Ridding oneself of all possible distractions inevitably feels like being emptied of everything, simply because absolutely everything is a distraction. That is to say, everything that this world, its people, societies, and institutions have to offer is a distraction.
One might ask, “Distractions from what?”
The simple answer is this: whatever anyone feels compelled to pursue in life, that one, all-important, genuine, unavoidable and realistic undertaking, no matter what derailments or dead-ends draw the attention away.
Call it ‘passion’, ‘meaning’, ‘purpose’, or ‘conviction’. It matters not.
Distractions, however, ‘snowball’, gathering ever more distractions, which cannot help but lead to what I will call ‘distraction overload’. By this, I am not referring to ‘digital distraction’ or ‘information overload’.
Distraction overload, as I use the term, refers to an individual’s activities that take their attention away from their desired pursuit over time, whether digital or otherwise.
Some example distractions might include finding a place to live, buying a house to live in, staying in a ‘temporary job’ longer than intended, starting a new relationship, starting a family and any number of distractive pursuits, not to mention social pursuits and other distractions.
The primary pursuit of Truth and Introspection (the thing that drives me) is to share that which I have found to be unequivocally true. Whether anyone will agree with what I say is of no consequence to me.
I will not theorise and, therefore, whilst I may refer to certain theories, I will assume the reader’s or listener’s prior knowledge.
Therefore, if I refer to the so-called ‘fight or flight response’ or the concept known as ‘the human ego’, I will assume the reader knows what those terms mean.
The content created here is not intended for just anybody and everybody. It is only for those willing to engage with it, want to understand it, and, when necessary, are willing to ask questions about its deeper meaning to expand one's own natural (psychological and emotional) nurturance.
A warning must be included, however, that the ‘search for Truth’ (especially Inner Truth) is neither a ‘spiritual journey’ nor a ‘search for happiness’. One should expect to feel quite uncomfortable at times (to say the least).
The Truth, as already stated elsewhere (although often misquoted), may indeed ‘set you free’, but recognising Truth can turn one’s world upside-down.
However, one will find sooner rather than later that their world has been turned the right way up, wherein clarity of mind and true and lasting happiness are by-products.
This blog post expands on some of the content in this Facebook Page Update.
The three main categories:
1) Questions:
There can be no change, growth, or learning without inquiry. All inquiry begins with curiosity, and curiosity leads to questions.
In the so-called ‘pursuit of Truth’, the only closed question (yes or no answer) worth asking is, “Is this true?”
For example, if a person believes that all scientists are atheists, inquiring into the legitimacy of the belief may change their perspective and expand their understanding.
Quickly arriving at conclusions and ‘putting the matter to rest’ or forming a question based on an already formed opinion are sure signs that the question is insincere.
Only sincere, unbiased questions will lead to exploration.
2) Exploration:
Exploration based on sincere inquiry is always open-ended, even if a final conclusion seems to have been reached.
The sincere seeker of Truth (whether Ultimate Truth or the truth of a situation), will refrain from holding an opinion about any subject matter and will become aware (by the nature of inquiry) of the opposing or all alternative points of view.
Exploration is the continuation of inquiry, even while the subject matter is not the totality of the inquiry. Meaning that one might spend time inquiring into ‘difficult emotions’ whilst their true quest is ‘the search for Truth’. Such an inquiry may begin with a question such as, “Why do I feel insecure about the future of this relationship?”
It is important to be aware of the dangers of getting ‘stuck’ in a lesser line of enquiry, making it a diversion from the overall intended ‘quest’.
For example, rumination over past hurts can become an unintended distraction as one investigates their experiences of insecurity and feelings about uncertainty.
No exploration should be considered complete without allowing time for reflection.
Reflecting on the findings of one's inquiry (having gathered all available information about the subject matter), an individual may make many discoveries.
3) Discovery:
Whether ‘reflection’ should be a subject separate from ‘exploration’ or not, as might be suggested, the result of genuine exploration should be the discovery of a certain truth.
Not all Truth is equal.
The truth of a given situation, such as self-blame or blaming others (in a given situation), may be profound to some individuals, but it is by no means The Ultimate Truth.
The truth that will set an individual free from a given situation can only be arrived at when they are willing to place themselves in the centre of the frame.
Some discoveries can be hard to swallow, so to speak.
Not everyone is ready to receive the truth, and the results can be variously liberating or devastating, depending on the mental and emotional condition of those who hear it.
The Pursuit of Truth:
The pursuit of Truth is not a noble quest.
There is nothing right or wrong about it.
It is neither good nor bad.
It is not a search for happiness, and it does not solve problems.
The individual who is sincerely willing to discard all worthless pursuits in favour of Truth will, however, be (or will become) a resilient individual, able to both ride the waves of tumultuous storms and rest contentedly upon the surface of the most calm sea, metaphorically speaking, in full knowledge that neither state is permanent.
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