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Life, Pain, Sorrow, and Joy

A Personal Perspective

BY: T. Franklin Murphy | May 2018
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No Dogma, No Perfection, Just Thoughts
Flourishing Life Society isn't designed to show "the way." Life is complex and we are unique. We take different paths. Articles are designed to expand perspectives and widen views.
We are in the process of becoming—including me. I have no special claim to truth. I don’t desire unquestioned followers. No dogmas, no rigidness. No proclamations of the way things are. I hope my thoughts are helpful. My understanding of life, pain, sorrow, and joys constantly evolve. Perhaps, some of my thoughts are based on truth; while others are shots in the confusing dark, taking a stab at the complexity of unknowns. How do we recognize the truth? Truth isn’t easily detected, appearing no different than many unproven theories. Scientific studies help, but they’re not absolute. A truth believed feels no different from a falsehood believed.
#life #complexity #philosophy #flourishinglife
When new insight conflicts with a currently held belief, it’s unsettling. Letting go of a belief is painful, many explanations often stem from foundational beliefs. Re-structuring a foundation requires reordering life that was formed around the past belief that has now been disproved. We might even feel shamed for our previous faulty pronouncements. The pushes not to change are many, so, we continue in denial, ignoring evidence and clinging to falsehoods.
When a new concept illuminates a personal weakness, we are prone to reject it—especially when we are deeply invested. Personal security creates security, giving order to our world—not the instability of unpredictable chaos. Our beliefs give reason to events. When a belief that created order to our existence crumbles, so does the security built upon those explanations.
"When a new concept illuminates a personal weakness, we are prone to reject it—especially when we are deeply invested."
The purpose of flourishing life society is not to assuage my ego, although comments are much appreciated. We all need encouragement; but that is not my purpose. Articles are not to appease beliefs but to stimulate thought. This is accomplished by occasionally challenging widely accepted philosophy. This may cause momentary discomfort. I hope, on occasion an article does—not to deflate the ego, but to encourage thoughtful examination. If everything written is unquestionable accepted by all readers, then the ideas are void of valuable content. Experiencing discomfort from a challenging thought should spur deeper thought; not immediate rejection. So please, if you disagree, see the post as opportunity to reflect, examining contrary beliefs, and challenging stagnant patterns.
 
I allow opposing comments to be expressed when they are expressed with courtesy and kindness. Angry attacks destroy thoughtful exchanges. Instead of feeling edified, we feel shame, anger or sorrow. We pine over a harsh written exchange for hours. The harsh words intrude on peace. This is not the goal of FLS.
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FLS link. Mindfulness and calming the mind; Thoughts can pull us from the present and land us in a world of worry and regret. Through a developed practice of mindfulness, we can better sooth our agitated mind and re-discover peace.
FLS Link. Fredrickson's Broaden and Build: Positive emotions promote growth by encouraging approach and observation.
Achieving the most from the wisdom of emotions requires purposeful effort to integrate emotions into our larger concepts of self.
Experience burns into the networks of the brain, creating a map to quickly assess new experience
FLS Link. Self-forgiveness: Genuine self-forgiveness is a process of accepting responsibility, working through the emotions, repairing damage, and recommitting to values.
FLS Link: Hope Theory: Motivation to Succeed. Hope is more than an optimistic reliance on unseen forces. Hope, according to Hope Theory, is a combination of three elements: realistic goals, energetic determination, and intelligent pursuit.
Internal Link. Accepting Life on Its Terms: We stress over the hardships; but life is what is. It always will have troublesome moments. Happiness comes and goes; just as sorrows. Once we accept these inevitable truths, the impact of troubles diminishes.
External Links:
External Link: Why Even Optimists Should Embrace Their Pessimistic Side
External Link: Rethinking Discipline
External Link: The strongest predictor of men’s well-being isn’t family or health
External Link: Summertime sadness? How your gut can help boost your mood
External Link: The Beginner’s Guide to Being Present
Environments dictate the success and failure of life. We flourish when environments are accommodating. But humans can transcend this, achieving more than the world would otherwise dictate.
Wellness on the Web
External Link: A Lazy Person's Guide to Happiness
External Link: Should we worry about screen time?
External Link: Dealing with stress in a resilient way
External Link: Five easy steps to forming healthy, sustainable habits
External Link: Five Daily Habits To Unleash Your Creativity In 2020
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