05-21-2019, 06:19 PM
(05-21-2019, 11:54 AM)rva_jeremy Wrote: We are complex, confused entities. When we talk about one thing, we often do so to actually talk about something else, using one subject as a lens upon a deeper, perhaps less tractable conversation. Sometimes on this board dedicated to spiritual principles and growth, we talk about politics in order to illustrate spiritual dynamics. Other times, we talk about spirituality in order to illustrate political dynamics.
I don't think we can ever banish the mundane from this forum, nor would I seek to. I of all people understand that sometimes one needs to work things out in public before one can see one's reflection and finally zip up his fly. But I'd suggest that, when one finds oneself invoking spirituality to discuss politics, rather than using politics as a device to discuss spirituality, it's a wake up call that we've derailed what is important here.
Nothing wrong with disagreeing with one another, but we aren't here to agree on politics or weigh in on each others' political opinions. Perhaps it's a failure of my imagination -- it almost certainly is -- but I don't think there can be a true political debate on here that adheres to either the spirit or the letter of the purpose for which Bring4th was set up.
As somebody who cherishes political debate deeply, it pains me to see such discourse dribble out here when you can go just about anywhere else on the internet and find it. Meanwhile, where is the place the next seeker starting to awaken will find comfort, solace, guidance, a helping hand and a cheerful word to face another day of heavy illusion?
Just my two cents. L/L
To explore what Jeremy has said a little further:
I don't think you can separate political debate (or any subject matter) from spiritual growth. And I think, for some, and sometimes for everyone, there is no conscious awareness of any connection between the mundane and the spitiual, so things surface as a result of a mundane conversation. This way one gets to the connection and the possibility of growth through awareness.
I would like to add something I have mentioned before here. And that is the concept of politeness, which has gone out of popularity societally. Children were taught manners and how to be polite long ago, during the Victorian age for example.
Politeness can mitigate extreme conflict. Politeness doesn't have to repress. Practicing it can give one a moment to pause, and not succumb to impulsivity, which often causes regrets. Impulsivity can cause us to spew without rational thought or check.
So, instead of feeling as though one has to fit into an STO box of cheerful and loving discourse when one is triggered, it might help to just think of being polite. Just that.