I was taken by how I reacted to the words "rigid" vs "structure". I could feel a visceral reaction to rigid, like I needed to brace - myself becoming rigid in defense. Structure, on the other hand, implies some purpose. Interesting. Thanks Fran
Over the years of engaging with a variety of social communities and their philosophies, I've triggered (silently I hope) at many beliefs that people throw out there. It surprises me when this happens. Why is this happening? Is there some innate belief deep inside that doesn't want to bend? Am I even aware of that little kernal of "truth" I so rigorously hold on to? Is the new idea so abhorrent that it unsettles my sense of being?
And the labels. Right! Left! Centrist! Up! Down! So-and-So vs. Whoseewhat. I need to take off the labels and carefully look at the idea and its merits. Then I'm able to relax and fit that new idea into my Rolodex of collected standards. Those standards are what hold me upright. Yet it's the analysis, the getting over that triggered hump of resistance that rigidity often creates, that will encourage me to be flexible. And maybe even a bit more sane in my reactions and relationships with people. We live in a pluralistic society in America. It's necessary to control the triggers in order to allow others to be what they are.
I was taken by how I reacted to the words "rigid" vs "structure". I could feel a visceral reaction to rigid, like I needed to brace - myself becoming rigid in defense. Structure, on the other hand, implies some purpose. Interesting. Thanks Fran
Over the years of engaging with a variety of social communities and their philosophies, I've triggered (silently I hope) at many beliefs that people throw out there. It surprises me when this happens. Why is this happening? Is there some innate belief deep inside that doesn't want to bend? Am I even aware of that little kernal of "truth" I so rigorously hold on to? Is the new idea so abhorrent that it unsettles my sense of being?
And the labels. Right! Left! Centrist! Up! Down! So-and-So vs. Whoseewhat. I need to take off the labels and carefully look at the idea and its merits. Then I'm able to relax and fit that new idea into my Rolodex of collected standards. Those standards are what hold me upright. Yet it's the analysis, the getting over that triggered hump of resistance that rigidity often creates, that will encourage me to be flexible. And maybe even a bit more sane in my reactions and relationships with people. We live in a pluralistic society in America. It's necessary to control the triggers in order to allow others to be what they are.
Wow, Sue, I'm glad I was able to help you think these things through.