Guest Post! Finding Your Center

Hello, Flamingoes! A few weeks ago, a fellow blogger named Maria reached out to me, and some correspondence later, the idea of a guest post was born. Welcome, Maria! We thank you for your feedback.

Interested in writing a guest post? Click here for more information. Share with us!

~ Catherine

Finding Your Center in the Modern Landscape: A Philosophy of Anti-Reaction

by Maria Rainier

The integration of new technologies into society has a long history of unintended consequences. For example, the initial intention of the Space Race was to provide a militaristic and ideological victory over the Soviets; however, the result was profound changes to our society and culture. The computer you are reading this on would not exist if it wasn’t for the space program.

Our interconnected, on-demand culture has brought to light many issues, some good, and some not. One unintended consequence is information overload, which in turn produces media fatigue. It is normal to be appropriately concerned over the current state of affairs. It is also understandable for people to react to these injustices, and to fight for what they believe in. However, these reactions also produce unintended consequences, and can end up causing more harm than anything, which is why I have developed a personal philosophy of anti-reaction.

Reactionary Attitudes are Inherently Weak

· Reactionary attitudes are often based on emotion and not logic. In my opinion, the best decisions take both into account as emotion without logic is inherently childish, and logic without emotion is devoid of principle.

· Reactionary attitudes tend to focus on the particulars without taking into account the bigger picture. The internalization of information is a necessary step to understanding and processing information. Nobody sees the bigger picture until they take a step back.

· Reactionary attitudes are often based on partial data sets. This is primarily driven by agenda. When someone has an agenda, it is in their best interest to withhold information, or even outright lie in order to further their agenda.

· Reactionary attitudes help your enemies by framing the debate for them. For those reading with a interest in politics, I recommend checking out George Lakoff’s “Don’t Think of an Elephant”

Anti-Reaction is Different from Non-Reaction

By anti-reaction I don’t mean to suggest that we should ignore (non-reaction) the great social issues of our time, but instead take a systematic approach in acknowledging the shortcomings of reactionary thinking, and attempt to find a better way. Anti-reaction is based in reason, love, and hope. It explicitly rejects the tenets of nihilism and cynicism as outdated modes of control. Technology is providing the world with tools that allow us to abandon the current media hierarchy, a system driven by agenda and rooted in lies and deceit, and instead celebrate truth, love, and understanding.

Tenets of an Anti-Reaction Philosophy

· Do a Little Research – Listen to all sides on an issue. Read periodicals from a number of different sources, including other countries. Even if you don’t agree with all of it, you will at least know how the opposition is framing their arguments, and you will see the bigger picture.

· Give New Information Some Time to Sink In – Our subconscious mind is continuously processing information, so it’s always a good idea to sleep on it. Don’t worry, there’s no rush.

· Be Mindful of Your Thoughts – Think about why you feel the way you do. Reason out logical alternatives.

· Consider All the Possible Consequences – Think about the consequences in terms of trade-offs, instead of absolutes.

· Once you’ve developed your idea have some Conviction - But realize that people who think in absolutes are unlikely to be persuaded and that’s ok, everyone has a right to an opinion.

About the author:

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she writes about education, online degrees, and what it takes to succeed as a student getting an online masters degree from home. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.