Chapter 13g2: The lesser virtues of Zone 2 …
*Unlike their previously illuminated Zone 1 counterparts, the “lesser virtues” of Zone 2 are exhibited by those who have chosen to – at least for a time – leave the world of rampant selfishness behind in favor making choices that are more “moral.” Theirs are the behavioral characteristics that seem to be “more ethical” or “more mature” or “more enlightened,” and yet are actually those that “go both ways” – bearing the bad fruit of discord & suffering when actualized for self, and sowing the far better fruits of Harmony & Peace when enlivened for others.1 Like their Zone 1 relatives, Zone 2 traits also manifest themselves in one of the following nine characteristics &/or behaviors …
01: Instead of blasting their condemnation to &/or towards others, Zone 2 residents believe they are behaving morally when they exude mere tolerance for them instead. And yet, while indeed being far less damaging than the former, the latter also inevitably does more harm than good. First & foremost, tolerance is subconsciously received as a form of rejection – a negative judgment of the other that the tolerant one is “willing to put up with.” Maybe the tolerated behaviors are non-commendable ones, and yet merely tolerating them is felt on a deeper level as a rejection of them as a person, not as a mere faux-acceptance of their behaviors. The consequences of this are obvious – a perpetuation of the behaviors being tolerated, and an increased emotional distance between the tolerater & the one being merely tolerated. Similarly, while it is all well & good to be gentle with others, gentleness causes the other harm whenever it is given from a place of cowardice or idolatrous homage. Wisely accepting all that is does not mean tolerating the harmful portions of the same (nihilism is not a viably moral way of being). No, in grand contrast, we are all summoned to stand boldly for Justice & Love – to courageously defend the oppressed, while simultaneously exuding heartfelt Compassion for their highly confused (&/or ignorant, &/or themselves previously oppressed) oppressors. As such, whenever feeling merely tolerant (or cooperative, or “fair,” or “respectful,” or adaptable, or tolerant, or “being flexible,” or compromising – by “giving in” or “giving up” ) of others’ actions or beliefs, it is preferable to pause for an instant and make choices that are courageously forgiving instead – remembering that true Forgiveness is not given in support of wicked deeds or dysfunctional behaviors, but rather is offered (in deed more than by word) in spite of the same.
02: Instead of letting their actions ooze sloth, Zone 2 acolytes believe they are behaving morally when they exude mere productivity instead. And yet the question ever & always remains: To what end? For if we are only being productive for productivity’s sake, then our lives will inevitably sink into a morass of meaninglessness. And if we are primarily being productive for our own personal benefit, our sowing thereof will keep us from caring from others during the same, and our reaping therefrom will ultimately distance us from others thereafter. There is no point in being creative or inventive or artistic or spontaneous or active (or even skilled or talented or proficient) if we are doing so without any underlying sense of service. In truth, while living actively is an integral facet of any truly Enlightened life, it is never what we do, but rather why we are doing whatever we are doing that matters. Yes, while it is good to be self-disciplined (or organized or persistent) in our lives, that diligence is only truly beneficial while we are enlivening it for the benefit of those in our communities. Similarly, while it is indeed wise to be patient (or reflective or ponderous or even meticulous) in life – to consciously ponder each moment’s alternatives (including their potential consequences) before engaging them or choosing from among them, it is crucial to remember that we are here to act, and that it is only by acting for others that we can enliven (and thereby ourselves make) any real progress. As such, whenever feeling merely productive (or efficient, or industrious, or thorough, or busy), it is preferable to pause for a moment and then make choices that are courageously – and caringly – active instead.
03: Instead of exuding various forms of greed, Zone 2 followers believe they are behaving morally when they have mere balance in their lives instead. And yet this turns out to be an insidious myth as well, for maintaining a balance between giving and receiving per se neuters one’s ability to give (which, ironically, is itself the only Gift worth getting). Indeed, striving to preserve a “proper balance” between work and play (or activity and rest, or duty and fun, or sociability and solitude, etc) ultimately only serves to dismantle the very balance that it seeks to supply. For the only way to attain real Balance in one’s life is to fulfill the greater Calling of the Heart – the only way to know real Peace in any moment is to realize that you are indeed an interconnected facet of the All. And this can only come by acting accordingly; by selflessly serving others – especially in those moments when least inclined to do so; especially in those moments when your ego most yearns for “more balance.” In truth, attending regularly to one’s own desires to attain better health (via “balanced” accumulations of rest &/or exercise &/or sustenance for oneself) by its very nature keeps one from becoming truly Whole – which in turn generates a deep-seated discord that ultimately manifests itself in increased occurrences of injury & illness. Similarly, attending regularly to your own wishes to have more peace of mind (via a “balanced” immersing in meditation &/or recuperation &/or relaxation &/or “self help”) by its very nature keeps one from ever knowing true Calm – which in turn generates a subtle-yet-omnipresent mental schism that ultimately manifests itself in increased feelings of anxiety & agitation. In kind, attending regularly to your own wants of elevated happiness (via occasional, “balanced” engagements with others or self that are comfortable &/or fun &/or exciting &/or celebratory) by its very nature keeps one from feeling true Joy – which in turn generates a deep-seated mental fracture that ultimately manifests itself in increased occurrences of boredom & despair. Comparably, attending regularly to your own yearnings for more intimacy (via “balanced” investments in friendships &/or partnerships – often by striving to become sexier &/or more beautiful &/or more amusing &/or more interesting) by its very nature keeps one from ever knowing true Oneness – which in turn generates a poignant emotional disconnect that ultimately manifests itself in increased feelings of loneliness & meaninglessness. Finally, attending regularly to your own hopes for a heightened sense of safety (via “balanced” investments in your own wealth &/or strength &/or independence &/or isolation &/or protective boundaries) by its very nature keeps one from ever knowing true Freedom – which in turn generates a powerful psychological barrier that ultimately manifests itself in increased feelings of fear & poverty. As such, whenever tempted to succumb to the yearning to merely “maintain balance” (or self-respect, or happiness, or playfulness, or self-love, or restfulness) in your life, it is preferable to pause for a moment and then make choices that are courageously generous (via self-sacrificial actions more than kind words) instead.
04: Instead of expressing their envy (or harboring envious thoughts), Zone 2 disciples believe they are behaving morally when they exude mere thankfulness instead. Of course, these people do so solely in response to the riches, benefits, rewards, &/or triumphs that they themselves have received or attained – a self-centered focus that always dampens the potential potency of their gratitude, and that ultimately prevents them from knowing the real Wealth that only comes from giving to others in times of personal lack. As a corollary to this particular value, Zone 2 folks also tend to be avid affirmers of grief & grieving during times of loss or tragedy – another tendency that is always ultimately counterproductive; not only because focusing on one’s own sadness inevitably perpetuates the same, but also because it is our times of greatest personal sadness that are also our most potent opportunities to effectuate our greatest possible acts of Kindness for others.2 As such, whenever feeling merely thankful (or privileged, or fortunate, or lucky, or blessed) for the “good things” in your life – &/or whenever tempted to grieve or pine for the greater losses therein, it is preferable to pause for an instant and then make choices that are courageously grateful instead – doing so with humble deeds more than merely gentle words, and gentle words much more than merely thankful thoughts.
05: Instead of passively rejecting others with their callousness, Zone 2 apostles believe they are behaving morally when they exude mere friendliness towards them instead. This is not to say that “being nice” is in any way false or wrong or bad; merely that being so is by its very nature a distanced & ultimately insincere form of false-compassion – one which has the tendency to neutralize true intimacy in the immediate term, and dramatically weaken one’s ability to express heartfelt empathy for others over time. As a result of being merely “warm” or “sociable” in this way honesty & integrity are inevitably sacrificed, “healthy boundaries” are ultimately erected, and the respective relationships suffer mightily as result. These are also the people who express verbal &/or emotional concern, pity, &/or sympathy over the plights of others – a response that not only “booms” a blatant lack of faith in the ability of the one suffering to transcend their particular trial, but also one that prevents the one doing said “booming” from being effectively supportive &/or actively caring. As such, whenever tempted to be merely friendly (or likable, or good-natured, or affectionate, or sympathetic, or affable, or cordial, or neighborly) towards the plight of another, it is preferable to pause for an instant or two and then make choices that are courageously compassionate instead.
06: Instead of being deceitful towards others, Zone 2 crusaders believe they are behaving morally when they exude mere loyalty towards them instead – a loyalty that takes on many forms; all of which being equally undesirable once set into motion. Consider the following examples thereof: Firstly, any subscription to the principle of loyalty entrenches at least a degree of fierceness towards the many; due to a demanded allegiance to the few. Secondly, loyalty expects unwavering support, an expectation that often tempts to be dishonest in uncomfortable conversations &/or enabling of dysfunctional behaviors. Thirdly, loyalty – at least in larger groups – anticipates a certain degree of obedience to professed values &/or announced goals; an obedience which not only ends up having adherents turn a blind eye to ensuing injustices, but which also invariably empowers the growth of may manifestations of oppression. Fourthly, traditional expressions of loyalty announce a certain degree of dependability; a binding call to fulfill vows, obligations, &/or commitments – promises that all serve to demolish volition, and thereby effectively neuter one’s ability to truly Love. Finally, loyalty often engenders expressions that are polite or charming or tactful – forms of dishonesty that invariably do more harm than good. As such, whenever recognizing the temptation to be merely loyal (or dutiful, or steadfast, or law-abiding, or dependable), it is preferable to pause briefly and then make choices that are courageously honest instead – letting your gestures speak more truthfully than your words, and your actions speak far louder and with far more clarity than those gestures.
07: Instead of bleeding arrogance into their interactions, Zone 2 devotees believe they are behaving morally when they exude mere wisdom therein instead. These are the individuals who think they are more intelligent &/or sensible &/or discerning &/or knowledgeable than many if not most of their peers – a belief that invariably has them sinking into a miasma of callousness (and sometimes even righteous anger); judging others more than intimately connecting with them; “constructively criticizing” others more than encouraging them; trying to “teach” or “inform” or “save” others instead of actively & unconditionally Caring for them. These are the ones who know what is “acceptable” and what is “inappropriate;” those who understand what is “normal” and what is “insane” – judgments that might indeed be at times partially accurate, and yet judgments that invariably preclude the development of any substantively intimate connections with those they analyze or instruct, and thus judgments that simultaneously prevent whatever wisdom is actually possessed from ever being truly heard &/or taking true hold. As such, whenever feeling in any way especially “wise” (or smart, or discerning, or logical, or intelligent, or clever, or sensible, or mature, or correct, or substantiated, or perceptive), it is preferable to pause for an instant and then make choices that are courageously humble instead – realizing while doing so that real humility is not found in thoughts that are self-deprecating or subservient, but rather in actions that are bold in their gentleness.
08: Instead of wallowing in their boredom, Zone 2 minions believe they are behaving morally when they exude mere enthusiasm instead – maintaining relationships that are interesting &/or pleasurable, fostering encounters that are exciting &/or intriguing, and accumulating experiences that are entertaining &/or fun. Of course any interaction that is founded upon such superficial frameworks cannot hope to bring any measure of real Joy to one’s life, and in fact over time ultimately bring the opposite. They are invariably hollow & fleeting, and thus inevitably serve to mute one’s bouts of happiness while steadily intensifying his or underlying sense of meaninglessness & tedium. As such, whenever feeling merely enthusiastic (or exuberant, or inspired, or vibrant, or energized, or youthful, or passionate, or excited, or even motivated) about life, it is preferable to pause – at least for a moment – and then make choices that are courageously joyful instead; sinking deeply into the wonders that surround you, being openly astounded by their innate & ineffable radiance, and then setting boldly forth to share the same with any & all nearby.
09: Instead of soaking in one or more of the many manifestations of doubt, Zone 2 votaries believe they are behaving morally when they exude either open bravery or subtle self-doubt. With regards to the former, such individuals regularly attempt to crush their underlying doubt under words tainted by bravado &/or acts laced with boldness. They tend to charge into their encounters forcefully &/or engage their interactions aggressively. They also are prone to taking risks in order (at least subconsciously) to “show their courage” &/or “prove themselves.” Almost needless to say, such recklessly self-centered motivations often bring harm to their doers, often bring at least some measure of harm to others, and thereby always bring an escalated discord &/or enmity to society as a whole. In contrast, sometimes Zone 2 aficionados don’t “have it in them” to be brave, and so choose to combat their deep-seated doubt by donning either colorful masks of faux-humility (e.g. openly submitting to the “higher power” advertised by their religion, devoutly following the “higher calling” demanded by their self-help guru, &/or repeatedly seeking the “greater self” summoned by their therapist) &/or thickened veils of self-doubt. As such, whenever feeling either brave (or hopeful, or trusting, or adventurous, or daring) or “humble” (or modest, or soft-spoken, or ashamed, or regretful, or embarrassed, or guilt-ridden), it is preferable to briefly pause and then make choices that are courageously faithful – setting forth into with real Courage instead; on a mission of extending radical Kindness to others, especially in those moments when feeling least willing &/or least able able to do so.
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1 Please NOTE that Zone 2 alternatives are not to be seen as “better” than their more instinctual Zone 1 cousins, nor are they to be judged as being “worse” than the choices that are made by enliveners of the Zone 3 Way. Zone 2 deeds are simply those that reside between selfishness & selflessness – between Zone 1 & Zone 3; those that call forth less suffering than the former and those that simultaneously prevent the Peace-bringing fulfillment (& thereby the blissfully emPowering experience) of the latter.
2Please NOTE that this is not to say that it is “wrong” to express gratitude during life’s more pleasurable moments, nor that it is in any way “wrong” to grieve during times of personal despair. Rather, this particular point merely reminds of the inalienable truth that both of the aforementioned (i.e. expressions of gratitude & grieving) should be released as efficiently (and as privately) as possible; that both should as often as possible be consciously used as either motivators (the former) or empowerers (the latter) of all concurrent &/or subsequent deeds of selfless caring.
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