Operational Spectrum

[ehowton]

When we only see the world in black & white, we have difficulty coping and problem-solving because we apply a false dichotomy filter to everything we observe or experience. Cognitive behavior therapy is an introduction to critical thinking skills insofar as it allows us to apply pattern recognition to everyday occurrences ending the loop of irrational fear. Critical thinking isn't knowing everything about everything, its simply acknowledging there may be an answer which has yet been considered; keeping our options open until we can collect more information.

Binary thinking robs us of the ability to see absolutely every question, moral dilemma, challenge, or opportunity as anything more than yes/no; right/wrong, disallowing reasonable interpretation, new data, or mitigating circumstances. When we lack the curiosity of objective introspection, we can never move beyond what we know right now, today. Our behavior is the visible indicator of worldview we hold and will often reveal where we fall on the operational spectrum.

Given what we've learned about science, biology, philosophy, psychology, gender and sexuality, many of the things ourselves, our parents, and our grandparents believe to be true is simply inaccurate at best and harmful at worst. There is so much study on these things, and so many new facts being revealed, that only those who are keeping up with this influx of new information really acknowledge the unprecedented change in our understanding, and fewer still have endeavored to apply it in a practical manner to the relative morality of an ever-changing society. There are no solid answers yet because this is unprecedented - there are no "rules" to "follow" because everything we thought we knew or understood is now incorrect.

So what is one to do in times like these? LIVE! Seek joy! Use the unending spectrum of gray between the two polar opposites as your own personal playground. There's no one else there so utilize as much of it as you can. Don't burden yourself with picking or choosing any one thing - try it all and change often for with every experience comes new opportunities and facilitation for discovering the best possible version of yourself over and over and over again. Make your loop joy - in whatever form it takes for you - and learn, and grow. These things are much easier to accomplish when you are loved and supported, and you are loved. And supported <3


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