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| Author | Topic: Bravery |
| tao1776 |
posted 11/10/06 1:11 AM
From my earliest memory I have known anxiety. As a man, it has been well hid and it has been my secret shame. I feel that could easily be labeled a coward if one were to discover my hidden secret. Taoist meditation; Bravery 11/08/06 has me confused. Could we discuss this even more? http://tao1776.blogspot.com This Being Human... |
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lisbeth (Moderator) |
posted 11/10/06 1:37 AM
The confusion is perhaps that men are given such early messages and hear that bravery has everything to do with their "manhood." I don't agree, and neither does Ming-Dao. The confusion is expected, or this would not be the Tao! Anxiety is a way to slow us down and bring introspection into our lives. Meditation will help. I find it best to think about the events surrounding anxiety and then use the subtle "non action" of visualizing the stages of going through that incident with calm. Perhaps men are also not given the gift of introspection or visualization. Instead of thinking it as meditation, perhaps consider looking at relaxation and walking through those things that stress us, instead of walking around them or finding avoidance. There is nothing wrong with anxiety. Everyone in the world has it, I would assume that the dalai lama has experienced it as well. what is you diet? have you considered looking into acupuncture? I have found that weekly (more often if I can do it!) sessions with a kindred spirit who happens to be an excellent acupunturist has changed so much for me. I feel qi when I stop to listen. He tells me often, as we are working... "listen only for the qi" If you haven't experienced it, you might look into the use of Tai Chi (qi is said the same way as the word chi, is it the same?) and martial arts a great way to find balance. We have a few people in the group who are experienced martial artists, in fact that is what brought them to taoism. Perhaps we can hear from them. I will add the topic on tomorrows meditaiton. what especially has you confused about the idea of bravery in this passage? is it that the author equates daredevil with potential killer? I find that a great leap, but it is a leap of philosophy more than actual emotional understanding. Sometimes we have to seperate the emotional, spiritual, physical and psychological. The five element view may help you here as well. Check out a few more resources about that. And lets hear from others about this topic! Great to hear from you. I was very flattered that you added some of my work to your blog. My blog is more political, but I am adding a new one that is simply art and poetry. may we remain balanced in Tao lisbeth let go and let dao http://www.duckdaotsu.org/nov06/bravery.html main web site |
| Fragile_state |
posted 11/10/06 1:44 PM
Personally I think everyone experiences fear/anxiety, it is kind of a fact of life. Some people hide it or are more aware than others... As to the passage, to me, it refers to more to forcefuless than fear??? |
| tao1776 |
posted 11/10/06 11:12 PM
"He will justify his actions according to ideology, patriotism, religion, and principle." I know this aspect of bravery well; Pig-headed, testosterone filled and void of compassion except for those that share in the same level of self congratulating bravado. "Life is not simple, and it takes a great deal of time to master. Perhaps that is why the brave are youthful whole the wise are old." I suppose that when I say that I am confused by this post, I am referring more to my confusion and less to confusion produced by the post. I have had recent periods of in your face anxiety due to recent events. Normal anxiety would rate a 2 on a scale of 1 to 5. For someone who once suffered from agoraphobia, there is no normal. It's like a bad spigot that goes from "off" to "wide open". I have been left rather naked. No $$, No teacher, No close friend(s) of like mind or practice. When physically disabled 20 Yrs ago, I discovered my Qi and had accupuncture as well as Tai Chi training. I practiced the internal arts. I need to return to the source. When the spigot is on "full" I sometimes flutter about in reaction instead of being able to allow it to rise and pass. My post began in reaction. I am clearer now..LOL Thanks for your support http://tao1776.blogspot.com This Being Human... |
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