At any given time we all have a limit. That limit varies depending on a number of factors: the nature of the problems, the emotion tied to the problems, how far down into “seriousness” one is, even how well rested or hungry one is at the time. Bottom line, it becomes too much when there is more external push against self than there is left of self to push back.
I’m really not interested in proselytizing but I ran across this little gem the other night and I saw so much potential for anyone who could understand it that I wanted to share it.
The rationality of the mind depends upon an optimum reaction toward time.
DEFINITION: Sanity, the computation of futures.
DEFINITION: Neurotic, the computation of present time only.
DEFINITION: Psychotic, computation only of past situations.
So when a person is handling situations and problems quite well they have their attention mainly on the future. They are happily creating a future which they can clearly see – and they are making that future they see a reality.
Down from that is the person who is “working in the present”. This is usually thought of as good and very pro-survival but is factually in the neurotic category, not unlike a rat in a maze. Handling an escrow can fall into this category. One’s attention is thoroughly stuck in the present and they can not see much of a future, as handling now is such a struggle. Like an air traffic controller, they can not take their eyes off of the screen.
Way down scale, stuck on the past, is the person who can not visualize a future or even really see much of the present. Fact is, we have all been – each and every one of us – in each of these three states with regard to different subjects at one time or another. I am reminded of a truly beautiful quote from Winston Churchill, “If you are going through hell, keep going.”
Where were you going before the excreta hit the rotor? What was it you wanted in the first place?
Survival pertains only to the future.
COROLLARY: Succumb pertains only to the present and past.
If you can again see what it was you wanted – even if you can only see it dimly at first – keep looking there. What were your goals? What was it that seemed so delightful, that just thinking about it made you feel better? How would life be if you had that now? That is where to put your attention to get out of the mess.
An individual is as happy as he can perceive survival potentials in the future.
Joe Loomer
August 20, 2009 at 8:24 am
Excellent Russell, many of fall prey to the matter of the moment. Keeping your eye on the finish line (and making sure it keeps moving away from you) is the way to be!
Navy Chief, Navy Pride
Ken Brand
August 20, 2009 at 8:24 am
Nice. Was that in book? I’d like to read it.
What you’re sharing is so true, 90% of all success in mental/emotion, the other 90% is hard work.
Cheers Russell
BawldGuy
August 20, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Elegant, Russell.
‘As a man thinks, so he is.’ You just explained some of the reasons why.
Matthew Hardy
August 20, 2009 at 1:56 pm
> “what [is] wanted…keep looking there”
Brilliant! (And a wonderful way to live!)