The world needs to rationalize. In order for me to figure you out...tell me what you do. Once I know that I can move on....
Our 'thinking' brain needs to apply a label so that it can move on. The problem---labels inadequately place us in a box where we don't fit. The only label that might be adequate is...human.
We can cause an indefinite amount of problems by trying to label something....
Want an example...it's a big one...
WHAT IS ART?
Break down into genres for further confusion...What is folk art? What is outsider art? Fine art? Illustrative art? Oh, dear heavens...craft?!?
The problem with labels, besides being possibly insulting, is that when we listen to them...they trap us. Limit our possibilities. Why? Because we're human. When your brain hear's a label applied most of the time, we accept it and say, yes, that must be true and we stop. Yes, I'm "X" and not "Y"...This stops us from pushing our boundaries because we've found our label...all should be well with the world. But it isn't.
The ultimate catch?
Guess who applied your labels?
You did.
We label ourselves so that we fit 'in' to whatever 'in' is to us. Because we live in a society which is our larger 'brain' so label ourselves, we compartmentalize into groups.
But as I said earlier, labels stop growth and movement into a move fully realized potential.
Sure, I know we need labels at some point, we live and operate in a world that demands it.
But sometimes we let labels control us and tie us into an Gordian knot. You know how to untie a Gordian knot....you don't...you cut it.
We need to cut our ties to inadequate labels when concerning ourselves, our lives and our passions. We need to move forward into becoming something new. But don't get trapped by new labels, continue cutting, continue moving forward. Life after all IS the journey, the great mystery to be revealed....And don't we all want the fullest life available....let ourselves go...
We deserve the freedom and movement to become who we in our greatest potential are meant to become...
Untied and free....
2 comments:
I loved this post. I just launched myself into a transition at the end of 2010 that has really forced me to examine the labels I've applied to myself and how those labels have inhibited me in the past to embracing fully the life that would make me most happy. It's been an amazing couple of months and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this and reminding me that it is worth the effort.
I'm so glad I could offer you encouragement! It's amazing how we can be our own worst enemy...Thank you for commenting and I wish you all the best in your journey!
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