Home | Community | Message Board
You are not signed in.
Sign In New Account
Forum Index Search Posts Trusted Vendors Highlights Galleries FAQ User List Chat Store Random Growery


This site includes paid links. Please support our sponsors.

General Interest > Philosophy, Sociology & Psychology
Threaded Mode Threaded  Previous topic Previous  View all topics Index  Next topic Next 

Welcome to the Shroomery Message Board! You are experiencing a small sample of what the site has to offer. Please login or register to post messages and view our exclusive members-only content. You'll gain access to additional forums, file attachments, board customizations, encrypted private messages, and much more!

Shop: Sporeworks.EU Spores for European Microscopy   Unfolding Nature Unfolding Nature: Being in the Implicate Order   Original Sensible Seeds Bulk Cannabis Seeds   North Spore North Spore Mushroom Grow Kits & Cultivation Supplies

Jump to first unread post Pages: 1 | 2 |  [ show all ]
The Power of Aggression
    #8311342 -

In the course of my early adult life I developed several personal problems. When I was 33 years I set myself on a course to right those errors in my programming. I examined the problems that I experienced and looked upon them with an analytical eye. I saw that my anger management problems, alcoholism, and severe control issues were the result of aggression. At that point I set out to purge myself of this aggression to eradicate these problems. I did meet with success. I brought my anger and alcoholism under control and I actively set out to manage my control based tendencies. With each step I reduced my level of aggression. My ultimate goal was it's complete eradication because I had judged this quality to be "bad" or "wrong".

The other day I was watching a video promoting a type of physical training that I have started. In the video the instructor was referring to this practice as an act of aggression. He explained that aggression was a natural and healthy tendency, and that without it the training being referenced was ineffective. It then occurred tio me that I had come full circle in many ways.

Aggression is an emotion that is part of our natural bred being. It is not foreign or wrong. Aggression is a fear inspired survival mechanism that has great positive potential for power. My mistake in the past was to use aggression unskillfully in a poorly controlled fashion. In trying to eradicate it completely I met ultimately with only temporary suppression and self judgment. I now see aggression and violence as tools that can be used for good or ill. One can waste power with it, or effectively utilize it to achieve an end. Using discipline in it's expression is a window to realizing more of our full potential as humans.


--------------------
"A warrior is a hunter. He calculates everything. That's control. Once his calculations are over, he acts. He lets go. That's abandon. A warrior is not a leaf at the mercy of the wind. No one can push him; no one can make him do things against himself or against his better judgment. A warrior is tuned to survive, and he survives in the best of all possible fashions." ― Carlos Castaneda

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Huehuecoyotl]
    #8311462 -

Aggression is a valid and important aspect of human experience, it is when it is misdirected and confused that it's unhealthy. I find it annoying how many people divide emotions and drives into "positive" and "negative" and write off a full half of human experience as "bad." There is no good or bad emotions. It is when a particular drive is misplaced that it can have undesirable results.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Huehuecoyotl]
    #8311526 -

Quote:
Huehuecoyotl said:Aggression is a fear inspired survival mechanism that has great positive potential for power.


QFT. :thumbup:


--------------------
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Huehuecoyotl]
    #8311543 -

trying to escape identification with an emotion is just feeding it, it becomes the center of our attention and becomes integrated into the personality. it builds on itself and grows into an automatic subconscious process that we have no control over.

what do you find aggression useful for?

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Huehuecoyotl]
    #8311729 -

it would be better to put aggression to a good use rather than ignore the aggression that you have and let it build up.

but better yet would be neutralizing fear (the cause of aggression), then you could live life with no aggression. easier said than done, but i certainly believe it to be possible.

after all, what's to be afraid of in life? once you can accept that everybody dies, and that you have to work for your food, what else is there to worry about in life besides petty ego games?


--------------------

Not all who wander are lost - J.R.R. Tolkien

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: nightkrawler]
    #8311853 -

nightkrawler said:
it would be better to put aggression to a good use rather than ignore the aggression that you have and let it build up.

but better yet would be neutralizing fear (the cause of aggression)


How is fear the cause of aggression?

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: it stars saddam]
    #8311923 -

Quote:
what do you find aggression useful for?


For one thing I find a useful expression of aggression during physical exercise...in order to exert myself more fully. In rock climbing aggressive tendencies are put to good use in much the same way. There are numerous ways to express violence and aggression in a healthy manner.


--------------------
"A warrior is a hunter. He calculates everything. That's control. Once his calculations are over, he acts. He lets go. That's abandon. A warrior is not a leaf at the mercy of the wind. No one can push him; no one can make him do things against himself or against his better judgment. A warrior is tuned to survive, and he survives in the best of all possible fashions." ― Carlos Castaneda

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Huehuecoyotl]
    #8312004 -

Great post Hue and I can vouch for what you say. You never hurt me once in any of your visits. (you however almost did kill me the first time you hugged me)

Don Juan said being on a path with heart was warfare. All emotions have there place.


--------------------
"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.

" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.

With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Huehuecoyotl]
    #8313686 -

Quote:
Aggression
1. The act of initiating hostilities or invasion.
2. The practice or habit of launching attacks.
3. Hostile or destructive behavior or actions


Quote:
Asserting
1. To state or express positively; affirm: asserted his innocence.
2. To defend or maintain (one's rights, for example).

IDIOM:
assert oneself
1. To act boldly or forcefully, especially in defending one's rights or stating an opinion.


Personally, I prefer the act of assertion to any expression of aggression. When one defends or maintains one's own ground, it is assertive. When one invades or encroaches upon someone else's ground, that is aggression.

The energy you are putting into your workouts could better be described as vigor or passion, as it does not aim to destroy, attack or invade.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Veritas]
    #8313747 -

I was going to post a similar message, Veritas... however, I missed a very interesting perspective of aggression that is found here: http://www.google.com/search?q=define%3Aaggression

"Its positive pole is dynamism; its negative pole is belligerence. In aggression mode, one releases one's energy vigorously."

Anger is only harmful if you take it personally and react unwittingly out of that delusional view.

I think Hue is transforming himself by using old-primitive neuro programs with a constructive outlet, with a beneficial goal in mind.


--------------------
As the life of a candle,
my wick will burn out.
But, the fire of my mind
shall beam into infinite.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Veritas]
    #8314658 -

Personally, I prefer the act of assertion to any expression of aggression. When one defends or maintains one's own ground, it is assertive. When one invades or encroaches upon someone else's ground, that is aggression.

while you may prefer one both are necessary for survival. If you don't do violence or have someone else do it on your behalf you won't survive.


--------------------
"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.

" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.

With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Icelander]
    #8314714 -

Really? Who has been ensuring my survival thus far? How does initiating hostile and destructive behaviors protect me from actual threats to my life?

How is invasion of someone else's ground essential for survival? Wouldn't self-defense be survival-related, and offensive action against others be fear and control-related? One can be violent in one's own defense without being aggressive.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Veritas]
    #8315182 -

Have you ever eaten meat? Or even vegetables for that matter? Was your home built on the living quarters of animals and insects and plants? Violence is unavoidable. When you drive or walk something dies a violent death. "Every move you make, every breath you take" Think on these things.


--------------------
"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.

" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.

With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Icelander]
    #8315272 -

By the definition I posted, how do these things constitute aggression? Agreed, the animals I have eaten were not attacking me, so my act of consuming them could not be considered self-defense. However, it would be difficult to characterize harvesting broccoli florets as a hostile and destructive action.

I know that you're big on the whole "nature red in tooth and claw" idea, but can't you see the difference between being violently aggressive and asserting one's right to survive?

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Veritas]
    #8315290 -

Quote:
Veritas said: However, it would be difficult to characterize harvesting broccoli florets as a hostile and destructive action.


And who are you, sir, to speak in conclusive judgement on behalf of the broccoli florets?


--------------------
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Icelander]
    #8315314 -

Yea, the entire reason we build houses is to get revenge on the insects :rolleyes:

Life feeds on life, it is necessary :P  :rimshot:

Aggression can be vented out in a positive way; usually improving yourself. Without a burst of that "aggression" some people wouldn't go the extra mile.

Emotions are tools just like anything else. It takes skill to wield them and it takes true knowledge to understand how to use them effectively.

There are two ways to perceive sensations (emotions are sensations). Either A) we can allow our senses and/or thoughts to control our perceptions of the sensation or B) we can understand the nature of emotions through a perception that does not take them personally.

For an example for both.
If you are happy and walking along and suddenly stub your toe, you can either A) get angry at the painful sensation and feed it with extra painful thought or B) you can see it as a passing feeling and not let it get to you. The truth is the pain is there, you can either be attached or detached. One leads to further pain, the other leads to sustained happiness.


--------------------
As the life of a candle,
my wick will burn out.
But, the fire of my mind
shall beam into infinite.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: deCypher]
    #8315333 -

I'm not a "sir" for one thing. :grin:  All scientific indications point to broccoli being non-sentient, and the actual broccoli plant can continue to live after the florets have been harvested.  (I know, I have one in my backyard.)

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: psyka]
    #8315345 -

Quote:
Aggression can be vented out in a positive way; usually improving yourself. Without a burst of that "aggression" some people wouldn't go the extra mile.




This is not aggression, however, but rather postively-focused passion or vigor, as I previously stated. Only hostile, destructive acts and/or attacks can be typified as "aggression." One who deliberately directs their passion/vigor into harmful actions is being aggressive.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Icelander]
    #8315372 -

Quote:
"Every move you make, every breath you take" Think on these things.


I long suspected you were actually Sting.


--------------------

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: The Power of Aggression [Re: Veritas]
    #8315593 -

Veritas said:
By the definition I posted, how do these things constitute aggression? Agreed, the animals I have eaten were not attacking me, so my act of consuming them could not be considered self-defense. However, it would be difficult to characterize harvesting broccoli florets as a hostile and destructive action.

I know that you're big on the whole "nature red in tooth and claw" idea, but can't you see the difference between being violently aggressive and asserting one's right to survive?


I see the difference but believe both are necessary. For example it is believed that climate change pushed our ancestors out of the trees and onto the plains. Had we not been agressive enough to stake claim to this new environment we most likely would have perished. Driving a bear out of a cave to claim that shelter could have meant the difference between survival and death for a small group of humans. If you look at the mating of many non-violent animals such as deer you will see them fight durning mating time. My point being it's pretty natural to be agressive and violent at times. The problem I see is we tend to do it unnecessarily and far to often.


--------------------
"Don't believe everything you think". -Anom.

" All that lives was born to die"-Anom.

With much wisdom comes much sorrow,
The more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Jump to top Pages: 1 | 2 |  [ show all ]

Shop: Sporeworks.EU Spores for European Microscopy   Unfolding Nature Unfolding Nature: Being in the Implicate Order   Original Sensible Seeds Bulk Cannabis Seeds   North Spore North Spore Mushroom Grow Kits & Cultivation Supplies

General Interest > Philosophy, Sociology & Psychology
Threaded Mode Threaded  Previous topic Previous  View all topics Index  Next topic Next 

Similar ThreadsPosterViewsRepliesLast post
* power Anonymous 1,731 14 05/21/03 11:36 PM
by Sclorch
* Aggression Droz 724 9 11/05/04 11:07 AM
by RedEyeSamurai
* Characters in dreams
( 1 2 all )		 ekomstop 2,356 33 04/11/04 10:28 AM
by Anonymous
* The Power in this World...
( 1 2 3 4 all )		 fireworks_godS 3,883 64 08/21/03 08:56 AM
by sirreal
* Passive/Agressive Icelander 838 11 02/02/06 06:35 PM
by MushroomTrip
* What's to become of self character in the world of industry? tekramrepus 808 8 06/02/03 12:28 PM
by tekramrepus
* The Power of Positive Thinking
( 1 2 3 all )		 Swami 3,158 44 09/02/04 06:12 PM
by spudamore
* personal power
( 1 2 all )		 PHARMAKOS 3,025 22 04/14/04 12:44 AM
by TheShroomHermit

Extra information
You cannot start new topics / You cannot reply to topics
HTML is disabled / BBCode is enabled
Moderator: Middleman, DividedQuantum
3,532 topic views. 1 members, 11 guests and 36 web crawlers are browsing this forum.
[ Show Images Only | Sort by Score | Print Topic ]
Search this thread:

Copyright 1997-2026 Mind Media. Some rights reserved.

Generated in 0.025 seconds spending 0.004 seconds on 16 queries.