Conscious Choice | Filed under General
I think this follows right along behind yesterday’s post very well. Yesterday was all about what we could do to add something of quality into our life and today we are going to talk about doing good or not so good. Marcus Aurelius once said “We ought to do good to others as simply and as naturally as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne.” I know just as you know there are very few of us who do this but we can always work to improve and strive to be better every day.
Have you ever thought when did you realize that doing good is a conscious choice. I have not been doing bad things all my life, of course, but I had never really thought about it before–why do people do good things? Why did I do good things sometimes, and not-so-good things other times? Usually it came down to a couple of criteria–which choice would give me the most benefit, or which choice would help me to avoid pain or unpleasantness.
My motivation was usually purely self-centered, though I didn’t really see it that way. I saw it as emotional and physical survival, and I didn’t think about things like trusting life to take care of me or trying to spread good in the world. One of my primary motivations always was to avoid loss and to make sure that I was set for the future–I couldn’t give away something that I might need next week or next month.
But then things changed for me, Missy ( MS) came along and I changed. I started doing good acts–spreading goodness, if you will–I tuned into something very important in life, something that’s very universal. I tuned into the positive energy that so many people contribute to, the energy of compassion and charity. Good acts energize us and they energize the recipients of the acts, and selfishness is not just put aside, but defeated entirely.
Marcus Aurelius here is talking about a way of life, a manner of being that is focused on others, and on giving to others, even if the giving is in the form of intangibles such as encouragement or a simple smile. And even though the recipients of our good acts benefit from them, I benefit even more, for I’m practicing a lifestyle that leads to great levels of fulfillment, personally, emotionally, psychologically, and even physically, as my health improves dramatically from the mental state .
Doing good should be simple and natural. One of my personal goals is to make goodness a way of life, and I don’t mean that in a sentimental, insincere way. I mean that I want my acts to contribute to the good of the world–to the peace, fulfillment, appreciation, gratitude, and all the other positive energies that are in our world. That is one of the reasons for Always Victoria. Yes Life Is Simply Good. Here today I have given you the answer to why I blog.
So now I am going to leave you with a few questions to ponder. Do you do good acts naturally, or do you have to think about them before you do them?
What are your favorite types of good acts that you perform? How often do you perform them?
What are the visible effects on others when you perform good acts? On yourself?
Last but not least and most important to many why do you blog?
For further thought:
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
John Wesley
Did I say, Yes Life Is Simply Good and Getting Better.
August 26th, 2005 at 12:11 pm
At first it was something I thought of. Now it is just my way. If you ask the people around me everyday they would say “he is just a nice guy”. Understated and living life low keyed. But enjoying the now.http://alwaysvictoria.com/wp-images/smilies/icon_bananadance.gif
August 26th, 2005 at 1:35 pm
A great post like always…I haven’t been around much this week and I’m sorry…probably won’t be until Sunday night or Monday.
Good deeds–ouch, I’ve gotten somewhat selfish lately with my time, but I’m still taking the trash cans to the curb for two women in two different neighborhoods who use walkers. I know that’s not much but it’s easier for them and I go back and make sure they are put back as well. Plus I volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and the Adult Literacy Program.
And to tell the truth, I have no idea why I blog these days, i just know I like it.
Take care,
August 26th, 2005 at 1:53 pm
I like that last sentence. That says it all, but all of the post was wonderful. Our focus changes through our life, we have different needs at different times. I have learned as well that I do feel better when I’m helping others and not focused on me and my problems. We all need “OUR” time but it is important to give others part of ourselves. Even if it is a smile or a hello.
*HUGS & LOVE*
August 26th, 2005 at 3:38 pm
A thoughtful post, as always.
When I was little I used to carry a string in my pocket and put a knot in it whenever I did a “good deed”. I made a vow to myself every morning that I had to have x number of knots in it by the time I went to bed that night. What can I say? That was back in the day when I was hoping to become Sister Mary Juno.
As for blogging, it started off as a way from me to start disciplining myself to write every day. I had a dream of writing a novel and figured this would be good preparation. I was beyond shocked when people started leaving comments and kept checking in on a regular basis. I mean really, how interesting could my life possibly be to a stranger? Now I’m just addicted.
Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my site Victoria. I don’t always say it, but I do love it when your name pops up with some encouraging words. You’re the best.
August 26th, 2005 at 6:09 pm
Excellent post, Vickie !! I liked the poem. That really hit home to me. With some of my limitations.. especially not feeling good these past days, I too, like to give to others. I am not selfish. I do all I can do and sometimes more !!
My Life is Simply Good!!
August 27th, 2005 at 12:11 am
You an angle. Only angle could say this:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
August 27th, 2005 at 1:14 am
I guess that most of the “good” that I do is focused on animals. I try to be nice to all people, treat everyone with respect and kindness, but mostly I try to be an advocate for the animals, who cannot speak for themselves. They didn’t ask to be here and it’s our responsibility to make their lives as good as possible. They are treated as an accessory to our lives, to be played with and paid attention to at our convenience. Maybe I’m really weird, but I think they deserve to be as important as my life itself. I try to do things that they enjoy, and make them happy. I try to help animals in need.
August 27th, 2005 at 9:24 am
Yes I blog, and I started blogging to enjoy the blogging part of my friendships. It’s just a sharing thing on another level, you know?
In answer to your post, what makes my day more than probably anything else is making someone smile or laugh, or generally just feel good. That is the biggest kick for this chick’s ol’ heart and soul! I think for me it just comes naturally to be “nice” to people…..but yes sometimes I’ll actually plan something nice to do for someone, usually when they’re in need of a feel-good moment, but sometimes just because.:heart:
August 27th, 2005 at 9:39 am
I love it Vic, let’s wrap a lifetime of emotional sensitivity in a few sentences in less than a minute. No sweat! I’m a sensitive kid - always have been. But it’s never that simple. I’m also a clever clown (smart ass) who almost always gets a laugh. I say almost, because the rest of the time my clever quips hurt someones feelings. And I am truly not a mean person. I believe I try to do good things naturally, that’s how the village raised me. But I also compensate for my tendency to be smart at the expense of others by consciously being nice “…To all the people (I) can,
As long as ever (I) can.” Thanks fine lady.
August 27th, 2005 at 10:45 am
I do try to plan a kind deed or act from time to time, but, for the most part I just try to be naturally nice, if that makes sense! The “do unto others” works well for me - not that I always accomplish that. I sure do slip up and then feel badly. As someone who wears their feelings on their sleeve, I find it difficult at times to respond to negativity “positively”. I am a firm believer, however, that what we give from our heart comes back to us tenfold!
Hope you’re having a great Saturday Ms. Vickie - “Conscious Choice” - Love that!!:heart:
August 27th, 2005 at 12:26 pm
Hello sweet lady! I just wanted to stop in and say howdy. Doing good is my middle name. I have found though that sometimes I get into trouble when I do good for some one. Or I run into the problem of helping some one so much that they miss the lesson that was intended for them. And I continue to miss the lesson that I don’t always have to take care of everyone and everything. I would so love to save the world:)Sometimes I think GOD is
Because I just don’t pay attention to much else:oops:
August 27th, 2005 at 1:28 pm
Some do good deeds because they think the Sky Fairy watches and keeps score. My Teacher always taught that we do good deeds because the world in which we live is created by our actions. Steal, and you create for yourself, at least, a world of thieves. Be generous and you create a world filled with generous souls. Be kind and you create a world of kind people. Treat the world as a neighborhood, it is a neighborhood. And always remember, if you allow evil to exist without objection, you have contributed to it.
August 27th, 2005 at 8:52 pm
I think being nice to others starts from within. I like to buy presents for others that are the types of things that I would buy for myself. My best gift is something that I would want for myself. Interesting how something that seems self-centered actually personalizes the gift and makes it so special when the receiver adores the present as much as you do.
August 28th, 2005 at 9:32 am
I’m back from Colorado and have been reading here and catching up!
I find it very easy to do good things for those I care about, but the hardest acts of kindness, the ones I find myself having to force, are the ones for someone I don’t particularly care for.
Love thine enemies… I really struggle with that one.
As far as why I blog, well, it began as an exercise to create a mental muscle, making myself write something every day — regardless of how good or bad it was — and using it to acclimate myself to writing to deadlines. I really never thought anyone would read my drivel, but then it took on a life of its own.
Things don’t always end up how we think they will.
Good question.
August 28th, 2005 at 10:33 am
I would like to think doing good just comes naturally and is not a thought process. However for many that is not the case.
August 28th, 2005 at 2:06 pm
My opinion is that like the innocence of a new born we come into this world with a blank slate, with only one emotion, fear. Fear of the unknown.
We learn the rest.
We learn to be kind by watching kindness, we learn hate because we are taught to hate, we learn love because we see it and we do good because we see others do it and we see how happy we make people.
I like helping people when they deserve my help. Some people are just users.
Doing good makes you feel good also especially when you see how happy you have made someone.
Here is something that a friend of mine does at Christmas.
The day before Xmas her kids have to choose one of their wrapped gifts from under the tree and and go donate it to the Boys/Girls Club
Since there is never nothing over 50 bucks under the tree it’s no big deal.
This has been going on for 30 years and their grand kids are now doing it
Great post as usual.
Have a nice day.
August 28th, 2005 at 7:20 pm
Doing good should be simple and natural; it’s certainly something to strive for - great post.
August 28th, 2005 at 7:49 pm
Beautiful! I love coming here and reading your thought provoking site. Just beautiful.:yes:
August 28th, 2005 at 8:48 pm
Great and wonderful words as always. Only four more weeks until I have my own place and can get back to the basics of life such as volutneering in My hometown again. And in the meantime, I’ll continue to do what I can here.
August 29th, 2005 at 5:38 am
I blog because it’s a great way to meet chicks. Remember my motto..I may be getting older, but I refuse to grow up.
Great post as always dear!:arrow::heart:
August 29th, 2005 at 5:52 am
Insightful, as always Victoria. You always make me take pause and think.
August 29th, 2005 at 8:03 am
Thinking of you this Monday morning! Hope you’re doing okay.
August 31st, 2005 at 6:48 am
I think most of the time it is just a second nature. Except when I am tempted to do something ugly, then it becomes a conscious choice. I like to do something for others, because it helps me to be less self-focused, less self-preoccupied. And it helps to keep away negative thoughts.
Why I blog? I like to communicate with others. Provoking a response or reaction from them gives me satisfaction. It’s also a way to try to do something creative.