“When the mind is thinking it is talking to itself.” — Plato
Over a limited period of time, I have experienced individuals who give the appearance of engaging in discourse but in reality are caged hostages of their own minds. It becomes painfully obvious, that these individuals are completely involved with the combustion of noise prevailing in their transient thinking, that has nothing to do with anyone around them. The conscious listener then has a few options which may include: 1. Permitting that individual to continue which may involve more unfocused/wasted time, 2. Initiate awareness that may offend, but capture attention, 3. Realize and accept that the individual’s cognizance may never permit discourse on any level for any reason . . . thereby illuminating the words of Santayana, “To know what people really think, pay regard to what they do rather than what they say.”
We come to understand after a great deal of experience, that many people in our lives may just be passing through without engendering a specific focus or defining moment. When we accept that premise, embracing the responsibility of our own essence becomes the definition of who we are, why we are here and where we are going. We are surrounded by individuals who appear to be interested and connected to our consciousness, on as many levels as there exist stars in the heavens, however upon further introspection magnifying the truth with honesty you find . . . ”An intellectual is someone whose mind watches itself,” as Carl Jung observed.
To know yourself is a gift, and giving credence to others embellishes that gift when you conciously accept who you are. Are you presently aware in conversations with others, or do you just talk without monitoring the flow of thought . . . thereby becoming part of the problem rather than part of the solution? A suggestion by Epictetus may be quite helpful, “First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.”
As you continue to evolve and process this journey, the manner in which you manifest your growth is exhibited in your behaviour not always with your words. The blessing of your conscious presence becomes a treasure for whomever you meet, as so appropriately stated by Gandi, ”To a true artist only that face is beautiful which, quite apart from its exterior, shines with the truth within the soul.” Share your truth, which opens the door to enlightenment with whomever “gets it.” JLR