This post is from the now discontinued 30 Bananas A Day online forum.
* Activism:
This month has been my first real taste of internet-activism. Unlike many fine people, my focus has been much more than about giving all animals equal rights. I want to go deeper. I want people to realize themselves what they are doing and why it is wrong; that they are actually torturing and killing themselves although the pain & death is one that might be slow to recognize and manifest… especially for those desensitized/disconnected from themselves. At times, I have been quite aggressive and provocative in my means. Mostly through Facebook and my posts there. I have been ridiculed and called names. But the fight continues. Until my last dying breath. If words are our weapons, may our language be sharp.
* Communication:
There’s a thin line between attacking someone’s character and their beliefs. They often get mixed. That’s part of the game. However, it’s important to make sure you understand someone before you expect to be understood. I have failed at this horribly myself in some interactions. This month I intend to focus mainly on this aspect of my character development so I don’t make that mistake again.
* Sexuality:
Through a thread on this forum, a book called “Cupid’s Poisoned Arrow” came to my attention. My girlfriend also read the thread and encouraged me to get the book. I got it for her but decided to read it myself first. I am halfway through and I must say, this book is changing my whole perception on many thing, not just sex. There are not many books that have done that for me. I think everyone should read it. More on this in next month’s lessons as I (with my girlfriend) apply the material into our already amazing relationship.
* Anger/frustration:
A great source of energy that can be turned into passion, drive and ambition to change the world. One thought at a time…
* Nature/Principles:
I have always been deeply attracted to nature and seem to be able to draw great power from it when I am surrounded with nature and not interfered with by city life (which is arguably also nature but lets not go there…). A few weeks ago, I spent 5 days in a cabin up north in finland 500km from where I live. One evening I went outside to pee, the moon was full and bright, the -35celsius winter chewed my whole being, the stillness was almost paralyzing and I couldn’t help but admire it’s power and magnitude. Nature’s principles govern all life. I am fascinated whenever I find something that is based on universal principles and NOT somebody’s value system (whether it’s 811, Natural Hygiene, The Venus Project, Laws of Nature, Barefoot Running, Karezza lovemaking –> all of which are actually very interdependent with one another).
Finally, I would like to quote Stephen Covey on what principles are:
“Programs change, practices change; principles do not change.”
“Principles are the actual reality of the way things are.”
Well, I’m offline for the next week or more to do some studying and continuing my music pursuits.
Comment by Mika on March 8, 2011 at 9:10pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and progress, it means alot, it helps alot. Your points are important to everyone, whatever phase in life we might be in. I will definately read “Cupids poisoned arrow” now. You are very good at expressing yourself, I am sure it will be heard in your beautiful music projects too.
Comment by Joice Winston on March 5, 2011 at 11:53am
Very nice post Markus! I really like your writing. 🙂
I think it’s really important that activists encourage each other, because people in general definitely don’t respond well (for the most part) to being introduced to a different point of view. It’s like they’re afraid of having to reconsider anything… Which I don’t get, personally if I’m wrong about something, which I know is very likely to happen since the world is so complex, I would rather know… Especially if it’s making me sick and is likely to eventually give me cancer.
I try not to be aggressive but people still get offended somehow… I think Internet activism is really difficult because people don’t get a very good idea of who you are, if they were to see your eyes and feel your well-meaning energy in person, they would be much more inclined to believe what you have to say.
But even though I don’t understand why people often react badly, I find that becoming more compassionate and understanding is really helpful. I think there’s a reason why people react a certain way, even though I don’t know what that reason is. It might just be the way they have been taught to think, which is not entirely their fault. So I forgive them and accept it. Plus, being angry and frustrated is bad for our own health and I don’t think it’s necessary that we hurt ourselves while trying to help the world. Like you said, we can only try and trying is good enough.
Good point about the communication, it helps to know who you’re talking to. But how do you get to know that person by means of Internet? Any tips?
I hope you continue down this road for a long time. Don’t give up, the world needs you.
Comment by pradtf on March 2, 2011 at 5:55am
this is wonderful markus with powerful content and even heights of poetic expression!
your blogs are worth accumulating into a single document at some stage (in fact, i’m collecting them) 😉
in friendship,
prad
Comment by PK on March 2, 2011 at 5:36am
Markus,
Inspiring post, and I like the phrase:
I want people to realize themselves what they are doing and why it is wrong;
This is important in many aspects of life besides animal rights and I totally agree. Many people have reactionary knee jerk reactions and or shallow thoughts.
For example, if they are hungry, they will grab any old thing to eat, healthy, unhealthy, and or corpse. This is shallow thinking and behavior.
But if they have enlightened thoughts, that is I am hungry and is what I eat healthy for me and the earth, this is thinking on a deeper level. In theory, this kind of thinking should inspire and convince them to make better choices.
In Peace, PK