33 KNOW THYSELF

What if you don't know yourself as well as you think?
What if you don't really know others, either?

What if spots of subconscious self depreciation darken some of our perceptions while white washing others?


What may result if several hot spots of low self esteem go unrecognized?


What if hot spots of low self esteem create negative attitudes, which darken our perceptions until a series of misperceptions is mistaken for facts?


What if we can't tell when our negative attitudes push loved ones away?


What if we can't differentiate between what we can or cannot change?

What if we can't tell when we push others too far?

What if we don't know why we're running in circles, getting no where fast?

What might be your fate and mine when we can't accept irrevocable changes that we'd not freely choose for ourselves?  (chronic illness, injury, aging—death?)

What if our confidantes or counselors can't see the light at the end of the tunnel any more than we can?  (Been there, done that, no more three blind mice for me, thank you very much.)


What if denial blinds us to why our nearest and dearest divide into separate camps?


What if all of these questions are interrelated?


If any portion of this train of thought hits a nerve then might it be time to place your ego aside so the intelligent side of your brain can work earnestly at unearthing hot spots of subconscious pain in need of healing?


Or will you allow the fearful portion of your ego to control your mind, causing you to languish in denial, where misperception darkens your loved ones mistakes while whitewashing your own?


How do you handle those times when contradicting 'shoulds' (mixed messages) tear your mind to pieces?  (i.e. Speak up for yourself.  If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.  Give your children roots.  Bless your children's wings)

When you feel stuck in a confusing maze with no end in sight, some of your 'shoulds' may be in need of review.

Whereas perceptions of right or wrong change with the times—deeper truths remain timeless.


What is one to do when mixed messages mess with our minds?


As for me, I welcome visits from sages, like Socrates.


If some aspect of life casts a black cloud over your spirit, over long, I hope my friend, Socrates, will swoop down from on high to visit you as he does me.