry for the 4th of July. I would only quibble with this: How many millions of dollars are spent in psychotherapy to learn about the self? Foolish reliance on others to help us permits little progress. In the end we are the ones who must create change. If only we were strong enough to heed Thoreau's suggestion that we are all capable of exploring our own "streams and oceans." Yes, a foolish reliance on others is counter-productive. But a guide can be invaluable. Even a guide can only help, ultimately it is the one seeking who must do the work. Nothing worthwhile is ever won without effort. You must do the work. But know also, that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. [Time's Shadow]
4:03:49 PM 
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TRYING TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE
I think this got started with Burningbird's post about anger followed by several responses. When time and sanity prevail, I'll take a look at these. Instinct tells me there are times when anger is the proper response, although some of these posts seem to be saying that's not the case. I'm assuming that documented evidence says those who remain relatively free of anger live longer. What will be interesting is whether or not any of these posts mention prescriptions as a solution to anger or the ultimate in anger management. Is the conventional psychiatric diagnosis and prescription, "you're angry-take some Prozac?" Does anger stem from depression? What's the difference in frustration and anger?
With the New York Times essay on fat, Dave quitting smoking and all of this talk about anger, I'm reminded of three things I've heard prescribed for successful weight management throughout a lifetime - proper food intake, proper exercise and proper emotional balance. Getting there in any of these areas isn't always easy. Managing emotional balance in the face of so many challenges can often be more difficult than the other steps. When something we feel strongly about (OS X-Windows, Conservative-Liberal, War-Antiwar, ProBush-AntiBush, etc.) gets trashed thoroughly by a TV commentator or a weblog or an associate, some people react quickly sending their blood pressure through the roof? Are they angry or not?
Another Voice on Anger: Michael Webb has written something on anger, far better than I ever could. Worth reading. [Time's Shadow]
2:54:18 PM
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© Copyright 2002 Steve Pilgrim.
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