Correlations |Flexibility for the Unknown

BY: T. Franklin Murphy  | November 2016 (edited 2018)

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Life is complicated, without pure guidelines to follow. We get lost with inflexible dogma instead of flexible openness to the complexity.

Human behavior is best understood through correlations; not exact equations. Very seldom does the simplicity of algebraic rules such as behavior (A) equals consequence (B) apply without fail to complex lives. The equation more often resembles: behavior (A) tends to lead to (B) as long as (C), (D), or (E) are not present; even this is a gross simplification of our complicated existence.  Simplified truths can’t express in a few lines, chapters or even volumes the dynamic function of living.
 
With almost every clarifying correlation between an action and consequence come countless exceptions that deviate from the rule; but exceptions don’t invalidate a rule—exceptions simply remind of complexity, encouraging further skeptical evaluations, warning us of the dangers of inflexible dogma.

I encourage self-empowerment. There’s a tangible correlation between people believing they have power to direct their lives and their enjoyment of life. However, the correlation doesn’t suggest complete control. We are responsible within notable limitations. Many happenings are the consequence of wise or foolish choices; but many other events occur because of outside factors—we may be innocent victims. We often collide with destructive and life-changing moments that are not of our choosing.
 
Self-empowerment isn’t an omnificent power to direct the universe. The universe follows its own rules—not ours. A self-autonomous has limited power. They direct their action in response to the unpredictable and often annoying circumstances of life. The opinion, whether consciously chosen or not, that we direct the world, sitting on a perch of superiority is egotistical and demeaning, dismissing the importance of others; but many of us do it. We judge others solely on how their action impacts our existence.

Self-empowerment, while doesn’t control the universe, does constructively and purposefully respond to the world. In the unpredictableness, we find strength if character to adjust and adapt, utilizing what is given as the material to build our kingdom.
 
If we believe we have a choice or believe we have no choice, our subjective experience supports that belief. Those that believe they have no choice thoughtlessly suffer to the vicissitudes of life, blown to and from with the direction the wind. However, when we courageously believe we have choice, we engage experiences with flexibility, adjusting plans with creative thought, utilizing experience to catapult us towards desired destinations. We become the captain of our ship and the authors of our destiny. We may not choose the direction or force of the wind, but we skillfully and smoothly adjust the sails, capture life’s energy, and move in the direction of our dreams.

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Tags: Adapting, Human Growth