Ian Weinberg

7 years ago · 1 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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Transcending or transmuting emotions

Transcending or transmuting emotions

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I happened upon this article again and came to the realization that the comments are more important than the buzz. So again I share it with you but emphasize the need to read the comments of our profound fellow beBee's. Emotion after all is a core element of our being!

I recently had the pleasure of facilitating a weekend Buddhist Retreat. And while I am the ‘teacher’ I invariably get taught many things by the ‘students’ (Retreatants). This recent Retreat was especially stimulating owing to the sustained engagement of the group.

A discussion developed with two of the attendees relating to the question of emotions. And as we dialogued the subject we arrived at a unique conclusion which I wish to share.

Emotions are essentially physiological cues which prompt and guide us through the convoluted path of life. If we are stuck in limiting beliefs then we will experience the same sequence of emotions in response to similar circumstances. Much of our emotions reflect the hunger for reward and gratification and the fear of losing it. If on the other hand we respond to the emotional prompts with reflection and reasoning, we achieve clarity. This evolving clarity and associated awareness of ourselves and the environment at large incorporates a comprehensive integration of people, life situations and all the other elements which comprise the extended environment. It also necessarily incorporates an appreciation of the life cycle of all things together with logical philosophies relevant to the dynamic. The hunger for reward and gratification as well as the fear of loss is subsequently diminished as we embrace a greater context.

There comes a time therefore when clarity of understanding no longer requires or in fact, triggers emotional activity. The mind state associated with this level of integration is one of deep understanding of the nature of things with a non-judgmental sensitivity to elements of the extended environment. Allied to this is an acceptance of the way of things. In this way we complete the self-actualization process by transcending emotion.

(See also the preceding article which leads into this discussion: https://www.bebee.com/producer/@ian-weinberg/buzzing-with-emotion )

                                                      Copyright reserved – Ian Weinberg 2017


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#environment #emotion #clarity #thing #Buddhist Retreat
Comments

Ian Weinberg

7 years ago #9

#13
Greetings again Harvey Lloyd Thanks again for kick-starting my pre-frontal cortex! I would respond thus: Firstly we need to define what 'truth' is. For me there are 2 truths - the way of all things ie the 'operating system' that drives the entire process and secondly, the content of reality. My personal opinion - the'operating system' is a constant while the substrate is ever-changing. Our truths are our subjective realities and the more we explore them and apply them to our environment (and other persons forming part of our environment), the more understanding and awareness we develop ie the more authentic they become. Engaging with others and seeing ourselves in them (in terms of processing and behavior) is an important contributor to our own expanding awareness. Call it 'expanding consciousness'. Finally, in answer to your point whether there are unchanging landmarks, the only real constants are our births and our deaths. Between that time all we have are our senses and our sense of logical reasoning and hopefully the pooling of reasoning from others, to establish consensus. In conclusion I'd throw one more thought into the pot - if there indeed be a universal consciousness/truth, then each individual consciousness would be a hologram of the whole. By definition therefore, studying each hologram should shed light on the universal whole. (Hope that doesn't spoil the broth!).

Harvey Lloyd

7 years ago #8

Thanks for the re-post and the comments are very illuminating, Ian Weinberg. My thoughts more recently have been challenged by the post modern thinking. Realizing that truth, in this new era (Described here as the need for action and what is the best way to move forward.) is within us and is self activated through our experiences and engagement, is somewhat challenging. I agree that self awareness of our emotions and how we face the trials and tribulations that are a part of life are a key first step. My question though is always the same, if truth is strictly within us then what is the purpose of going through the self awareness process? We seek reflection from our peers and community and if each is living their own self-aware truth then how can they reflect within my truth? Understanding emotions is drawing a map of our own universe, and ultimately, the map is made for navigation through a universe where others exist. We need unchanging landmarks to help guide us. Self awareness alone will not provide these. Emotions can not be measured against themselves. They need that immovable object in which to compare. Thought provoking and challenging.

Ian Weinberg

7 years ago #7

#10
Thanks for that insightful review and the kind words.

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #6

#5
Your clarification/expansion is much appreciated Ian Weinberg. It helps me see your perspective in a different light. I also appreciate the distinction between acceptance and resignation. There definitely is a difference.

🐝 Fatima G. Williams

7 years ago #5

#3
"When we live in our own little bubble of selfish considerations, we are paragons of reactive emotions, outburst-prone, and always feeling wrong-footed by the world. When we have a purpose, a belonging to a grander scheme, 'an acceptance of the way of things' as you so eloquently put it, we can take calm, centered action on any sort of emotion that arises." Deb this bubble of selfish consideration. How is it formed. Do past emotions give rise to this bubble ? I think acceptance never happens ! Should we call it acknowledgment instead. We may take the calm , centered action on a particular emotion but have never accepted things or emotions as yes it's the way to be. I'm left with alot of questions. Clarity, awareness, mindfulness and to exform regularly I believe will be the best way to transcend emotions. But it's a tedious task at hand. Great comments and a thought-provoking buzz Ian Weinberg

Ian Weinberg

7 years ago #4

#4
Interesting point that you raise Sara Jacobovici - Perhaps my view is a reflection of the cycles of life through which we pass. In my personal situation I've arrived at a point which concludes a period of intensive engagement and development in a neuropsychological space. And one of my observations has been the intransigence of many to change and evolve added to which is an appreciation of the influences of a greater dynamic (in time and space) upon the individual. And so I arrive at a place of 'acceptance' of things as they are (not the same as 'resignation'). Engagement therefore continues and appropriate value contributions are made, but in the context of the understanding of the way of things at a macro-level.

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #3

Thanks for bringing this post to my attention Ian Weinberg, it holds all the elements which are close to my heart, starting with your opening description of how you, as a teacher, learn from your students; the mark of a great teacher. I agree with the discussion. It all "makes sense". The point I would diverge a little bit away from is your closing statement: "Allied to this is an acceptance of the way of things. In this way we complete the self-actualization process by transcending emotion." I have a hard time with the concept of "acceptance". I find it too passive. Especially in such a dynamic process of developing awareness that leads to self-actualization, I find that it contradicts our need to be active participants. I prefer "allow". If we allow, we acknowledge awareness and choice, are are actively involved in letting what is to be and letting what is not, not to be. What I would consider an important ally to the process of self-actualization is grieving. Fear of loss is a "pre-state", it influences how we experience things. Grieving is a "post state", it influences how we move through (or not) our experiences. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this discussion.

Ian Weinberg

7 years ago #2

Deb \ud83d\udc1d Helfrich

Ian Weinberg

7 years ago #1

Sara Jacobovici your thoughts?

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