Re: Death as the Advisor

Great question!!

For me, the difference between taking things personally vs seriously is that, in truth, my world *is* all about me … and I get to recognize that is the most likely the truth about everyone else in the world. Knowing this, what others do is *not* motivated from something I say or do, but rather their own agenda … it's not about me, it's about them (and vice versa).

On the other hand, what works in my world is to acknowledge that the World is my Mirror, and everything in it is a reflection for me to review and process. There are no accidents, and if I choose to recognize the reflections for what they are, it is a tool I can use to effect change. 

Does that make sense?
Ladee

Re: Death as the Advisor

I like it and makes sense… 

what about for you Mangoguava's? 

I'm enjoying discussions here and am hopeful they continue — if that's what's meant to be.

Re: Death as the Advisor

manqoquava,
     that's an interesting question, the difference between taking things personally and taking things seriously.
     Seems to me that one has nothing to do with the other.  I take everything very seriously.  The bottom line is that every act & every decision is a life & death decision.  That's serious.
I mean , it's not like we got 9 lives & we're on # 3 or 4, right?  This Is It!
     Just because life is not a joke or a game doesn't mean we have to take it personally.  I really DO believe that we live in an impersonal, predatorial universe.  When we learn how to contemplate the world from the place of no pity, perceiving that behind all situations which imply an energetic drain (and, for that matter an energetic replenishment)  there's an impersonal universe, we stop being just a knot of feelings & become fluid beings.  I would say that taking things personally means we haven't vanquished our self-importance.  (My screen-saver at the time is a marquee flashing across the screen:”Self-Importance kills!”)
     And we all know what the problem with compassion is, right?  It forces us to see the world through self-indulgence.  A Toltec without compassion is a person who has found his will at the center of indifference, and doesnt soothe himself by saying “poor me”. He's (or she, for that matter; this is the only time I'll say this: I'm a man, so I use the masculine gender when I have to use a gender) an individual who feels no pity for his weaknesses, and has learned to laugh at himself.
     As far as WHAT motivates us to change ANYTHING; Death is our challenger.  We are born to take that challenge, average men, toltecs & seekers.  Seekers & toltecs know about it, average men don't.
     Life is the process by means of which death challenges us.  Death is the active force.  Life is the arena.  And in that arena there are only two contenders at any time: oneself & death.  We are passive.  If we move, it's only because we feel the pressure of death.  Death sets the pace for our actions & feelings and pushes us relentlessly.
     And I can't count how many times my death has told me: “It's not important. I haven't touched you yet.  Outside of my touch, nothing really matters.” Indeed, the onle wise advisor I know.
     Hmm, this started out as a little ramble about seriousness & taking things personally, but somehow it all interweaves for me.  I think Don Juan was on target (was he ever off?) whenhe said that “Every bit of knowledge that becomes power has death as its central force.  Death lends the ultimate touch, and whatever is touched by death indeed becomes power.”
     I'd hate to come off as morbid, because I'm really not.  I love to laugh, so I “look” at the funny edges of the world and laugh & laugh, knowing that my intent is impeccable.
     tall pines & road signs,  Ruthless 

Re: Death as the Advisor

I would say that taking things personally means we haven't vanquished our self-importance.

This is a tricky concept in my world. You may have read elsewhere that one of my mantras is: “It's all about me.” Which isn't as “self-important” as it may sound. Years ago I heard a line that resonated strongly and has stuck with me … “We're all actors on a stage … the lead … and everyone else is a 'spear-carrier' (like an extra)” …… And how that's translated for me is that as far as the Universe is concerned, I walk alone amongst all the others who inhabit the planet. No one else can do or be for me. It's my job, and mine alone, to attain mastery, ascendence or sorcery or whatever you want to call advancing on a Path. There may be others who end up contributing, but it's my responsibility to grow.

So, self-importance, in this context, takes on a different meaning. I am the most important person in my omniverse … to me. As is everyone else in theirs.   

Your take? Anyone?

Re: Death as the Advisor

Ladee,
I couldn't agree more, yes, this journey called my life is “ALL ABOUT ME”.  I came in alone & I'll leave alone.  And how far I get in my quest is up to me (and the abstract).
     Okay, so I'm living in an extremely personal “omniverse” (I like that), but I still don't take things personally, as in being hurt or offended.  Well, sometimes I do.  But even when I do I can laugh at myself.  And make a change….  Peace, Ruthless