When we are violent and mentally formulate an ideal of nonviolence, we set up an “idealistic image” for the center of self (which is itself an absorbed, learned image) to strive towards. That “idealistic image,” being a fabricated construct of the brain, is a symbolic pattern that is not — much the same as the image of an isolated (controlling) center — real (other than being a fabrication of the mind). It may be far more prudent to give attention to the actual violence as it is occurring (without merely looking at the violence with separation and imagery). Then violence is not merely something that you have; it is what you actually are. Then you are not separate from the violence. Giving all of your energy to understand it may require that it be seen without a fallacious center trying to do something about it from a distance. In this, there would be no distance of space, nor any distance of time; (there, in other words, would be no spatial distance between a fabricated “center or ego” and the violence… and there would be no psychological time for the fallacious “center” to “have” to try to get rid of the violence.) Superfluous ideals of nonviolence need not (necessarily) be manufactured; if they were, they likely would create space, time, and conflict in the mind, sway attention from the actuality of violence, and would likely tend to support a false (isolated) center that focuses away from the learning, understanding, and true relationship regarding violence; a false center is (in itself) a form of violence; it is a man-made (isolated) image (that projects indifference, separation, and conflict).
Instead of being aware of violence and deeply learning about it (and therefore fundamentally going beyond its many ways), merely mentally saying (with that old, procrastination trick) that one will be “better” in the future involves (the space of time). The false center additionally forms (space) between itself and so-called others. This space and the space of time (psychologically) are intrinsically the same in many respects. Intentionally hurting so-called “other” life-forms is a form of violence. Jealousy is a form of violence. Envy is a form of violence. Racial prejudice is a form of violence. Indifference is a form of violence. Violence exists in many formats. If one fragment merely tries to get rid of another fragment (that is seen with separation)… then conflict continues (in one form or another) and the mind remains immersed in violence. Most have no true relationship with others and no true relationship with violence; so the violence continues (in society) as it does.
Eastern Amberwing. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Eastern Amberwing. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
The parable of the amygdala and the motivation circuits. Flipping the switch. Yes?
Many inhibitory neurons are not (as) necessary in the (truly) sagacious mind that perceives holistically. 🙂
Hi
Tom, I liked your posts, to children, flowers and painted chairs. My sentiments exactly , good writing and thought.
it wasn’t me. i’m ron.
I don’t find this easy to follow but I think I get the gist and agree.
Good, Jean! 🙂 Sometimes it helps to reread the posting, later on, if you have time… (and maybe more than a second time).
monkey believe every thing = lump in soup of proton + neutron + election. monkey make idea that beingness = state in which every thing blend in fundamentalness with every other thing. violence = word what made up for label behavior what emerge from soup of oneness. but when human creature vanish from universe in eventuality then violence vanish too. that not a bad thing.
I understand. However, we are here, now… and violence is what we have to deal with and understand. The apparent particles that scientists have come up with mean little to me; they don’t understand much whatsoever (though they think they do). 🙂
that true. monkey too not relate in spirit to fermion & boson but have amazement how everything come from them. even word & thought & feeling. monkey wish there big solution in here & now for all violent thought & behaving no matter what form it take in human creature. but monkey have realisticness & try do own best for have peacefulness emanate from monkey into world. except when sometime monkey talk about politician what make monkey bristle.
The politicians are as fragmented as the scientists… only (sadly) more so!
My goodness Tom. You seem to KNOW what I need to hear at the moment. Just this morning I spoke with my sister about this very issue – getting caught up in violence. I wish I had read your post before I spoke with her. I will forward this link to her… I have read this several times this afternoon. I love pondering, then reading again.
I’m very appreciative that you are very interested in this, Lori. 🙂 Most people aren’t very interested in this at all. They just dismiss it and go on being what they were molded to be, without thinking, without pondering, without changing.
I think it’s an eye-opening time of life for me. Tired of being miserable with the old self and not so great coping skills, I’m very interested in the philosophy of life. Pondering these pearls of wisdom in your prose is a good way for me to expand my thoughts. I appreciate so much, the time you put into putting words to paper (so to speak).
It’s great that you have the maturity and passion to ponder! It’s wonderful that you have a sister that you can share some deeper perceptions and thoughts with! 🙂
Racial prejudice is a form of violence — so true!!
Yes, Amy! It’s so very sad… what’s taking place in the U.S. right now! It’s really tragic and people need to change.