Catch Phrases

2003-4-17 13:21:00

My Friends,
Thanks for your comments on the latest chapter.

John C Writes:
So, I would like to have a little discussion about choices. Not the obvious choices which we all see such as whether to support the war in Iraq or not, but the kind of choices which some people see and which others don't see. If you want me to clarify more, I can do that.

My whole point is that not all choices are clear-cut. Maybe in the beginning the choice is not clear (i.e. we need more information to even know what the real options are), or we are somehow able to see a choice which nobody else can see.


JJ:
You must be psychic, John. This will be the focal point of the next chapter and you also asked in advance of points made of the last chapter.

Keith writes:
J.J., your post helps clarify a misconception I had about mental polarization. I thought the process was 100% one way or the other. One who is mentally polarized only has to be 51% or more - interesting. My misconception explains why I previously stated; I have never met anybody who is mentally polarized. I was referring to 100% mental, O% emotional.

JJ:
Glad this helps. This is a point of confusion for many that seems difficult to clarify. I think the comparison to a corporation perhaps explains it best. If a shareholder has 51% (or more) of the stock then he can dominate. This doesn't mean that other shareholders do not have influence, voice their opinion, make themselves felt etc. But when the majority stockholder makes the decision the whole company must step in line.

In the mentally polarized person, the mind is the majority stockholder and it always has final say on every decision. This does not mean the emotions do not get their way at times, but when they do, it is when the mind approves. In over half of all decisions both the mind and emotions agree so the emotional self may feel like it is getting its way most of the time.

Let us say that you fall in love and your emotional self really wants to move ahead with the relationship. If the mind approves, then the emotional self moves ahead with involvement as if no mind was dominant (even though it is).

Again the key to understanding mental polarization is in the actual decision-making. Are any decisions made that go against the better judgment of the mind? If so, then mental polarization is not complete.

This does not mean that all decisions approved by mind will be correct. It only means that they will represent the best judgment of mind.

Robill writes:
I have a question: Is this the same idea with "to put the emotion body below threshold of consciousness"? My understanding for 'below threshold of consciousness" is that the emotion body is still used but it happens automatically according to the mental thinking.

JJ:
Good question. All things that we learn which are comparable to a computer program can be placed below the threshold of consciousness. For instance, the example of applying the brakes if a child runs in front of your car. You do not even have to think about it because such an action is a part of your program.

Actions with emotional consequences can be placed below the threshold, but not the emotions themselves, at least not in a healthy person. A problem with some seekers is that they seek to put emotions below the threshold when the emotions are yet needed for development. When this happens the person risks being born in a future life with emotional disability or even autism. Those on the path must face their feelings with full honesty. It is a huge mistake to think that being evolved means being beyond the emotions. Such people will often suppress that which needs to be used for evolution.

Many emotions eventually become quiescent in the highly evolved, but this happens naturally and is not forced.

Phoebe writes:
"Your mind and mine can unite in shining your ego away ..." What does this mean?

JJ:
When solid soul contact is achieved then the lower and higher become as one mind and the lower self no longer dominates decision-making.

Now let us continue with our list of polarities. Here is the current list:

EMOTIONAL POLARITY
(1) Closed-minded
(2) Uses generalizations, rhetoric and hyperbole (exaggerates).
(3) He will not be able to control his emotions during period of stress.
(4) Emotions seem to dominate their personality.
(5) Prefers harmony over truth and reality.
(6) Mind not changed by the facts.
(7) Gets agitated by those who disagree.
(8) Moves from point A to point B with no logical explanation as to the why
(9) He is easily offended, even when no offense is intended.
(10) He is reluctant to give a clear or honest answer (or a yes or no) when requested. This is especially true if the answer shows a contradiction to his belief system.


MENTAL POLARITY
(1) Open-minded
(2) He will follow a logical path
(3) He will pick up intuitive impressions.
(4) Thought and common sense seem to dominate their personality.
(5) They will channel their emotions toward a purpose.
(6) Wants the true facts.
(7) New information will change their minds.
(8) Patient with those who disagree.
(9) Will sometimes be seen as not caring because he may not be swayed by prominent emotion.
(10) Moves from point A to point B with a logical explanation as to the why.
(11) Not easily offended.
(12) He gives honest, straight answers, even if it reveals a mistake in his belief system.

THIRD CATEGORY - Characteristics of actions that do not indicate the polarity.
(1) Displays strong emotion periodically that seems to be not destructive.
(2) Both may be very educated, have great memories for detail, get good grades and have much knowledge.

Now let us add a new characteristic of the emotionally polarized:
(11) He will incorporate "catch phrases" into his life as long as they support his belief system. This he will do with little or no analysis of their underlying truth.

A catch phrase usually brings no truth to the surface, but it appeals strongly to the emotional self. An example comes from the OJ trial. "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." Such a phrase has a powerful effect on the emotionally grounded. In this case, it shifted the jury's attention from the evidence of guilt to the one point in favor of innocence.

Such phrases have little influence on the few who are mentally polarized. Instead, logic and reason are the main influence.

Assignment: Current politics uses numerous catch phrases and many are used in relation to the current war. Can you name a few?

They are also used in business, religion and other parts of life.