Recently, I received a recommended video in my email that forced me to reckon with inconsistencies in the recesses of my personal opinions. Due to the inherent inconsistent nature of beliefs (opinions and values are the same as beliefs to me), sketchy proof, and purely anecdotal foundations, my beliefs are not worth sharing, or at the very least, private. So, the recommended viewing made me cognizant of my contribution of behavior and words to the ideas others form of me during our brief and minimal encounters. The video's description was of firearm rights and use. A hard no from me. Always, another option exists other than violence and killing. Nonetheless, I wondered what could I have unconsciously said or done to garner this recommendation? Nothing actually. My reputation and other's beliefs about me, are none of my business.
Beliefs and opinions are often shared in the seeking of validation for the conceptual self through the belief's credibility or flaw. But validation is only inherernt (only available from within) and is - like the conceptual self - an illusion. Furthermore, beliefs are also illusions created by the mind to lend credence to existence, to placate, and entertain. Beliefs so elusive and fragile - instantly abandoned - at the mercy of the weather, a snide remark, or job loss.
Although firearms will never find space on my life path, others have different perspectives garnered from experiences and influences exclusive to that individual that bring firearms into their life. And although I will never condone firearms, violence, or killing, I will also not judge the person who finds themselves in these situations. I was honored that person found solace enough in my presence to share such an intimate and vulnerable part of their life.
Further rumination around this recommended video siphoned the little energy remaining in my day. All answers posed as reasons rational only to the least educated. At best, the recommendation was a lesson in understanding death - that all pursuits are time-sensitive and therefore must be worthy because I am going to die. Do I really need to find the reason behind the recommendation? No. No suffices. And no is time well spent.
