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What a surprise to discover that lack of emotional control is a bad thing.

by xchip 3y ago

eimrine 3y ago
What a surprise to discover that emotions are able to be controlled.
- NoZebra120vClip 3y ago
  When I began practicing Centering Prayer / Hesychasm, I was indeed surprised to learn that I could take control of my thoughts in a very real way, and thereby control my emotions as well. Since we spend all day, every day, immersed in our own thoughts, it is not easy to realize what types of thoughts are abnormal, or unwanted, or uncontrolled, until we start quantifying that and comparing them to other people's experiences. Myself, suffering C-PTSD and a lot of ruminating, recurring negative thoughts, of course they hold me back, and I do not want them. So contemplation is a good opportunity to take control of thoughts, or more precisely, to let go of that which is unwanted, to just let them float down the stream while I observe and direct. To center my thoughts on Christ and contemplate His essence, this is the core of existence. Once I complete a session, my emotions are calmed, anger is quelled, and I also find that the associated physiological symptoms are improved commensurately. My PCP, for example, pressured me so hard to go on statins, that I practiced some intensive Centering Prayer for a few months while eating organic, home-cooked meals. I monitored my blood pressure, and I was able to demonstrate concrete and dramatic improvement over a few months' time.
  - xchip 3y ago
    This looks like an advertisement.
robnado 3y ago
This raises the question of why passion and empathy are so in vogue these days.
- r4t4t4k 3y ago
  Not only that. The stoic values also seem to be under much scrutiny in the broader "toxic masculinity" narrative.
  - Sakos 3y ago
    I mean, we know why. It's been co-opted by toxic male communities and is being bastardized by people who twist it to justify them being assholes. It is interesting though that Stoicism has this problem but Buddhism doesn't, even though they have similar ideals and concepts.
    - deleted 3y ago
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    - deleted 3y ago
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    - ilrwbwrkhv 3y ago
      Because Buddhism is strongly non violent
      - whythre 3y ago
        That’s largely just the brand of Buddhism that’s gotten the most bandwidth in the west. Historically some variants were exceptionally violent. Feudal Japan had entire sects of Buddhist warrior-monks they accepted and even celebrated violence. A modern example of followers of Buddhism engaged in violent conflict is myanmar’s 969.
        ilrwbwrkhv 3y ago
        That is the exception not the norm though. Non violence is one of the strongest tenets of Buddhism. Bhikkhus, even if bandits were to sever you savagely limb by limb with a two-handled saw, he who gave rise to a mind of hate towards them would not be carrying out my teaching. — Kakacūpama Sutta, Majjhima-Nikāya 28 at MN i 128-29 So it is quite hard for the red pill movement to co opt Buddhism and thank goodness for that.

What a surprise to discover that lack of emotional control is a bad thing.

by xchip 3y ago

What a surprise to discover that lack of emotional control is a bad thing.

eimrine 3y ago

What a surprise to discover that emotions are able to be controlled.

NoZebra120vClip 3y ago
When I began practicing Centering Prayer / Hesychasm, I was indeed surprised to learn that I could take control of my thoughts in a very real way, and thereby control my emotions as well. Since we spend all day, every day, immersed in our own thoughts, it is not easy to realize what types of thoughts are abnormal, or unwanted, or uncontrolled, until we start quantifying that and comparing them to other people's experiences. Myself, suffering C-PTSD and a lot of ruminating, recurring negative thoughts, of course they hold me back, and I do not want them. So contemplation is a good opportunity to take control of thoughts, or more precisely, to let go of that which is unwanted, to just let them float down the stream while I observe and direct. To center my thoughts on Christ and contemplate His essence, this is the core of existence. Once I complete a session, my emotions are calmed, anger is quelled, and I also find that the associated physiological symptoms are improved commensurately. My PCP, for example, pressured me so hard to go on statins, that I practiced some intensive Centering Prayer for a few months while eating organic, home-cooked meals. I monitored my blood pressure, and I was able to demonstrate concrete and dramatic improvement over a few months' time.
- xchip 3y ago
  This looks like an advertisement.

robnado 3y ago

This raises the question of why passion and empathy are so in vogue these days.

r4t4t4k 3y ago
Not only that. The stoic values also seem to be under much scrutiny in the broader "toxic masculinity" narrative.
- Sakos 3y ago
  I mean, we know why. It's been co-opted by toxic male communities and is being bastardized by people who twist it to justify them being assholes. It is interesting though that Stoicism has this problem but Buddhism doesn't, even though they have similar ideals and concepts.
  - deleted 3y ago
    [deleted]
  - deleted 3y ago
    [deleted]
  - ilrwbwrkhv 3y ago
    Because Buddhism is strongly non violent
    - whythre 3y ago
      That’s largely just the brand of Buddhism that’s gotten the most bandwidth in the west. Historically some variants were exceptionally violent. Feudal Japan had entire sects of Buddhist warrior-monks they accepted and even celebrated violence. A modern example of followers of Buddhism engaged in violent conflict is myanmar’s 969.
      - ilrwbwrkhv 3y ago
        That is the exception not the norm though. Non violence is one of the strongest tenets of Buddhism. Bhikkhus, even if bandits were to sever you savagely limb by limb with a two-handled saw, he who gave rise to a mind of hate towards them would not be carrying out my teaching. — Kakacūpama Sutta, Majjhima-Nikāya 28 at MN i 128-29 So it is quite hard for the red pill movement to co opt Buddhism and thank goodness for that.