Friday, April 22, 2016
Too Much or Not Enough
From the Idiosyncradeck Tarot, Temperance; from the Answer Deck, Truth:
Planets and stars shine against a night sky, while fungi on the ground and a tree trunk glow (and yes, there really are bioluminescent mushrooms). Bott states, "Only when it's dark can you see the little lights glow," suggesting that an "all or nothing" attitude is not a balanced, harmonious way to live. Light and dark coexist for a reason. Both my behavior and ideology of the past were a prime example of lopsided living. Did it make my life happier, more secure or fun? Absolutely not. But the problem with such a realization is that it can be easy to slide to the other end of the continuum. Truth asks me if I am still sitting at one end of the see-saw. I'm learning in my study of Mussar that even "good" traits can become unhealthy if pushed too far beyond the midpoint. For instance, patience sounds like a spiritual principle everyone should practice, but taken to an extreme it can become indifference, complacency or procrastination. Inner strength also sounds beneficial, but lacking moderation, it can create a loner who refuses to take advantage of the support and encouragement other people may extend. As Dave Barry once wrote, "No matter what happens... somebody will find a way to take it too seriously."
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I have trouble with balance, I'm an all or nothing person, not much gray in my life. I can mentally recognize when I should be in the gray zone rather than black and white, but it doesn't change my behavior. It works for me, I'm too impatient to be a dabbler.
ReplyDeleteI bet you're more in the gray than you think. :) You might be passionate about pursuits, but I believe you are still a patient person (judging by people you have taken care of in the past).
DeleteFinding and keeping the balance is a life long endeavor. It feels like I am constantly seesawing trying to find the peace and quite of sitting on the midpoint.
ReplyDeleteMaybe being aware of where we are is more important than staying at a fixed position (which probably isn't a good idea anyway!). :)
DeleteToday I was going to have a fun day, but then I called the Cable company and that was the end of that. No patience and no midpoint with them.
ReplyDeleteI understand. I had big plans too until a facet joint in my back had other ideas. So now I'm recreating my plans. :)
DeleteThat book on Mussar sounds fascinating! I like that it speaks of contemplative practices and practices in relating to others - once again that balance between inner and outer :) And LOL to your final quote!!
ReplyDeleteThe Mussar book is very religious (be forewarned) as it was originally intended for the Jewish Community. But I've found enough good stuff in it to keep plugging along; spiritual principles generally cross all borders regardless of beliefs.
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