Summary

The text reflects on the complexities of personal growth, the permanence of life changes, and the challenges of shedding past experiences and opinions, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond learning to simply "being."

Abstract

The author of the text muses on the irreversible nature of certain life events, such as losing one's virginity or forming an opinion, likening the latter to getting a tattoo that invites counter opinions. They acknowledge the burden of the past and the self-centered interpretations of expressed love and wisdom. The narrative suggests that self-awareness and the realization of oneness with others are key to overcoming personal limitations, advocating for a shift from accumulating knowledge to embracing existence.

Opinions

The author implies that certain life experiences, once undergone, are impossible to revert, akin to losing virginity or getting a tattoo.
Despite the difficulty, there is a persistent attempt to return to a previous state of innocence or opinionlessness.
The past is depicted as a form of luggage that one carries and is judged by, influencing current perceptions.
Expressions of love and wisdom are often misconstrued as acts of selfishness.
The text suggests that self is central to personal growth, yet this focus on self is also subject to misinterpretation as selfishness.
The concept of separation is dismissed as an illusion, which can lead to confusion for those who believe in individuality.
The ultimate realization that we are all connected is seen as the key to understanding what holds humanity back.
The author values the idea of "being" more over the continuous pursuit of learning, indicating a transition from intellectual accumulation to a more experiential and existential approach to life.

Going Beyond Learning

And entering a new paradigm

I have learned that once you lose your virginity it is really, really, really hard to get it back.

(But I keep trying.)

I have learned that once you grow up it is very difficult to go back.

(But I keep trying.)

I have learned that once you have formed an opinion it is like getting a tattoo. Everyone sees it and forms an instant counter opinion.

(I have no tattoos despite all the ones everyone sees.)

I have learned that the past may be over but we continue to drag it around behind us.

(And we are seen with the luggage we carry.)

I have learned that the love we express is never pure.

(And is construed as selfishness.)

I have learned that the wisdom we have gained, when expressed…

(is also construed as selfishness.)

I have learned that we really have very little wisdom

(and this is also construed as selfishness.)

I have learned that one’s self is what matters

(And this is also construed as selfishness.)

And I have learned that all separation is an illusion

(And this confuses everyone.)

And when I finally learn that we are all one

(I will finally see what holds all of us back.)

I may have learned a lot

(But I won’t proceed until I go beyond what I learned.)

And this does not involve learning more

(It is all about being more.)

Speaking of woo-woo…

Perpetual Motion

The significance of curiosity

medium.com