While the narrative of “the big lie” has dominated our recent news cycle, the nagging question of “the big WHY?” has been my internal reaction to the ever unfolding story.
Why do any of us believe what we believe? Are some of us more attracted to myths and conspiratorial thinking than others? Is it our DNA which dictates our beliefs or is it more how we were raised?
According to Andrew Newburg M.D., author “Why We Believe What We Believe” the answer is a combination of nature and nurture. In his research based book, Newburg argues this premise: “some beliefs can enhance our physical and emotional well-being while others can function destructively, not only upon one’s self, but upon society as well. Although our beliefs are rooted in the biology of the brain, Andrew emphasizes that they are equally shaped by parents, peers, and society.”
So again my curious mind always comes back to “the big why?” Why would any of us choose to believe something that makes us feel victimized, marginalized or attacked, especially if that belief has no factual basis to support it. Why would any of us want to believe there are large groups of evil people, coldly and cruelly devising devious plots in smoke-filled dark rooms – which if carried out, would be the end of life as we know it? Understanding this will probably require a much deeper dive into human psychology field studies to really comprehend. A task, I ironically believe I am willing to undertake – at least that is the story I’m telling myself.
In the meantime, my unquenchable curiosity towards “the big think” often results in me engaging others who are equally curious about “the big why.” I literally have a “braingasm” when I am so privileged to have conversations with intelligent, thoughtful, three-dimensional people who allow me to see their deeper layers – which spontaneously causes a “let’s do this” reaction in me. In doing so, I have learned there is no entering into the headspace of deeper soul enlightenment without going down the pathway of self-reflection and through the door of vulnerability.
In order to examine everything I think, I have to be willing to momentarily let go and relinquish my protective armor around my sense of self. I must allow myself to be vulnerable enough to admit “I don’t know” and reasonable enough to say . . . “this is just my opinion, which I realize isn’t necessarily reality.” When we allow our ego-driven defenses to be taken down a peg – we open our minds to objectivity and subsequently we have the opportunity to learn something new about ourselves, the people in our inner circle and the world around us.
It is in this stripped-down state of personal vulnerability that all preconceived notions, superficial labels, judgmental beliefs and conspiratorial narratives can be fully exposed for what they are . . . just stories we have embraced as our own and have chosen to let define us, imprison us or set us free.
Who am I? I am an ever evolving result of being addicted to asking “the big why?” Stay tuned for updates.
This article was written by a guest blogger. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not reflect the opinions of Bob Lacey, Sheri Lynch or the Bob & Sheri show.
The Zen Den
Hello and welcome to The Zen Den. My name is Alison and while I am passionate about many things, my most inspiring driving force is human connection. Blogger, content writer, orthopedic exercise specialist, motivational speaker, international yoga pro, published songwriter, avid poker player, mom and wife are just a few of my titles. But when I do my job at NASA, I am known simply as “The Fairy Zenmother” a role I deeply love because people invite me into their space to help them find their center, relax and stretch their muscles and destress their mind. Here in the blogosphere version of The Zen Den, I invite you into my world where I will explore ideas for creating a better tomorrow and a kinder today. And hopefully, with insight, authenticity and humor; my words, observations and experiences will help you feel calm, centered, intellectually challenged and spiritually enlightened. Alternatively, if you have something you would like to see covered in The Zen Den, just let me know. Your feedback is welcome and valuable to the success of this blog. Finally, my heart is filled with gratitude to have this opportunity to share with all of you.
