Sunday, March 26, 2006

''UNLEARNING'' - Self-Image, Again


CONSIDER THIS...
UNLEARNING THE NEED TO BE RIGHT


---The idea of unlearning something is a radical type of concept, especially growing up in our society where so much emphasis is placed upon knowing things. Some of us cannot even entertain the notion of unlearning. But there is a great value in knowing when to let go of something when it is time.
---Unlearning at the right time is when something has changed from serving a purpose to doing a disservice. What was once a ''blessing'' is no longer a ''blessing.'' Unlearning something that has become ''old'' gives space to learn something ''new.'' It is more of a transformation where we ''upgrade.'' We can eliminate the unnecessary ''learnings'' that have become deadwood. I'm sure we have ALL kicked a ''dead-horse'' or two, but the real trick is to know when enough is enough. This is how we ''grow.'' We see what is true, and not so true, any longer.
---The problem comes in when being right or correct becomes a ''need.'' We have made it real important. That is when we start making others wrong, so we will be right. Instead of supporting one another, we point out the ''faults'' of this one or that one. To look ''right'', we make others look ''wrong.'' The old self-image, again.
---Do a personal inventory and find out what motivations are really in there. It is like cleaning an attic or even a house. The need to be right, at someones expense, seems to be one of the Big Ones we could ALL use a little less of. Remember, in getting rid of this excess baggage, we are making room for the next idea or insight to take its place [until that becomes excess baggage and we give that up, too, etc.]. This is how we learn and unlearn, as it really can be a chicken-and-egg situation. We get ''better'' in a psychological sense. It is the ''art'' of letting go. Not Holding On To UNNECESSARIES is something ''meditaters'' learn early on, and is a good practice for ALL of us.
---It is much more fun to be happy with someone than to be right at their expense. I am not speaking of someone who is being foolish and out of control. Responding may be a judgment call on your part. But, remember, we ALL do our share of messing things up at times. Be HONEST, FLEXIBLE AND FORGIVING. You may discover something very valuable about yourself in the process. Be Well.
(Another Way of Saving Face)

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