Growing into the Light
Cathi Woodward
2011-04-19 00:00:00




Here's a new definition for insanity: Still thinking the same thoughts and wondering why things don't change.

“That's the way it has always been” is no longer an excuse for such an outlook on life. Your thoughts determine everything, and not enough people realize that you can determine and control the direction of your thoughts to realize a different outcome. A lot of us get in a rut, thinking in a certain way, and don't know how to get out of it and wonder why things don’t change, or get worse. 

Fear hurts, others, if you do not realize your own and face it, besides yourself, in your physical and emotional experience of this existence. We were taught fear as a means of control, by those afraid of the unknown. Religion has been particularly good at using fear to lead to the lowest common denominator and exemplifying hypocrisy in the process.

There is another way to use fear. I would cite Ray Kurzweil as an example. I am just guessing, but I am very thankful for what I assume to be his fear of death, to work so hard towards eliminating it. Although death is the great equalizer, everyone is allotted exactly one life to live, with the knowledge that it will come to an end.

Anger is another emotion that we were taught as negative and told to suppress. When it is anger that can be used so constructively when channeled as a motivator towards action that brings about positive change. Robin McGehee is an outstanding example of using the anger of being treating unequally in a 'fair and equal' society to work towards bringing about the ideal of equality for everyone.

Fear and anger are very real and powerful emotions that can be used in a positive and constructive manner, rather than what we have been taught, which is to suppress these most powerful emotions. It is OK to feel fear; it drives us to understand. And it is OK to feel anger; it can motivate us to make things better. When channeled properly, these human emotions are what have driven us forward.

Our evolution in technology dictates the evolution of how we live and think. And in order to keep pace with that exponential nature, we have a lot of growing up to do, fast. The electronic age brings light and connection. With that light and connection comes growth.

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There is only what is in your control -- how you look at things, or how you choose to think or feel about things, or act upon existing circumstances -- that is under your control. Acts of nature are not, what others think, feel, say or do are not. And for most of us, the laws of physics are pretty much immutable. And yet, everything that each of us feel, say or do is not in isolation. We are coming to understand, in the quiet reflection of one's own thoughts, our deepest connection to all of existence.

Once we realize that there is nothing to be afraid of, we are open to realize our own humanity, to laugh and love our own foibles, to be proud of our application of lessons learned, and even to be thankful for the tests of strength that allow our contributions toward the betterment of society.

Fear is an opportunity to learn, anger is a motivator to bring about the change desired. Technology brings the connection and light that we need to grow into our potential.

Now we can enjoy the responsible side of freedom just as much as freedom itself. Like the plant that breathes in carbon dioxide and provides oxygen, the honey bee that pollinates blossoms and provides honey, it is our responsibility to explore and offer our individual gifts, talents, and unique perspectives, and share with others for a more harmonious world.