
How to achieve Well Being
This weekend’s articles will cover the idea of becoming a clear-minded and healthy human being. I write from personal perspectives. The views are my own and should not be considered as definitive. The reader may dismiss the thoughts out of hand or embellish one idea or more. This is a personal choice, and it is suggested this article is read with an open-minded attitude.
Openminded Attitude
I have studied the process of critical thinking for over eight years. The word critical has two meanings 1) To criticise or find fault. 2) To analyse or evaluate. It should be made clear that my studies are focussed on the process of evaluative thought. Many people believe they have an open-minded attitude when in fact their actions demonstrate their inherent weakness of bias and discrimination. For example, John acts in a way which is against William’s beliefs. William is not directly affected by the actions or choices, he does not like them, and therefore he demeans John’s actions.
A critical thinker watches the situation and looks at the two people. He will delve deeply into their history and circumstances. Before long he can evaluate their relative opinions. Now the trick is this; the critical thinker is impervious to either John or William’s view. He accepts the world thrives on different ideas, beliefs and attitudes. The critical thinker also knows it is futile to attempt to change or persuade them in differing directions. The critical thinker can, of course, demonstrate his ideas and accepts without reservations only a few people may be interested.
We are not as important as we believe ourselves to be and this is a complicated truth many find difficult to grasp. From my perspective, there is little interest in those who do not help themselves. There is no concern for gripers, or moaners because they seem to have a problem of acceptance. The people or situations they moan about are very often successful or beneficial to other people. So, William complains to all who will listen to his opinion of John’s actions. And truth to tell, John’s esteem and reputation are lowered because people see him as a child.
To encourage an open-minded attitude which is developed in the fertile ground of critical thought is the first stage of my quest for wellbeing. Clarity of thought is a well-focused lens which allows us to have an unbiased approach to all encountered. For examples: I haven’t the slightest concern for anyone who criticises’s my work. It is their right to their opinion, and I accept we all have different viewpoints. With the same line of thought, there is zero concern for those who dislike me: because their loathing indicates my control over them. Control? Yes, if my words or actions drive someone to dislike me, I must control them, I control their thoughts. This is why I dislike no one, no one at all. If someone attempts to damage me, I talk about their words and discuss their actions. This is a powerful and efficient way of controlling anyone who wishes to ruin my reputation.
Conscience and Material Security
The reader is given an insight into why my inner judge never troubles me. Inner Judge? The ‘Inner Judge’ is also known as conscience and it reminds us of what is right and wrong. Clear and precise thought, fair and reasonable attitude, honesty and integrity. These are the words which are the warp and weft of the fabric of truth. I think about the actions and interactions of each day. I ask before the daily journal is written a simple question ‘How could I have made my journey easier?’ The ability to think with clarity is the first of the cornerstones which supports my wellbeing.
The second is material security. For me the way to is simple to explain ‘live within my means’. There is no need to impress anyone or prove we have great riches. Wealth is nothing unless it is believed to be an indication of greatness. Big house, small house, who cares? If it isn’t your property then so what? Big car or heap of junk: who cares? If they are not yours then so what?
Should we become entrenched in the values of other people? A diamond is a piece of carbon which when cut sparkles. An excellent wine is of no use if you are dehydrated. A wardrobe of Chanel clothes cannot feed the bankrupt. The Picasso paints on canvas nothing more. I see beauty in a small quartz point, enjoy cold spring water, wear old jeans, and Alice’s painting of a robot is priceless. The more we realise wealth is the simplest of gifts, the less burdened we become of the idea that wealth in some way signifies achievement.
The way of all humans is to be influenced by temptation. The Porsche motorcar, fast motorcycle, Leica camera, these were my desires. Today they are passing acknowledgements of foolishness, indications of closed-minded thinking. Unless you are super rich and can purchase outright buying any luxury on credit is a dangerous game. The downfall of many people is the need to attain recognition through acquisition. A mind which uses critical thinking is never stifled by this restriction.
An ability to live within one’s means is a hard-fought life choice. We have to be strong enough to overcome the traps of institutions, society and establishment. Each has designs which can make false impressions in one’s mind. We need to think carefully about the way outside influence effect each day of our lives. Many have no respect for the money they earn, and the establishment’s and business need to relinquish the fool of his money. Take the idea of bottled water: The cost of a bottle of water is a pound, buy one bottle each day, and in a year you have spent 365 pounds. It all adds up to colossal amounts of money. Those who are without debt live can live a more comfortable existence this is a simple fact accepted by millions of humans
In conclusion, the first two considerations of well being are intellectual and material. The two ideas blend and benefit their respective purpose. The clear thinking human can overwhelm any hurdle. The materially secure individual has fewer, far fewer problems which are the source of worry and anxiety. Many people seek a cure for the malady when they would fair better if they understood the reason for the problem.
Part Two Tomorrow
Resonates for me at a very deep level at this very moment, I am currently seeking clarity of thought, thank you for giving me food for thought.
Thanks, Rick – We are running many articles like this right up until mid-December. Why not write a few hundred words about anything our readers may find thought-provoking? Ian