A FLAWLESS LIFE

A while ago a family member gave some brutally honest opinions. It's not easy listening to cold truths, the ego certainly doesn't enjoy the experience! But hey, it came with honesty; therefore it was accepted with grace

So imagine the surprise, when a few weeks later the same person was asked to consider showing a little kindness in a family situation. What was given with equal honesty and care, led to them getting extremely vexed, offering a multi-pack of explanations and causing a significant piece of drama-rama!

Seems its okay to criticise others these days, but nobody wants to accept any criticism aimed in their direction.
Have our ego's really become so horribly warped, that we believe we're flawless?

Over the past two decades, we've been spun into believing, being wrong equates to failure. Society is obsessed with perfection. An idea enforced by the barrage of advertising, a land where everything is always perfect. When you add reality TV, where every word and action is scrutinised and judged. It's not surprising our ego have become inflexible and hostile towards criticism

Some people cannot consider the idea, they may not be right, let alone admit they are wrong!

We've developed a terrible lack of respect for alternative opinions, often reacting with ill will. Everyone wants to show their strength. A trait implanted by Darwin, when he encouraged us to believe, the strongest of the species survives
While Darwin's research was astonishing at the time, modern science has refined his findings regards the evolution of our species. Confirming its not the strongest which survives - its those able to adapt and change

Our perceptions have become quite distorted, we are in grave danger of losing the fantastic ability to debate opposing opinions, without someone taking offence or going into combat mode

When challenged with an alternative opinion, many people refuse to step away from their core beliefs. Known as "cognitive dissonance" where it becomes vital to protect those beliefs. So people rationalise, ignore or deny anything that doesn't fit their view, even when it actually benefits them to accept it!

Society demands you act and behave correctly - In reality, perfection can be expected sometimes, although it is a bit much to assume it all the time! We consistently get things wrong, due to misinformation, ignorance or education. We lovely humans have been wrong throughout our history. It's an integral part of our development, personally and as a society

Many people consider themselves to be open-minded. The truth is, it's rare to find an open-minded person these days. Open minded people are able to discuss opinions, without the need to agree or win. If you find it difficult to debate an idea which goes against your view, without getting offended or becoming hot-headed - you my friend are on the slippery slope to being self-centered. Undoubtedly a more stressful path, one which will t indeed lead to a far lonelier existence

This fantastic little planet is already full of stressed and lonely earthlings...why be one of them?

You don't need to accept criticism, just listen and consider what is being said. Try talking. Get into a discussion. WARNING...expect your big ego alarm to start ringing very loudly! Try to ignore it or at least press the snooze button. The more you ignore this hostile little devil, the easier it becomes

Modern science, physics, and biology confirm our brains and bodies respond to detrimental disputes and clashes, i.e. stressful situations, by inflicting internal and physical sickness upon itself. This is a self-defence mechanism. The more conflict your life contains, the unhealthier your body is likely to become

Is it any wonder cancers, heart attack, disease, and depression are gripping humanity? Maybe the west is finally acknowledging something eastern cultures have understood for centuries...Karma. This is not some spiritual doo-doo.
It's merely about reaping what you sow.

Stop taking everything so personally! Hey, it's okay to get things wrong here and there. Why get into disputes, when you know there's a solid guarantee you are harming yourself!  It makes sense to consider alternative opinions. Accept you and others can be good people, without the need to be perfect

Just let go!
Enjoy listening to the crazy opinions of others...you will find life a whole little easier and far more fun. Yes, you will notice yourself being more relaxed and clear headed. Who knows you may even discover you are open minded!


3000monks...are beautifully imperfect


summer 2017
original photo: Trey Radcliff
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