| Diary of a Neurotic | ||||||
|
March 12, 2004 My friend recently got admission in a local art school…where I wanted to go…actually I wanted to go any where except a business school. In a small way she’s living out my dream and I show my gratitude by writing articles and essays for her regularly. After I wrote this one on Apathy I realized what a big hypocrite I am…You judge… “The greatest discovery of my generation (about 1900) is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” -William James Apathy is indifference, state of having no wish to act or no enthusiasm. Hopelessness prevails when there is loss of control, problems seem unsolvable and avoidance of responsibility for personal actions. These attitudes of apathy and hopelessness are obviously one of the effects of the alienation our society creates, but within themselves, they also recreate the social alienation. Apathy is the feeling or emotional aspect of an attitude. There is a very strong relationship between attitudes and behavior, the stronger the conviction the more likely is the probability the behavior will be exhibited. What we learn through our experiences is mirrored in our behavior, so it is not random nor can it be looked in isolation. Luckily, our attitudes are not as dogmatic as our values and if we can understand the attitudes behind standard behavior, we can analyze the present actions and intervene to change the whole approach towards apathy. However, understanding our actions would mean going down the well-buried memory lane, digging up old ghosts and accepting responsibility for our actions. We shy away from confrontations, seeking closure and instead shift the blame to anyone but us. It is a very easy path to take and relieve your-self from the pestering conscience but not entirely free of consequences. One of the many reasons why apathy is so deep rooted in our psychological system is the belief that we are pawns of fate and in the big scheme of things whatever happens to us is a small move completely out of our control. Such convictions leave very little room for motivation to take fate by the horns and direct its course according to our wishes. No relationship is more important than the relationship we have with ourselves because at the end of the day we have to rationalize our actions and live with them day in and day out. On this basis, I suggest renewing a strong and honest relationship with ourselves to take charge of life. We need to see our-self from different angles and in different settings and the more honest we are about our feelings - the more meaning we will see in the world around us. Realize that there are always alternatives in every situation and the freedom of choice is ours. Behave responsibly and altruistically. I cannot emphasize the importance of positive thinking enough because having a hopeless view contributes to depression. Only hope and expecting positive outcomes buffer you from the ravages of psychological distress and lead to better mental and physical health. Healthy optimism is not about being blind; it entails facing reality, expecting bad times, and becoming a problem-solver. There will be a time when you have to force yourself to seek ways to renew spirit, energy, and devotion and that is when you challenge negative and irrational thoughts. Power of imagination and fantasy can be used to rehearse for future challenges and above all accept what cannot be changed. However, all of the above will hold true if the plane of consciousness is strong and pressing enough to force you to change your actions, decisions and behavior. (1:58 AM) ~`~
Comments:
Post a Comment
|
|
|||||
