Are you aware of the “invisible strings” of society?
They exist as a hidden web of ideas, beliefs, attitudes, traditions, world views, and perceptions. They influence and color our experience of the universe to ensure conformity, stability, and predictability in society.
They impact every aspect of our lives. They tell us how to behave, what to think, and who we are. If we are not careful in discerning them, the lives we live will not be our own. We will feel “stuck” in an existence we had no part in designing. We will feel as if we cannot control the biggest uses of our time, such as our work. We will feel as if we are deficient if we do not live up to the expectations engendered by these invisible strings.
The power of these invisible strings derive from our lack of awareness of them and the social consequences of untangling ourselves from their constraining grip. Without awareness, we cannot examine them and consciously choose which ones we want to accept into our lives, if any.
We run on autopilot when we do not recognize the web created by these strings, which traps us in conformity. The comfort of being amongst millions of others also running on autopilot makes the strings even more powerful.
When we awaken, however, we realize that these strings have no intrinsic power. The only power they have is the power we give them.
The strings are helpful in the sense that their illusory nature helps us to remember the reality of who we are. Unfortunately, the “who” we think we are often thinks it is above getting influenced. This “who” exists in the realm of mind and ego, which are only tools, not our true essence.
We think all of our ideas, notions, and the products of our mind are our own. Or that they are self-justified just because we perceive them as coming from us. We seldom question why we believe what we believe, but will defend to the death against anything that compromises our mental homeostasis. We often do not consider the effects of our natural cognitive biases on our perceptions of the world.
If we do not examine all of these things and ask “Why?” we allow the web of invisible strings to hold us in a state that is comfortable for the status quo, but not conducive to realizing our full potential.
The philosopher Socrates tells us frankly that, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” When was the last time you examined your life? Take this time to reflect on your journey thus far.
Are you completely happy with where you are right now? Are you living with authenticity? Do you care too much about what others think of you? Sometimes, we fall short of some of society’s expectations. Does this bother you?
Together we will recognize and untangle ourselves from the invisible strings that hold us back from living the lives we truly desire. We will choose freedom, discover and appreciate who we really are, and live the lives we want to live.
Art of Sleeping Awake 