From Synchronicity - Carl Jung:
Albertus Magnus:
"I discovered an instructive account [of magic] in Avicenna's Liber sextus naturalium, which says that a certain power to alter things indwells in the human soul and subordinates the other things to her, particularly when she is swept into a great excess of love or hate or the like.
When therefore the soul of a man falls into a great excess of any passion, it can be proved by experiment that it [the excess] binds things [magically] and alters them in the way it wants, and for a long time I did not believe it, but after I had read the nigromantic books and others of the kind on signs and magic, I found that the emotionality of the human soul is the chief cause of all these things, whether because, on account of her great emotion, she alters her bodily substance and the other things towards which she strives, or because, on account of their dignity, the other, lower things are subject to her, or because the appropriate hour or astrological situation or another power coincides with so inordinate an emotion, and we [in consequence] believe that what this power does is then done by the soul....
Whoever would learn the secret of doing and undoing these things must know that everyone can influence everything magically if he falls into a great excess...and he must do it at that hour when the excess befalls him, and operate with the things which the soul prescribes. For the soul is then so desirous of the matter she would accomplish that of her own accord she seizes on the more significant and better astrological hour which also rules over the things suited to that matter....
Thus it is the soul who desires a thing more intensely, who makes things more effective and more like what comes forth....Such is the manner of production with everything the soul intensely desires. Everything she does with that aim in view possesses motive power and efficacy for what the soul desires."
Showing posts with label self discipline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self discipline. Show all posts
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Evolve Yourself
"Everything in life must be intentional, and the will constantly taught like a muscle." - Andre Gide
All life obeys a form of evolution. I use the term in the most liberal sense. To evolve involves a process of change towards fitness. Two broad points channel this process and act like feedback mechanisms. Extinction and creation are the two continuous end results of evolution. Although, there are no end results per se, we can agree that stable moments occur along this process of evolution.
Apparently, one of the best ways to achieve a "fit" species is to keep what works and eliminate what doesn't. This simple yet powerful principle is at work constantly in our own brains. Through a process called "parcellation" our neurons eliminate unused parts and further reinforce those neurons most in use, a process of consolidation. Basically it submits atrophied neurons to extinction and creates enhanced support for the active ones.
When we think about this process of extinction and creation most of us can see the benefits; and whether we like it or not it is the very process that has been built into us. It works. If it works so well, than does it not then follow that we should apply this principle to every aspect of our conscious lives?
When we apply this to a habit what happen? Well lets say we have a habit of unhealthy eating. Now if we submit this habit to extinction and create a new habit of healthy eating what is the result?...Exactly. Where we err sometimes, is that we consciously address what needs to happen, and what we want, but we are weak at elimination and extinction of that which holds us back. We like to carry old baggage around. Unsuccessful old baggage can include emotions, identities, thoughts, beliefs, actions, concepts...etc.
I decree we should be as bold as nature. Courage supposes that we have inherent power overcome limitations. Courage is executed by extinction and creation. By extinction of unsuccessful, inefficient processes, and creation of successful, and fit processes. We must continually scan ourselves for inefficient process and boldly cut binding ropes of inefficiency.
All life obeys a form of evolution. I use the term in the most liberal sense. To evolve involves a process of change towards fitness. Two broad points channel this process and act like feedback mechanisms. Extinction and creation are the two continuous end results of evolution. Although, there are no end results per se, we can agree that stable moments occur along this process of evolution.
Apparently, one of the best ways to achieve a "fit" species is to keep what works and eliminate what doesn't. This simple yet powerful principle is at work constantly in our own brains. Through a process called "parcellation" our neurons eliminate unused parts and further reinforce those neurons most in use, a process of consolidation. Basically it submits atrophied neurons to extinction and creates enhanced support for the active ones.
When we think about this process of extinction and creation most of us can see the benefits; and whether we like it or not it is the very process that has been built into us. It works. If it works so well, than does it not then follow that we should apply this principle to every aspect of our conscious lives?
When we apply this to a habit what happen? Well lets say we have a habit of unhealthy eating. Now if we submit this habit to extinction and create a new habit of healthy eating what is the result?...Exactly. Where we err sometimes, is that we consciously address what needs to happen, and what we want, but we are weak at elimination and extinction of that which holds us back. We like to carry old baggage around. Unsuccessful old baggage can include emotions, identities, thoughts, beliefs, actions, concepts...etc.
I decree we should be as bold as nature. Courage supposes that we have inherent power overcome limitations. Courage is executed by extinction and creation. By extinction of unsuccessful, inefficient processes, and creation of successful, and fit processes. We must continually scan ourselves for inefficient process and boldly cut binding ropes of inefficiency.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Reality Check - Lets be Honest
"If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed." - Chinese Proverb
To get to where you want to go start where you're at. So where are you? Or, maybe a better question is what are you? The first step in any achievement at any level is to properly and accurately assess the current "state" of things. Individuals, businesses, and even governments are good at making generalized inaccurate assessments. Most of us can relate to this fact. It is very challenging to look at a part of us that holding us back, that is destroying our progress, or that is sabotaging our well-being. We like to use an elementary logic to justify or embellish areas of ourselves that we would like to change.
Businesses are similar to people in that regard. Many business managers and executives justify, excuse, or embellish results out of fear of exposing a weak point, or lack of efficacy in a certain department. Which leads us to the "choke-point" of the being honest theme. The fear of being exposed, and what it could mean.
There is a fear which overtakes some of us when we are forced to look at a limiting factor that could be in conflict with our identity. The interesting thing is that acknowledgment of a weakness or constraint does several wonderful things for us including the following:
- it allows us to search for precise solutions
- it conveys maturity to others (only capable and confident people will face a fear or limit and seek to overcome it)
- it opens opportunity to investigate how solving the problem/weakness will open doors of opportunity - thus indirectly feeding a compelling vision to see the solution through with optimism and expectation.
The danger of not properly assessing our current state are the following:
- we are thrown farther off track from our goals
- we become indecisive because of lack of accurate data
- we lack genuine confidence in our undertakings
- we lower our expectations, and stifle our most intimate desires
So how can we properly assess our state, and create a plan to fix what is wrong and strengthen what is right, and raise our vision? Several suggestions:
- What are your current results telling you? - results are accurate data, when properly interpreted.
- Feedback ( what do others tell me?) - seek input from others, both from your industry and outside of it to give the most compete info. possible.
- Actions (What actions do I habitually take? - actions are based on beliefs and give you insight as to what you really think of yourself and your business)
- Preparation (What am I preparing for? - complements beliefs: when something is wholeheartedly believed to occur in the near future, preparation happens.
- Comparison (How do I compare with others?) The best way to compare is not by guessing, but by probing, asking, and conversing with others to properly gauge our level of efficacy (we does this unconsciously anyway)- Even better is reading about others - biographies & autobiographies.
Fear not what might be exposed, but the consequences of not improving what should be exposed. The ultimate sign of maturity and competence is to observe with detachment. To allow your mind to analyze and execute a solution without being hemmed up by emotional flux.
Angel Armendariz
To get to where you want to go start where you're at. So where are you? Or, maybe a better question is what are you? The first step in any achievement at any level is to properly and accurately assess the current "state" of things. Individuals, businesses, and even governments are good at making generalized inaccurate assessments. Most of us can relate to this fact. It is very challenging to look at a part of us that holding us back, that is destroying our progress, or that is sabotaging our well-being. We like to use an elementary logic to justify or embellish areas of ourselves that we would like to change.
Businesses are similar to people in that regard. Many business managers and executives justify, excuse, or embellish results out of fear of exposing a weak point, or lack of efficacy in a certain department. Which leads us to the "choke-point" of the being honest theme. The fear of being exposed, and what it could mean.
There is a fear which overtakes some of us when we are forced to look at a limiting factor that could be in conflict with our identity. The interesting thing is that acknowledgment of a weakness or constraint does several wonderful things for us including the following:
- it allows us to search for precise solutions
- it conveys maturity to others (only capable and confident people will face a fear or limit and seek to overcome it)
- it opens opportunity to investigate how solving the problem/weakness will open doors of opportunity - thus indirectly feeding a compelling vision to see the solution through with optimism and expectation.
The danger of not properly assessing our current state are the following:
- we are thrown farther off track from our goals
- we become indecisive because of lack of accurate data
- we lack genuine confidence in our undertakings
- we lower our expectations, and stifle our most intimate desires
So how can we properly assess our state, and create a plan to fix what is wrong and strengthen what is right, and raise our vision? Several suggestions:
- What are your current results telling you? - results are accurate data, when properly interpreted.
- Feedback ( what do others tell me?) - seek input from others, both from your industry and outside of it to give the most compete info. possible.
- Actions (What actions do I habitually take? - actions are based on beliefs and give you insight as to what you really think of yourself and your business)
- Preparation (What am I preparing for? - complements beliefs: when something is wholeheartedly believed to occur in the near future, preparation happens.
- Comparison (How do I compare with others?) The best way to compare is not by guessing, but by probing, asking, and conversing with others to properly gauge our level of efficacy (we does this unconsciously anyway)- Even better is reading about others - biographies & autobiographies.
Fear not what might be exposed, but the consequences of not improving what should be exposed. The ultimate sign of maturity and competence is to observe with detachment. To allow your mind to analyze and execute a solution without being hemmed up by emotional flux.
Angel Armendariz
Thursday, June 5, 2008
How To Be Better Than Yesterday
"He only is a well-made man who has a good determination. And the end of culture is not to destroy this, God forbid! but to train away all impediment and mixture and leave nothing but pure power." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you believe it's possible to be 1% better today than you were yesterday? Think about it. What would it mean to be 1% better? You might say sure, of course! Or you might believe its not possible. Suspend judgment for now, simply consider the possibility and what it would mean.
To be better by 1% is not a literal concept I employ here, but more of a practical theme. The essence of "being better" would mean that if I am at least 1% more effective today than I was yesterday, then the challenges I faced yesterday will seem easier today. For example, if yesterday I was flustered and overwhelmed by client demands and objections to my product or service, then today I will be less so. Essentially my task becomes easier because I have become greater. Compounded over a period of days, weeks, and months you can imagine how powerful this principle can be.
Additionally, to be 1% better would mean that you can now extend yourself and take on greater challenges or aim at loftier ambitions. Because, we are better today than yesterday we naturally will want to be challenged, and will have an affinity to take on greater projects. The effects of the 1% better creed would create a "steady state" (to borrow a term from biology) were we would teeter between be overly powerful at handling yesterdays task, and not yet fully competent at dealing with the increasing demands of our evolving goals. This 'growth tension' is the optimal path which professionals should seek to continually create value for themselves and their respective endeavors.
The 1% creed can and should become part of your daily due diligence. Some of the ways to guarantee investment into your 1% daily growth are as follows:
- improve your vocabulary
- improve the sound of your voice
- improve your ability to articulate what you think and feel
- focus on listening to how people say things, not just the content
- learn to read a new, previously ignored, non-verbal communication from people
- learn about properly managing a certain emotion
- learn 2 new questions that can help close a sale
- learn how to play a different interpersonal role
- make 1 new friend and learn something interesting about them
- learn to 1 new way to harmonize your body
- eat a healthy meal instead of a your usual non-healthy one
- do something that frightens you, but that you know is worth the effort
- give more of yourself to others
- learn 1 new thing about your profession
- learn 1 new thing about self-management...
This list can go on forever, but you get the point. Everyday you can even break it down to getting a 1% fix for your body, mind, and profession. Before retiring for the day ensure that the 1% marks are hit. The principle is so subtle, yet so powerful that it could ultimately be the biggest difference in success or failure. Think about the cost of not becoming better. If we don't become better, by default we become worse. In biology and science they call it entropy. A system that does not absorb new information will only lose information and decay into inert energy-less matter. What makes us different than a mere inanimate system is that we have a choice. The choices are 1) gather new information and grow; or 2) lose information and decay.
Angel Armendariz
Do you believe it's possible to be 1% better today than you were yesterday? Think about it. What would it mean to be 1% better? You might say sure, of course! Or you might believe its not possible. Suspend judgment for now, simply consider the possibility and what it would mean.
To be better by 1% is not a literal concept I employ here, but more of a practical theme. The essence of "being better" would mean that if I am at least 1% more effective today than I was yesterday, then the challenges I faced yesterday will seem easier today. For example, if yesterday I was flustered and overwhelmed by client demands and objections to my product or service, then today I will be less so. Essentially my task becomes easier because I have become greater. Compounded over a period of days, weeks, and months you can imagine how powerful this principle can be.
Additionally, to be 1% better would mean that you can now extend yourself and take on greater challenges or aim at loftier ambitions. Because, we are better today than yesterday we naturally will want to be challenged, and will have an affinity to take on greater projects. The effects of the 1% better creed would create a "steady state" (to borrow a term from biology) were we would teeter between be overly powerful at handling yesterdays task, and not yet fully competent at dealing with the increasing demands of our evolving goals. This 'growth tension' is the optimal path which professionals should seek to continually create value for themselves and their respective endeavors.
The 1% creed can and should become part of your daily due diligence. Some of the ways to guarantee investment into your 1% daily growth are as follows:
- improve your vocabulary
- improve the sound of your voice
- improve your ability to articulate what you think and feel
- focus on listening to how people say things, not just the content
- learn to read a new, previously ignored, non-verbal communication from people
- learn about properly managing a certain emotion
- learn 2 new questions that can help close a sale
- learn how to play a different interpersonal role
- make 1 new friend and learn something interesting about them
- learn to 1 new way to harmonize your body
- eat a healthy meal instead of a your usual non-healthy one
- do something that frightens you, but that you know is worth the effort
- give more of yourself to others
- learn 1 new thing about your profession
- learn 1 new thing about self-management...
This list can go on forever, but you get the point. Everyday you can even break it down to getting a 1% fix for your body, mind, and profession. Before retiring for the day ensure that the 1% marks are hit. The principle is so subtle, yet so powerful that it could ultimately be the biggest difference in success or failure. Think about the cost of not becoming better. If we don't become better, by default we become worse. In biology and science they call it entropy. A system that does not absorb new information will only lose information and decay into inert energy-less matter. What makes us different than a mere inanimate system is that we have a choice. The choices are 1) gather new information and grow; or 2) lose information and decay.
Angel Armendariz
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Giving Away Today for Yesterday
What are the most pressing and urgent issues on your plate today? Are they perhaps similar to what they were yesterday? I think we can agree that we all have pressing issues that are so internal, that they seem to silently gnaw at our insides. So I ask this question now "How are you going to handle today's problems with yesterday's tools?"
It's interesting how even though we are given a new day full of potential, most of us sell it for yesterday's sentiments and yesterday's troubles. What is the cost of playing footsie with yesterday's issues for the next five years? Assessing a cost to our actions can many times clarify situations and expand our awareness.
To overcome yesterday's issues and pressing matters we must work on ourselves. More accurately, we must grow and be bigger than we were yesterday. Working on the same problem with the same tools in the same manner is futile. But, as Jean Gebser once said:
"All work, genuine work which we must achieve, is that which is most difficult and painful: the work on ourselves."
Work on oneself does not happen by accident, it must be methodically planned for, it doesn't act on you, you must act on it.
Overcoming our pressing issues requires work on some of the following:
- emotional intelligence (self awareness, self discipline, etc.)
- cognitive intelligence (mental know how, etc.)
- social intelligence (interpersonal effectiveness, building relationships, etc.)
- physiological intelligence (health, fitness, etc.)
- spiritual intelligence (faith, love, etc.)
If we fail to plan on developing ourselves through each of these dimensions, we will sacrifice our tomorrows for our yesterdays. Our freedoms to build a better future will be forsaken for yesterday's bittersweet sentiments.
- Angel Armendariz
It's interesting how even though we are given a new day full of potential, most of us sell it for yesterday's sentiments and yesterday's troubles. What is the cost of playing footsie with yesterday's issues for the next five years? Assessing a cost to our actions can many times clarify situations and expand our awareness.
To overcome yesterday's issues and pressing matters we must work on ourselves. More accurately, we must grow and be bigger than we were yesterday. Working on the same problem with the same tools in the same manner is futile. But, as Jean Gebser once said:
"All work, genuine work which we must achieve, is that which is most difficult and painful: the work on ourselves."
Work on oneself does not happen by accident, it must be methodically planned for, it doesn't act on you, you must act on it.
Overcoming our pressing issues requires work on some of the following:
- emotional intelligence (self awareness, self discipline, etc.)
- cognitive intelligence (mental know how, etc.)
- social intelligence (interpersonal effectiveness, building relationships, etc.)
- physiological intelligence (health, fitness, etc.)
- spiritual intelligence (faith, love, etc.)
If we fail to plan on developing ourselves through each of these dimensions, we will sacrifice our tomorrows for our yesterdays. Our freedoms to build a better future will be forsaken for yesterday's bittersweet sentiments.
- Angel Armendariz
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