We are shaped by our thoughts. We become what we think. – Buddha
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. – Albert Einstein
That’s right Buddha and Einstein agree, so I might be right about the following, should I ever come to a conclusion.
A few weeks ago I was walking across a park listening to James Taylor on my headphones. This would not seem out of the ordinary if were not that I had previously begun only to listen to music without lyrics following meditation in an attempt to keep my mind as clear as possible for as long as possible. However, rather than listening to a selection of what may be referred to as meditative music, I was listening to James Taylor, not as much for the lyrics as to listen to his guitar playing. At some point, I tuned to the lyrics and heard “Shower the people you love with love. Show them the way that you feel.” For a brief second, before I took the time to analyze what had just happened, I thought of those people in my life that I care about. I thought about how I should take more time to let them know. Of course, I then noticed that something had just happened and began trying to figure it out, which interrupted both the semi-meditative state that I was attempting to prolong and any consideration of taking time to express myself better to those I care about.
What had happened was that a positive message invoked a positive response.
We have all at one time or another heard of self-programming and/or the power of positive thinking. I was about to refer to the self-help section of any bookstore, but so as not to date myself, simply entering the key words “positive thinking in books” on Amazon yields 3,782 results. Well-known self-help authors such as Anthony Robbins, Stephen Covey, and Norman Peal expound on methods of positive self-programming (and meditation) for success in business and in life. Most of these types of books advocate active measures to increase positive energy through various forms of positive reinforcement. These methods include repeating positive mantra to one’s self to improve self-image, reinforce methods to increase communication abilities, or to advance professional goals. The success of books such as “Unlimited Power,” The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” and “The Power of Positive Thinking” point to the success of the use of active methods to program or reprogram one’s self in a positive way in order to yield a positive result.
As positively impacting as these active positive methods can be, what I contemplated after listening to James Taylor’s words was how things that we intentionally or unintentionally bring into our lives may negatively impact us. I’m no proponent of censorship. If someone chooses to surround themselves with negative influences, whether that is music or artwork that promotes violence or disrespect to others, or groups and/or individuals that promote hatred for any reason include religion, it is their choice until they decide to infringe upon the rights of others based on a programed negative response. However, it should be understood that people who choose to be negatively programmed are as culpable for their failures as those who practice active positive reinforcement methods are responsible for their successes.
Of the many things unaddressed here is the blameworthiness of the producer of the media, or author of the negative ideas to which some cling. In a relatively free capitalist society, in most instances, one can only appeal to their humanity, and/or the idea of ‘proper livelihood’ to encourage them to reflect on the impact of their work. However, the power of capitalism can often outweigh the reason of reflection.
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I think I’m going to stay on this topic for a little while (hence, nothing remotely resembling a conclusion), but right now I need to grab some lunch and maybe listen to some more James Taylor.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, February 9, 2014