I think it can be said, rather fairly, that we live in a society that downplays the human capability for making mistakes. Take a look at the American political system and this becomes obvious. In order to be a succesful politician there needs to be an appearance of near perfection. No flubs, no fuck ups, no slips of the tongue (both figuratively and literally) and most importantly, no changing your mind.
“Flip-flopping” is considered to be just as much a crime as going to the wrong church or having the wrong friends. Admitting that one is wrong or may have acted poorly is not considered an admirable quality. Despite what many hoped for during the Barak Obama presidency, the words “I was mistaken” are three we have not heard,and probably never will hear, during his time as POTUS.
Mistakes are a sign of weakness. Making mistakes and then admitting to them are a sign of weakness and stupidity. What does this have to do with spirituality? Everything. Spiritual growth, and evolution, is often riddled with mistakes and missteps not so much in ideology but in practical application. When the edict of one’s faith is forgiveness and when offered the chance to forgive the individual, instead, tells the other to piss off, that is a mistake.
Never mind hurt feelings suggesting otherwise.
Further more when a blog writer, who shall remain nameless (but whose name rhymes with Tricole Machelle) blunders on the practical application of wisdom it is best for that blog writer to self-evaluate and then write about what her thoughts were on the matter.
For those who may not know, I am very short on patience. I have some; for children, n00bs, or people under the age of 25, but after that it wears very thin, very fast; especially when it comes to information or research. As much as I like to be told when I screwed the pooch on something or when I’m flat out wrong, I selfishly believe that everyone else should be the same way even if they are not.
Knowledge is knowing someone is wrong, wisdom is knowing how, when, or even if this should be pointed out. I, dear reader, am not too good with this concept.
This isn’t to say that I will completely change who I am and become some woo-woo Priestess of High Delusion, but I will start to think about how I’m phrasing my thoughts to other, especially since my rather blunt approach can create enemies where there doesn’t need to be any.
As much as I like having enemies (Make your haters your motivators- Katt Williams) having too many for no reason can get tiresome.
The beauty in being called out, by Aristotle no less, is after the initial shame wears off the process of change can begin. Admitting this out loud forces me to bring my lack of wisdom to the forefront. It’s humbling and freeing at the same time. Just like everyone, I can make mistakes and lots of them, but it’s what I choose to do afterward that makes all the difference.
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