Brenna's Open Journal - An exploration

Zenchi wrote: Please stop yelling, I can hear you from here. People are animals, want proof? Get a good look at the human brain, its all there. Would really prefer to take this lovely conversation over pm's which is what I should have done to begin with...

I understand a lot about the human brain, and its various impulses. Im trying to understand how our beliefs and mandate fits into that. Our physicality may be primal but our spirit is not. How do you reconcille the two?

Feel free, but im curious about more than just your take on it.

Zenchi wrote: I'm not going to beat a dead horse, I stated I personally don't have a problem with you exploring it, it would be selfish of me to think you shouldn't. Everyone has the potential for both, again, its the method. Again, I'm no better, my reputation is shit here, and I know it, I again, don't want to watch you learn that lesson the hard way. If anything, learn from my mistakes...

And that is the point... despite all of this Jedi ideology people here are quick to judge. If you made blunders then they can only be surpassed by the mine and my reputation here is non existent. What it boils down to is that TOTJO is first and foremost a human Temple. Let me say this Zenchi saved my life, and I will never forget that.

How does one reconcile the thoughts of causing deliberate harm (physical, mental or emotional) as retribution or preemptive defence, with the idea that having such thoughts is unnatural, evil or un-jedi-like? Or is it simply a part of the human condition?

Part of the Human Condition. You can look to the fiction, if one wanted, to see Jedi who were not free from such thoughts, yet still were and acted as Jedi. Simply a part of being alive. I wouldn't call it unnatural.

It can be an indication however. Of Jedi Nature vs. Human Nature. Depending on the situation, the strength of the violent impulse. One can chose to look at it as thoughts are little to what you actually do. Though if you really wanted to get to the meat of it - you are going to have to dig into the whys.

I really don't think one should generalize such a thing. Nor should they simply seek an accept or reject mentality. Especially with generalizations. Such things/concerns should be dug into deeply and personally. One should really tear the situation apart, understand it, understand exactly why they feel the way they do, and look at where that falls in their desired lifestyle and/or philosophy. And than ultimately determine which one, in that case is more important (and why). From there proper action can be taken. That should be done in a safe environment with capable people to help. As it really requires an intimacy and willingness to let it all come out. So that it can be explored fully.

*shurgs* Sorry to interrupt. That part just caught my eye. Carry on.

Brenna wrote: Is it something that most people do or have done? How does one reconcile the thoughts of causing deliberate harm (physical, mental or emotional) as retribution or preemptive defence, with the idea that having such thoughts is unnatural, evil or un-jedi-like? Or is it simply a part of the human condition?

If fear is associated somewhere in there, it can drive other emotions into higher detail perhaps. Prior planning prevents ppoorperformance, so the 'thoughts' themselves could be seen as a response to some perceived future threat. This might happen when you relate to, or consider yourself part of but external to (since I'm talking about perception of future threats), a group of victims. So the detail of the thoughts and depth of emotions could easily surprise. I'd say its natural.

What to do with them!?

My opinion on....
.... a light perspective, I'd be saying the idea would be to understand the true nature of the thoughts and redirect them into more constructive concepts (which might even be unrelated just to dissipate them if they are getting uncontrollable).
.... a dark perspective would understand the true nature of the thoughts and feed the refined energy back into the causative agent itself - to promote even more of the same but in favorable terms to force a battle of attrition.

It's why I define emotions and feelings specifically, and as a Jedi listen to my feelings but am wary of my emotions.

Tier 3:
. feeling (physical sensation)
. thought (conscious thought)

Tier 2:
. emotion (strong feeling incorporating subconscious decision making - subconscious thought emerging into consciousness as feelings or ideas)

Tier 1;
. passion (strong emotion integrating aspects of self-sacrifice)

I chose these definitions because it seems to fit best, and it is supported somewhat in their literary roots;

feeling = old english felan, meaning to perceive.
emotion = latin emovere, meaning without movement.
passion = ancient greek pashko, meaning to suffer.

Just my own observations and opinions.

Now that the dust has settled a bit I have a question to ask you all.

Based on what I typically post, and how frequently (or rather infrequently) I post, do you really think that I would actually post something like I did to Brenna in this thread?


...

Yes. Why not? People post things.

The answer is you already did.

Look a little deeper and you might find, things are not always exactly what they seem. :lol:

While she was getting a glimpse out of some of you, I got a glimpse out of her. :whistle:

Sorry Pro, that's gonna require too much brainpower and I just got up. hahahah.

Connor Lidell wrote: Sorry Pro, that's gonna require too much brainpower and I just got up. hahahah.

Concur. And for the record I would like to note that I did not participate in the tumult.