Order of the mind is a sane, truly intelligent person’s responsibility. Real order involves integrity and purity. How can the mind remain pure if it is merely sullied by the old-fangled values and archaic systems of the past? One must have a clear, untarnished mind. For that to occur, it may be that one’s mind must be open, young, and beyond mere influence. Only profound silence beyond old systems and methods can do that. That means not merely depending on others. That means not merely depending on inner thoughts… that were likely implanted in one by (and “as”) others. That means not merely depending upon time. (Psychological and so-called spiritual methodologies — dreamed up by man — stem from the past and require time.) Timelessness involves existing beyond one’s inner conditioning (a conditioning that is the accumulation and extension of the old patterns of others). Most of us habitually depend upon others; most of us are afraid to stand empty, alone, and open. “Standing alone” goes beyond psychological security and imitation. Many go through life imitating and copying; fear has a lot to do with it. For many, it is far easier to copy others and “go through the motions,” rather than to independently perceive and think for themselves. (And their so-called leaders are often mentally unsound.) Too many of us are second-hand human beings.
Real perception, empathy, and compassion, emanates from a superb, selfless mind that is beyond mere imitation and dependence. Real compassion comes from the heart; it does not emerge from a robotic mind that merely imitates and follows orders. In real compassion comes real action (not just reaction). Reaction belongs to imitating, conditioning, and second-hand minds (many of whom are indifferent and puppet-like).
Red-Spotted Purple (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Red-Spotted Purple (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Beautiful and true words, wonderful photos 🙂
Thank you, Liza… much appreciated! 🙂
Yes, I can only agree with lizalizaskysagrey, beautiful and true words, as usual. Thanks for sharing, Thomas. Due to a little break I might not be able to read all your future posts, Thomas. Have a good time and regards to Tweetie, Mitza
Thank you, Mitza! Hoping your break is superb! 🙂
I put America’s Got Talent on TV for the birds, and i asked Tweetie if she could sing and win the million dollars on the show. She said, “Probably not!” 🙂
What a funny bird, Thomas and thanks for your good wishes, regards Mitza
wow. that = 1 pretty butterfly. whenever monkey see beauty in nature world song of louie armstrong what a wonder world come into thought of monkey.
That Amstrong song is epic! I love it too! Thank you, Mr. Sock Monkey! 🙂
stunning butterfly photo – i love your photography
Thanks, Sara; it’s great when you see them in perfect wing condition! 🙂
Such a gorgeous blue!
Yes, Lindy! And she was right in our backyard! 🙂
Beautiful – such an iridescent blue 🙂
Thank you, Sci! Red-spotted Purples are one of my favs! 🙂
Beautiful…and very wise words. As a former corporate customer service trainer, I learned early on that empathy and compassion cannot be learned or imitated…they are innate qualities.
Yes… real compassion is not what can exist due to mere memory or through absorbing symbols given by others; it comes from within.
Oh please don’t let me be a “second hand human.” Wow! That phrase really resonates with me. Very powerful. Enjoyed this post and it’s photos. Thanks!
Thanks, Sheila! 🙂 Not to be second-hand goes way deeper than most people think. Even when people look at things, they tend to look through the screen of what was poured into them… (and that screen includes separation and conflict).
I love the photos – thank you