All posts by Alternative Perspectives Author

Head In the Sand, Ass In the Sky

The key to conditioning the human mind is repetition, repetition and more repetition. Unsurprisingly the key to reversing these embedded mind memes is precisely the same prescription.

Unfortunately (and fortunate for the programmers) when we are being conditioned through the process of repetition, because the message is usually delivered via so many different (trusted) sources, the process is relatively painless, especially when it comes skillfully mixed in with our beloved bread and circuses. The same cannot be said when removing the buggy software from our hardwired brains.

In my opinion the subject of denial, particularly our own custom concoction, must be repeatedly examined in order to begin to chip away at the surface. This particularly poisonous vein of self subterfuge runs deep in all of us and the only way to remove it is one layer at a time. So hammer away we must.

Thankfully one of the ways to soften the pain of removal is to partake of the same message from a variety of different messengers. Think of it as different flavors of ice cream.

Please join me in reading Greg Calise's custom flavor of the day.

Where Self-Esteem Comes From

While this is not the case as much anymore now that we live up here on the mountain, if there is a day I fail to get outside for more than a few moments I feel something is missing in my life. If this occurs for several days in the row I begin to feel antsy and will find any excuse in the book to get out and stay out.

I find my 'self' more complete after I have walked, worked or played in nature. While I would prefer the temperature to be moderate so I suffer no discomfort, in reality I am most invigorated after coming in from the more extreme weather conditions. I consider myself fortunate to recognize this aspect of my 'self'.

In his latest piece David Cain touches upon a similar notion. Please join me in reading "Where Self-Esteem Comes From".

Cognitive Dissonance

6 Signs You May Be an Infinite Player

I strongly dislike 'list' articles, to the point where I mostly ignore them as boringly formulaic and often nonsensical. But now and then one comes along that stands on its own despite the 'list' format used.

What I look for in an article to cross post here on TIF is one that stretches the borders and exercises the mind. It doesn't have to make complete sense or even be believable, just that it covers new territory or old territory with a new perspective or point of view. If this is present in an article, and it certainly is in "6 Signs You May Be an Infinite Player", I can overcome any inner bias and read the piece. In this case I was glad I did.

The author of this piece, Gary Z McGee, is relatively new to me. I shall put him on my daily rotation, and may I suggest you do so as well.

Click here to read "6 Signs You May Be an Infinite Player."