Why do people have the illusion that things are getting better?

[Dorothy Minder]

Yes, I think we've had some confusion around defining cynics/Cynics and cynicism/Cynicism. Thank you, Approaching Infinity. And Luke, thank you for pointing that out as well.

When Ana posted the excerpt (Thanks for sharing! I read that previously but forgotten about it), I realized my error. I had assumed that most people would think of dictionary definitions, and not necessarily the Greek philosophical school. Here are two other dictionary definitions of cynic that informed what I wrote:

- A person who believes that all people are motivated by selfishness
- A person whose outlook is scornfully negative

On the other hand, if people on this board have reclaimed the title of Cynic -- seeing that it's meaning has indeed changed since Greek times -- and some of the older positive meanings, then the confusion is understandable.

Finally, I want to say again, because people seem to have seized on the "negative" parts of my posts:

Despite its problems, cynicism (little C) is a good place to start.

Now I'll add that Cynicism (big C) may indeed be farther along the path, if it means being more objective and committed to dispelling all illusions.

Melatonin, I'm sorry I seem to have sidetracked this conversation in places. I think Luke, Ana, and Anart all offered great responses to your most recent post. I'll add that you're right that this is a difficult world, and many people who say things like, "suck it up" or "stop thinking so much" etc. can't see beyond their own experience. You do, and that's wonderful. It can be very painful as well. Hang in there. You've heard many people on this thread suggest self-work, and you get do decide for yourself if you are up for it. IMO, it's worth it.

 

[melatonin]

Hi Dorothy Minder,

Its fine. Its not my thread, i just started it. :) Im happy to start a conversation, if it gets people talking about other things aswell.


Ana - The breathing program is next on my list of things to buy. I can see it helping, especially when im triggered, as a grounding technique. My diet is good, (i would say) but i do eat a bit of cottage cheese (fat free) and natural yoghurt (fat free). As far from what i can see thats about the only thing i eat that is bad - from the threads ive read. Ive cut out gluten, apart from oats that i eat with water - and i think oats only contain small amounts of gluten because they are packaged in similar enviroment to other cereal. And i dont eat meat (personal choice). As for fish, i do eat salmon, but rarely, even though i really like it.
To be honest ive never felt healthier physically.

 

[Alana]

To be honest ive never felt healthier physically.

Hi melatonin.

I just like to state that i felt physically healthy most of my life. But that has not been true about my "moods". By that i mean that i have suffered depression periods, and a lot of anxiety and fears at times, lack of energy and motivation, feeling hopeless and or pessimistic. And it's exactly with these moods that my change in diet helped tremendously. I am now completely gluten free for over two years and dairy free for over a year. Following the anti-candida and detox diets helped me realize that my brain chemistry was very imbalanced, and that was playing a big part in how i was feeling. Well, for me it wasn't just dairy and gluten, but sugar and alcohol, and most of the spices too. If i have black pepper in the morning for example, by nighttime i feel irritated and everything and everyone around me bother me. I swear! It was such an aha! moment when i realized this during my last try of the elimination diet. I don't really hate my roommates! It's the black pepper that is not compatible with my system that makes me feel as if i do! ;D

That's why we always advice on a trying the elimination diet. Once we see for ourselves what is bad for us and causes allergic reactions (that very often manifest in moods, mental and psychological not-feeling-well) we avoid it and have clearer mind and understanding of ourselves and the reality around us. I also discovered that a breakfast mainly of animal fats (bacon, sausages, blinis in bacon fat) does give me more energy and a clearer mind all through the day.

Have you tried the detox/elimination diet yet? You will find the description of it and its steps here. If you decide to try it out, i'd be very interested to read your experiences :)

 

[ana]

Ana - The breathing program is next on my list of things to buy. I can see it helping, especially when im triggered, as a grounding technique.

Glad to know :)

My diet is good, (i would say) but i do eat a bit of cottage cheese (fat free) and natural yoghurt (fat free). As far from what i can see thats about the only thing i eat that is bad - from the threads ive read. Ive cut out gluten, apart from oats that i eat with water - and i think oats only contain small amounts of gluten because they are packaged in similar enviroment to other cereal. And i dont eat meat (personal choice). As for fish, i do eat salmon, but rarely, even though i really like it.
To be honest ive never felt healthier physically.

In adition to Alana's recomendation on detoxing I think you will find this thread very interesting:

UltraMind Solution Quizzes

Neurologists and psychiatrists focus on treating your brain using medications and psychotherapy. In fact, most psychiatrists and neurologists focus solely on their favorite organ, the brain, and ignore the rest of the body. But what if the cure for brain disorders is outside the brain? What if mood, memory, attention and behavior problems, and most other “brain diseases” have their root cause in the rest of the body-in treatable imbalances in the body’s key systems? What if they are not localized in the brain? If this is true, it would mean our whole approach to dealing with brain disorders is completely backward. [...]

Only 10% of us are nutritionally, metabolically, and biochemically balanced enough to fully benefit from psychotherapy. Years of psychoanalyses or therapy will not reverse the depression that comes from profound omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies, a lack of vitamin B12, a low-functioning thyroid, or chronic mercury toxicity.[...]

Everything is connected. Your entire body and all of the core systems in it interact as a single sophisticated symphony. All the pieces of your biology and your unique genetic code interact with your environment (including the foods you eat) to determine how sick or well you are in this moment. [...]

Stress and other psychological factors can have a major impact on your health. Now we understand that 95% of all illnesses are either caused by or worsened by stress. [...]

Brain function is directly influenced by what you eat, and by nutritional deficiencies, allergens, infections, toxins, and stress. “Mental disorders” and “brain disorders” are simply the names of common responses our bodies have to a variety of insults and deficiencies. [...]

Then maybe you also want to have a look at:
Burying The Vegetarian Hypothesis
The Vegetarian Stance
High fat foods stimulate the vagus nerve

Happy reading!

 

[Al Today]

Why do people have the illusion that things are getting better?

Sadly, I think it's simple:
Because they are blind to their programming.
I too was blind. I am so thankful to Laura and ALL of you.

 

[melatonin]

Alana - I am doing a detox (of sorts). More like a permanant lifestyle change. Ive read quite a bit of the info on here and im following it as much as i can, allowing for personal taste in food, how much money i have to spend etc etc, and to be honest i wouldnt eat meat ever again. I stoppped eating it, and have never wanted another piece since. :) As much as what you said sounds nice, i just feel better that im not eating another animal.
I know - maybe im a mild hypocrit, because i eat salmon (rarely) and have small amounts of yoghurt and cottage cheese.

Ana - I totally believe in the mind/body connection.