avatarJoseph Lieungh

Summary

The author reflects on the journey from being an extremist to finding balance and awareness in life, choosing not to partake in the emotional highs and lows of others while fostering a space for deeper understanding.

Abstract

The article "Ignorance is Not Bliss" delves into the author's personal transformation from a life of extremes to one of equilibrium. The author describes the shift from being caught in the polarized 'right versus left' mentality to adopting a more centered approach, observing life's events without being swayed by the emotional tides of joy or suffering. This balanced perspective is likened to being in the middle, carrying the weight of keeping others at peace while facing accusations of ignoring life's truths. The author emphasizes the conscious choice to create happiness rather than seek it and to hold space for a holistic view of life's canvas. The piece concludes with gratitude towards the readers and a nod to the 30-day poetry challenge that inspired this introspection.

Opinions

  • The author believes that those who maintain balance in life are often misunderstood as ignorant, when in fact, they possess a heightened awareness of life's nuances.
  • There is a critique of extremism, suggesting that those who experience life's emotional extremes may mistakenly consider their state as blissful, while the author argues that true contentment comes from balance and awareness.
  • The author expresses empathy for those on emotional roller coasters, having experienced it themselves, but also conveys a sense of detachment from such states.
  • The piece suggests that ignorance is a state associated with the extremes of the emotional spectrum, not with the balanced middle ground the author occupies.
  • Gratitude is expressed towards a challenge that encouraged the author to stretch their creative boundaries, implying that such exercises are valuable for personal growth.
  • The author values the feedback and engagement from readers, acknowledging the shared journey of inspiration and self-discovery.

Ignorance is Not Bliss

Dependent on who you ask

Image taken in Peru by author

Caught in the middle of life’s ebb’s and flow, not of the natural sort but human-made right versus left mentality.

Those holding balance at the tipping point watched with judging eyes; accusations fly as if they are hiding behind ignorance of life events.

Contrary to popular belief, it is quite the opposite, for a higher awareness of good mad perceptual evil exists to these. Too busy carrying water and chopping wood to keep the others quenched and warm in a peaceful embrace.

Oh, how they continue throwing rotten tomatoes whilst they are the ones ignoring opposition and the balance of life’s natural flow.

Monie in the middle, where she at, in the middle keeping balance and pulse of all there is.

~Ani Po

Photo by Andre Guerra on Unsplash

I sat with this for a few days, allowing thought to mingle with other thoughts as to what this means to me.

In my younger years, I was an extremist, from one side of the spectrum to the next, up and down the roller coaster of emotions and feelings. Since thirteen years ago, while taking a leap of faith into the unknowing of things, I have remained in the middle of the pack, one foot in and one foot out, keeping the balance between both sides of the spectrum.

It can be difficult dealing with others and relating to when they are on the roller coaster ride of ups and downs as I once was. I get it, I understand, but I no longer have to get on the ride.

With this, it is very easy for others to accuse me of ignoring life’s real truths. On the contrary, I am aware of the pain, suffering, and even the joyous events happening-I merely do not choose to get on the ride of pain and misery.

No longer seeking joy, instead creating happiness in every breath of my day. I am not perfect, and this journey is far from over, so I always have room for improvement. The old saying ignorance is bliss, I feel, is reserved for those on the extreme sides of that roller coaster ride as it travels up and down, hitting high points and lows. Ignorance is not bliss; it is where I remain, holding space for others to join in deeper possibilities of seeing the Canvas of Life as a whole or holy event for the embracing.

Thank you Diana C. for a month long challenge, stretching my brain a little further, from lyrics to layout of poetry, this 30 day poetry challenge was enjoyed.

Much gratitude for those who take time to read, ponder, and allow the inner workings of self to come forward. Grateful for the feedback, love shared, and more importantly, the Dance with Inspiration. Deep Peace.

Joseph Lieungh

Photo by Javardh on Unsplash
Poetry
Spirituality
Self Realization
Balance
Ani Po
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