Witchvox Article

Author: Hemlock Evergreen {George}
Posted: August 23rd. 2009
Times Viewed: 2,067

Why does it seem such a priority for some individuals to believe themselves more important than they are � or more important than other people? Why do some individuals believe they need to extol their own virtues in public forums? Its one thing to have honors bestowed upon oneself and to become known for who we are, but to tell others of one�s wisdom, of being an elder, a shaman, a bard, etc., is a different matter.

What is this need for showing others how seemingly important we are within our Pagan community? Is it solely inflated egos, or is there more to it? There are so many people and so many paths and beliefs out there, with some few desiring to inform anyone willing to listen (or not!) how wondrous and worthy of respect they are, how grand and wonderful they are, what a renowned elder they are, the list goes on and on and on�.

At one time, being acknowledged for what I thought myself to be was a quite important for me. Then �life� happened and priorities changed, with the realization that it�s what�s within one�s own heart that really matters, not what other people believe they know about others.

People need to be accepted (or not) for who and what they are, what they show themselves to be via their words and actions, not by what they tell others about themselves. There are enough difficulties in our community without people claiming to be what they�re not, and leading others down their path for their own � and possibly wrong � reasons.

Perhaps part of the problem is this computerized text media called �email� which has become so popular and important to us. Email is also the very thing that has allowed so many of us to become exposed to like-minded people on paths similar paths to our own, and it�s wonderful for that reason!

Yet isn�t it amazing the way Email and the Internet allow people to be anything (or anyone) they want to be, to those who don�t know them personally? The unscrupulous can pretend to be something they�re not, living a fantasy life for their own self-aggrandizement, possibly at others� expense.

What is the answer? Pay attention to what people have to say, both about others and about themselves. Ask questions, and take note of how your concerns are (or are not) addressed. If an individual spends copious amounts of time extolling their own virtues, presenting their titles and providing reasons they should be revered, honored or respected, perhaps you should question if that is actually deserved. Form your own opinions about people, based on your gut feelings and what you come to know yourself, and not on what you�re told by others to believe. Pay attention, talk to friends you know and trust, and all will be well.

Related to this is another question: Why do some people feel the need to forever pick arguments with individuals over email lists?

I�ve learned that I really don�t need to read each and every post on the lists I�m a member of � especially those of certain blowhard or antagonistic individuals (or those in the category discussed in the previous paragraph) . If a problem is continually had with certain individuals and there is a perceived need to take that individual to task, why must it be done publicly, over the list? Why cannot these replies be done privately to the person, rather than by humiliating someone publicly? Remember, their email addresses can be blocked if you�re being harassed, and you can report them to your email service provider, if necessary.

There may be a difference when someone is making attacks or misleading others publicly, then the defense (or even offensive) might need to be accomplished publicly, for the common good. But when that email is disliked because of the author, not sharing their beliefs, the way they write or whatever � why even bother reading their posts?

There are some who write very long-winded diatribes full of self-aggrandizing statements and believe me, it�s extremely easy to hit that �delete� tab and watch their email disappear into the ether of the trash file! It actually makes me feel good sometimes, doing so, and does nobody any harm (and doesn�t empower them by my having read their work and possibly becoming irritated myself) .

Unfortunately, our community is quite full of those who feel the need for one-upsmanship, always having the last �wise� (or hate-filled) words, and debates turn sour and vile, with the whole group being drug into it. Please remember that �delete� tab, and use it liberally at need!

Recently �life� has again helped me reorient my thoughts and beliefs, enabling me to recognize some of that which really and truly is important, things such as: the birth of a child; the importance of friends; the spirits of the trees; the balm of playing my flutes; the essence of the early ways and teachings of the Native peoples of this North America; and the responsibilities I have, as one lowly member of the Two Legged Nation, for what is. Gifts unanticipated, unexpected and unasked for are sometimes granted for honoring this natural world in which we live; gift for gift, how often it happens thusly.

It�s an interesting time � special gifts have recently come into my open outstretched hands. Coincidences? I ceased believing in those a number of years back. Sometimes they�re just too common and frequent to be anything less than what is meant to be, so I now look for and accept them.

It gives one pause, thinking about what�s really important in this life, and how many are touched by each one of us � and how the nature of those touches is within our means to influence, for good or ill. It is my hope that I may be who I will, and that others will know me for who I am rather than for what others may say about me.

It�s an interesting time, with much hope and promise at the time of this potent New Moon - with Sun, Moon and Earth in close alignment. We�ll see what the future holds, and what �coincidences� may lie just around the river�s bend � for tomorrow�s yet another day, a new beginning. I�ve written enough now, my own thoughts, and go in peace, as hopefully shall any who read these words�perhaps I�ll even become a better man for it.

Blessings to all, and to the Spirit of the World�

Mitakuye Oyasin

Hemlock Evergreen

Copyright: (c) George Dula, 2009

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