Reality (Updated from 5/4/2014)

 

“People are afraid of themselves, of their own reality; their feelings most of all. People talk about how great love is, but that’s bullshit. Love hurts. Feelings are disturbing. People are taught that pain is evil and dangerous. How can they deal with love if they’re afraid to feel? Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they’re wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It’s all in how you carry it. That’s what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you’re letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain.”

-- Jim Morrison

If Jim Morrison could have beaten his alcohol dependency we would still have one of the greatest "nouveau" philosophers.  As it is, you should prepare to follow me to the edge of the abyss.

Is life real, or is it Memorex?  Is what we see, and feel, real, or is it an illusion tricking our minds and driving us insane?  There is a recent theory offering that a faucet drips because we are there to witness it; that our minds have an effect on reality.  The plumber also sees the dripping faucet, unless his mind is locked into reality, then the faucet will not drip, and we look like idiots. So, does God exist only because man wills it to be?  What of the atheists?  I guess it comes down to, who has the stronger will?  

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

-- Albert Einstein

Experiment:  Go to an area in a national park where you can get away from everyone and all noise, except that which is part of nature.  I prefer an area next to a stream, so the other noises are drowned out.  Sit or lay down, and close your eyes.  Listen to the nature around you for a few minutes.  Calm your breathing and your heart rate; relax.  Empty your mind of all thought except the sounds of nature.  Do not think of problems in your life, at work, family, just focus on the sounds and try to pick out each from another.  

After a few minutes or so, open your eyes and look around.  This is your perception of reality.  This is the world we live in.  If you allow any other thought or sound to enter this moment, you change your perception of reality.  Understand that reality has not changed.  What is, still is.  Your perception is now altered by thoughts, interpersonal interactions, daily news, a bad day at work, children, family, finances, dreams, nightmares, etc., etc., etc.  This is not the world we live in, this is the world we make of the world we live in.  Is the world we make, any less real than the world that exists?  If we weren't here, the world would still exist without what we make of it.  True reality will continue on as if our "perceived" reality had never been.  But this does not make the perceived reality any less manifest.

“I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, myths, and dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?”

-- John Lennon

Imagine Adam and Eve in the Garden.  Life is good.  This is reality.  Eve gets a credit card in the mail.  Reality is still good.  She uses it.  The reality that Adam and Eve have perceived to this point has just changed.  Property has entered the world, and with it has come debt, and worry about how to pay that debt, arguments will ensue over finances, children, and the family ox.  The garden is still there, but their perception has changed.

“How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.”

-- Abraham Lincoln

There are two realities.  One is "primary" reality or "primary" existence.  Everything that existed before us, is the base reality because it is physical and it exists.  The second is "secondary" or "created" reality.  This is a reality we "create" in order to make the "primary" reality a bit more fun, exciting, and comfortable.  It's kind of the same thing, only different.  All of the ills, concerns, troubles, and worries of mankind, exist because of our created reality.  The closer we return to primary reality the more truly happy we are.  

Some would offer that if you have enough money... but, we all know that money does not buy happiness, it simply changes one's perception of the world.  Is it easier to accept our "created" reality, learning to live with the occasional bumps in the road?  Created reality, for me, is a simple escape.  Unfortunately, you have to come back to primary reality in oredert

This is our life, however, experience it.

“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”

-- Søren Kierkegaard

 

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 view 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. 

I fervently 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, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western 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 volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony: tolerantpastor@gmail.com