Emotions - Don't Be A Wage Slave

From the earliest ages, we are inundated with waves of emotion, doubt, fear, and anxiety. It is as if we are caught in a harrowing maelstrom. It soon becomes self-evident that how we manage this tempest, and the way we protect ourselves from the cold of an emotional winter, dictate the life that we will lead. There are those individuals who experience life not as a distant winter with its apprehension and existential angst (1) but as a blistering summer. These individuals are overwhelmed with a pace and intensity that pulls them in countless directions at once. This is your great friend, with such intelligence and passion that he should be successful and world famous, but in the end succumbs to alcohol, drugs, or bad relationships — and dies at an early age. Such a tragedy!

Emotional health, therefore, takes precedence over our physical well-being. Ultimately, a balance between the body and the mind is what is called for: the Golden Mean of Aristotle. (2) So, how does one achieve this in life? At some point in my earliest recollection of consciousness, I must realize that I am unique! There is no one like me; there never has been and there never will be. That said, at the beginning of my life adventure, I am an unfilled vessel, an unpolished diamond.

I must now embark on a detailed study of myself: physically, spiritually, psychologically, and, of course, educationally. (3) With this epiphany comes the realization that I am naked and alone in this world. This is not some fearful, terror-stricken understanding but a clear realization of what is true. Life’s emotional hurricane requires the ability to understand that I am also an independent agent in the world. And with autonomy comes a responsibility to unfold the mission that is buried deep inside me and every other conscious human being. It is only in acceptance and acknowledgment of my responsibility to God, as I see him as the creator of me and myself, that I can get to work.

I begin hesitantly by documenting my daily activities — the time I awaken, how I make my bed, the contents of my notebook, and the utterance of my prayers. Next comes my daily activities. What are my ongoing activities, what is my daily goal, and what do I intend to accomplish today? This is a necessary inquiry because, of all the gifts that are present in the universe, time is arguably the only one that cannot be replaced. Therefore, individuals must understand, from the earliest age, the better, that we are in a finite race to perfection, to the completion of the mission before transcendence.

My emotional well-being will dictate how far along I get in my journey in life. Many people get sidetracked with the things in the world — fame, power, riches. Though attractive, these do not satisfy the desire to be emotionally integrated with the universe, to be at peace. This is everyone’s final desire and the only way to still the tumultuous tsunami that resides in everyone. The great psychologist William James (4) leaves us with a thought: The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.

A closing thought: We all, potentially, possess the power of self-control and reflection. These traits are not easily comprehended without some form of training. Thus, the goal of pedagogy must be to illuminate “the power to learn how to learn” in every thoughtful individual.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about the power to control one’s emotions.

To be noted: From Plato — The greatest wealth is to live contentedly with little.

Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFqe2VK5ivY&list=RDEMXrOHCgLn1PivZOxJ5-OkcQ&index=2&ab_channel=SonsofLegion

For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho1xF2yhv6Q&t=13s&ab_channel=LearnOutLoud

This week, on your peaceful walk, please identify how you control your emotions.

Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.

Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!