Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeke
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I have a theory in contrast. As an older person one has a lot of experience. I agree with the part about the mind becoming constipated with imprints from all of experience crowding out original thought. Imposed ideas is spot on.
My thought would be to strip away all that is impairing original thought revealing all that you have gained in truth.
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That is at the center of my thought. How to strip away that which has been imposed upon us?
First, we need to recognize that which has been imposed and then decide that we no longer wish to hold on to it. That requires a level of self awareness that, in my experience is somewhat rare in people. It also requires that we are able to admit that there has been some "programming" of sorts.
If we decide that we are comfortable with our current store of ideas and beliefs then all is good. However, if not then what?
IMO the task of as you say "stripping away all that is impairing original thought" is the critical bit.
How to do that is highly individual and in my case is a continuing effort in some areas even at the age of 71. As much as I respected my parents and what they accomplished with the tools they had I was aware at an early age that I couldn't live with some of their ideas. Dad was a WW II veteran and fought for freedom but at home was a distressingly racist man. I couldn't live with that.
Mom was totally holy but the behaviors of some of the "devout" Catholics in our neighborhood truly troubled me and I couldn't live with that.
By the time I finished college (which took 7 years to complete due to working my way through)
I had a very clear idea of who I wasn't and was still working on who I was.
I have overcome most of those imposed ideas through listening, studying and experiencing life outside of my original cocoon. There is still work to do but I'm aware of that and that awareness guides my journey.
Thoughts from the gang?