Chapter 23: Dealing with slips & setbacks
As mentioned previously herein on a number of occasions, one of the most important realizations on the journey to fully comprehending true Enlightenment is the realization that Enlightenment is inherently tenuous – that the human brain has evolved in such a way that it is indeed impossible to “become enlightened;” that it is impossible to maintain a fully harmonious state of being over any extended period of time.1 As such, it can be just as important to understand how best to deal with the inevitable “slip ups” that occur after one has attained Enlightenment as it is to attain Enlightenment itself. With this in mind, feel free to humbly ponder (& courageously pro-act) the following …
*Whereas Zone 1 advocates see “slips” back into selfishness as normal &/or even acceptable (a passive resignation that makes the same much more likely than need be), Zone 2 acolytes see the same as “failures” (a negatively judgmental analysis that also serves to indirectly encourage their repetition). In great contrast, assistants of the Zone 3 Way recognize the fact that every single “slip up” is nothing more than a fresh opportunity to choose Enlightenment anew – as an ally on the road to empowered living, not an enemy or a hindrance thereto. As such, these are the ones who respond to all recognized “slip ups” with a sense of amusement instead of one of annoyance – a relaxed state of being that allows for a far more fluid (and thus more easily Enlightened) response thereto.
*While Zone 1 affiliates awaken to their “slips ups” with feelings of shame &/or embarrassment (and often cover over the same with blame-shifting &/or rationalization for those behaviors), Zone 2 disciples – in similarly selfish moments – feel disappointment, frustration, fatigue, &/or hopelessness (and often use the same as excuses for subsequently self-centered &/or superficial choices). Zone 3 enthusiasts, in bold contrast, respond to their own “slip ups” with feelings of calm & renewed resolve. Indeed, they are almost grateful for the same – grateful for the refreshed awareness that such choices always bring; the renewed opportunity to consciously & courageously embrace the next moment in a different, more Caring way.
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1It is indeed quite important to NOTE that Enlightenment – by its very nature – is a fully selfless state of being; a state of being that intentionally (and thus potently) exists in direct conflict with the more primitive, survival-fixated stems of the human brain – stems that are ever oriented on identifying “friend or foe” and then almost as regularly mandating “fight or flight” in response to the same. In addition, these portions of the brain are always identifying and responding to external stimuli at least ¼ of a second before higher brain functions even begin to do so. As such, it is truly impossible to continually maintain a static state of “enlightenment.” That having been said, it is always possible to choose Enlightenment anew – fully & completely – in any particular instant or encounter. Yes, that choice will recede back into subsequent, almost-guaranteed manifestations of selfishness, and yet the more regularly one chooses to pause and consciously engage his or her happenstances selflessly, the more fluidly such Enlightened choices become in future interactions.
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