Month: September 2024

I am puzzled by the mindless way in which some people act and especially what they think. I am convinced that this is the consequence of not managing the critical role that the mind plays in all we think, and of course what we do. While culture has a huge influence on how we think, I ultimately have the ability to manage the role my mind works. I just have to decide to do it. What I think and what I do is managed by my exercise of volition.

If I don’t actively manage how my mind functions, my mind will behave like a reacting, yapping puppy who is not house-broken. Without my decision to manage my mind, it will take on a role influenced by random inputs and by my uncontrolled fears.

The mindless way in which some people act is a result of their volition. They have chosen not to manage their minds, and so they act in ways that are out of line with reality. I have to make a conscious choice to manage my mind’s perception of reality. Without engaging my volition, I will appear to be acting mindlessly. Actually, my mind will be functioning fine but without control.

I am in charge of my mind, and volition is available to me to use in order to control how I use my mind. If I act or think mindlessly, it is because my mind is out of control. And that is a choice that is mine to make,

I have two siblings, Ron and Mary Ann. They are six and twelve years younger than me. I have been aware for some time how different our view of life is, but it has always been possible for me to just let that be. I have been able to stand back and allow them to follow a life pattern that is different from mine in many ways. I have been able to simply reside in an awareness that we are not only fellow humans but also we are siblings. We share a common origin, common ancestors, and common living together for quite a few years.

Something has changed. I am aware that not only do we see things quite differently, but they are choosing to be part of an effort to make life difficult for people I love. I am especially aware that my two kids are significantly at risk. One of my kids is trans and the other is neurodivergent. I am aware of the strong movement to marginalize, even harm, people like them. My siblings are choosing to be part of that effort.

I have other people I love in my life who are equally being put at risk by this effort to harm those who are different. I have been thinking for days how my brother and sister are choosing to be part of that effort. It is not about politics. It is a matter of how our view of life is so different and where we put our effort. There are consequences. I am aware that my siblings are marching with the effort to harm my family, me and my friends.

Frankly, I am not sure what to do with this. I am finally looking more deeply into the gap of awareness and intention that exists between them and me. That gap has real consequences, and that is profoundly disturbing to me. Perhaps we will talk about this, not accusing them but sharing how disturbing this is for me. I think I want them to know that what they are choosing is affecting me personally because it affects those I love.

I can no longer ignore and work around the differences between my sibling and me. My siblings have consequences.