Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

[Eckhart Aurelius Hughes]

Consider the analogy of (1) a blank canvas versus (2) a color-in-the-lines color-by-the-numbers coloring book.

From there, I think you can understand true free-spirited creativity.

Do you see how misery-inducing words like 'must' and 'should' create an illusion of anxious slavery. It is to imagine lines on the otherwise blank canvas, limiting you and making you anxious. It's to imagine a judgemental teacher is watching you, as if life is just a scary test, as if the right answer/painting was already there and done by someone else and you are supposed to just copy their creation but you can't quite copy it right, and the teacher's there watching you grading you down each time you imperfectly copy the predetermined right answer made by someone else. There's right answer but you're getting it wrong. It's supposed to be one way; it should be one way; but it's not and it's your fault. Even in your own head or in the mirror, you say to yourself, "I'm bad. It's bad. It's all gone wrong."

My book talks a lot about spiritual freedom. Do you see the connection between spiritual liberation (a.k.a. self-discipline) and happiness, meaning the true unwavering happiness that is inner peace?

It's not all wrong. It's alright. It's very very alright.

I'm not just saying it's going to be alright. I'm saying it is.

We can't fail to find the right path. We can't fail to find the right path because there is only one path. There is nothing to incorrectly copy. There is only the path we take, and that is the right one because we take it. Reality is right. It's truly all right.

There's no teacher. There's no lines on the page. It's just the blank canvas, the wonderful sandbox of life.

Freedom. Consciousness. Choice.




With love,
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
a.k.a. Scott

9~3.png (545.08 KiB) Viewed 4333 times

[Kajori Sheryl Paul]

True, there is only one path, and everything is fated to be. There is nothing wrong. Thank you for making me understand this!

[Chinazo Anozie]

Self-judgment can be very limiting when overdone. It's important to realize the need to accept things you can't change and not be limited by self-imposed can'ts, shoulds, and oughts.

[Jarkline Ouma]

Acknowledge that it's acceptable not to have everything perfectly planned or achieved. Embracing the uncertainty and imperfections can lead to a more relaxed and fulfilling experience. Remember, life is a series of moments, and it's alright to navigate through them at your own pace.

[Ajain12]

Release the grip of shoulds, oughts, and musts, and ease into acceptance. It's not all about striving and pushing. Sometimes, it's perfectly fine to just be. Embrace the imperfections and uncertainties of life. It's okay to let things unfold naturally without forcing them. Embracing this mindset can bring a deep sense of peace and contentment. Allow yourself to find solace in the present moment, knowing that everything is alright.

[Eromosele Success]

Consider the analogy of (1) a blank canvas versus (2) a color-in-the-lines color-by-the-numbers coloring book.

From there, I think you can understand true free-spirited creativity.

Do you see how misery-inducing words like 'must' and 'should' create an illusion of anxious slavery. It is to imagine lines on the otherwise blank canvas, limiting you and making you anxious. It's to imagine a judgemental teacher is watching you, as if life is just a scary test, as if the right answer/painting was already there and done by someone else and you are supposed to just copy their creation but you can't quite copy it right, and the teacher's there watching you grading you down each time you imperfectly copy the predetermined right answer made by someone else. There's right answer but you're getting it wrong. It's supposed to be one way; it should be one way; but it's not and it's your fault. Even in your own head or in the mirror, you say to yourself, "I'm bad. It's bad. It's all gone wrong."

My book talks a lot about spiritual freedom. Do you see the connection between spiritual liberation (a.k.a. self-discipline) and happiness, meaning the true unwavering happiness that is inner peace?

It's not all wrong. It's alright. It's very very alright.

I'm not just saying it's going to be alright. I'm saying it is.

We can't fail to find the right path. We can't fail to find the right path because there is only one path. There is nothing to incorrectly copy. There is only the path we take, and that is the right one because we take it. Reality is right. It's truly all right.

There's no teacher. There's no lines on the page. It's just the blank canvas, the wonderful sandbox of life.

Freedom. Consciousness. Choice.




With love,
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
a.k.a. Scott



9~3.png

Well said, Scott. I have a question though, what first opened your eyes to the essence of these words, must and should, that you found them to be as unimportant?

[Sushan]

We frequently find ourselves stuck in this strict framework that ultimately limits us, as your comparison of the color-by-numbers method and the blank canvas well illustrates. It can be quite stressful to think that there is some unattainable standard that we must meet; it can make us feel as though we are continuously failing this "test" called life.

Doing things "right" according to an external design is not as important in life as accepting the route we are on and believing that it is the one we are destined to follow. Letting go of those conceptual limitations and just accepting who we are leads to true freedom and happiness.