Questioning How We Feel

“Part of the problem with the word 'disabilities' is that it immediately suggests an inability to see or hear or walk or do other things that many of us take for granted. But what of people who can't feel? Or talk about their feelings? Or manage their feelings in constructive ways? What of people who aren't able to form close and strong relationships? And people who cannot find fulfillment in their lives, or those who have lost hope, who live in disappointment and bitterness and find in life no joy, no love? These, it seems to me, are the real disabilities.”

-- Fred Rogers

Is it true that most human beings on Earth are miserable or depressed? What single advice would you like to give them?

We came to Earth because Mars was dying. We are miserable and depressed because, subconsciously, our genetic memory knows this is not our planet. Our subconscious is in a constant struggle to change the rhythm of our sleep/wake cycle to that of Earth. Yet, thousands of years have not enabled us to accomplish this. Okay, that’s the best I can make up. Personally, I think people should just focus on being happy always and cut the crap.

What came first, aggression or pleasure?

I’ll take a logical shot in the dark. Pleasure came first. When we ran out of pleasure, or someone took it from us, that bit of drama upset us or pissed us off. We became aggressive until we had our pleasure back.

What are your tips on living your best life even if you're on a budget?

Get rid of debt and pay cash for what you need. You’re on a budget, so embrace what that means. You can only afford what you need. What you want will cost you. My best advice, however, is to learn to be happy always! If you can accomplish constant happiness, regardless of monetary wealth, you are already rich.

"It's not your salary that makes you rich, it's your spending habits."

-- Charles A. Jaffe, financial columnist, author

Does Standard Life still exist?

Well, that depends on your definition of “standard.” The words “standard’ and “normal” depend much on an individual’s personal definition. Mine won’t necessarily be the same as yours. Just going by the odds, however, “standard” life, by anyone’s definition, probably does still exist, as does “normal” life.

Is this life made for everyone?

No. This life is meant for those who have learned enough to advance into it. Others may have failed to learn the lessons put before them and have to live this life again until they get it right. And, yet, others have been reborn into a multitude of other lives where they can learn other lessons before moving on again, constantly moving higher in consciousness. 

I am having a hard time dealing with one-sided relationships. What should I do? It bothers me when I do something thoughtful for others but they never make the effort to do something in return?

How “thoughtful” can it be if you’re doing it with an expectation of something in return? This isn’t selfless giving of yourself. Maybe it bothers you because you’re being selfish. Better to just love everyone and strive to be happy always. If they can’t handle this, then you have a real issue.

“Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - or compassionate action.”

-- Daniel Goleman, author, science journalist 

Why are read and read the same?

Actually, read, read, are not in the same tense so, therefore, are not the same. Past tense, “I read the book.” Or, in the future tense, “I will read the book.” The present tense adds the “ing” suffix, “I am reading the book.”

Reader Comment:  I think that what they want to know is if they spelled the same, how do which way to to pronounce the. Thank you for your examples.

My Reply:  I think you might be as right as I am. Perhaps they should have clarified it, then, so we would both know for certain.

Which values, concepts, or ideas have you included in your personal philosophy of life that are life-sustaining?

Buy what you need. Do what you love. Strive to be happy always. And, last but not least, purchase several semi-automatic weapons suitable for home defense and sustaining your life.

What is your opinion about taking me-time once in a while? Do you believe it will improve your life?

If at all possible, always take care of yourself first, and then take care of others. Flight attendants preach this before each flight. Put on your oxygen mask before assisting the person next to you. Why? Both of you might die for lack of oxygen. The same holds true in life. Take care of yourself before assisting other people. Learn to “be happy always” before mentoring someone in the art of being happy always.

“If you don't take time out for yourself, you're doing yourself and everyone around you a disservice.”

-- Melissa Ambrosini, author 

What is the one thing in your life that made you the happiest?

My children. I regret marrying their mother, a mistake I made and own. But, the two good things that came from it were my children. For this, I am eternally grateful.

What habits should I form to develop virtues? What important virtues do I want to have?

Your habits don’t develop your virtues, your virtues develop your habits. You need to reach deep down inside of yourself and make a conscious choice to live a life based on moral ethics, and faith. In order to do this, you need to study what these moral ethics consist of. I could write you a book about it, here, but so much has already been written and is available online.

Why does decision-making play such a critical role in critical thinking?

One begets the other. The entire purpose of critical thinking is to form an opinion or make a choice or decision. This means the premise of the question is reversed. Critical thinking plays a critical role in decision-making.

“The opinions that are held with passion are always those for which no good ground exists; indeed the passion is the measure of the holder's lack of rational conviction. Opinions in politics and religion are almost always held passionately.”

-- Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), polymath

What do you call an act that claims to prevent something, but ends up empowering that same something?

Counterintuitive? Counterproductive? It would be “counter” something.

 
What have you grown to accept as you've gotten older?

How to be happy always is a personality trait parents and grandparents should be teaching to their children. The problem here is that several generations have passed without this learning experience, so that many have no clue how to begin to teach it. It is one reason why I’d love to win the lottery, to set up a meditation center for the discovery of happiness, with gardens, discussion rooms, and quiet places for introspection.

As for virtue, it is not enough to know it, but we must also try to possess it and put it into practice?

This is a statement, albeit true, is there supposed to be a question attached to it?

"It's easy to run to others. It's so hard to stand on one's own record. You can fake virtue for an audience. You can't fake it in your own eyes. Your ego is your strictest judge." 

-- Ayn Rand (1905-1982), author, writer, phiosopher

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as a chaplain at the regional medical center.