This post is another one of excellent timing. I have been thinking heavily about this as I attend to my aunt who recently fell and can no longer live alone. My aunt likely has a personality disorder so is an extreme in human behavior. She is nearly totally negative. Over the years, and now as I am dealing with her daily, I have pondered that she has determined her “story” of victimhood, with all paths leading to supporting that story. These paths end up all being negative and for the most part, untrue. The negativity and paranoia are described in personality disorder. Through her extreme of personality, I can see that she is unable to break out of this. It is such a miserable life.It is exactly as you describe. I told my friend that it is as if we end up in our own matrix. Jesus’ teaching about seeing the splinter in the other’s eye, and not the log in our own is such an amazing description of this process. When we are stuck in our own story/matrix, it is very hard to get out. You know this about human nature and the neurology of the brain, and are providing such valuable “biopsies” and “surgical procedures.” I am hopeful that as I see the splinters in my neighbor’s eye, I can use this as a reminder to keep looking for the logs in my own. Your teachings provide the framework to challenge my matrix. We can learn so much about ourselves in having the curiosity, rather than criticism, of observing those around us, and ourselves. Thanks to you and Lisa for your continued guidance in navigating the complexities of our minds and brains! Kathy
Dear Dr. Warren,
This post is another one of excellent timing. I have been thinking heavily about this as I attend to my aunt who recently fell and can no longer live alone. My aunt likely has a personality disorder so is an extreme in human behavior. She is nearly totally negative. Over the years, and now as I am dealing with her daily, I have pondered that she has determined her “story” of victimhood, with all paths leading to supporting that story. These paths end up all being negative and for the most part, untrue. The negativity and paranoia are described in personality disorder. Through her extreme of personality, I can see that she is unable to break out of this. It is such a miserable life.It is exactly as you describe. I told my friend that it is as if we end up in our own matrix. Jesus’ teaching about seeing the splinter in the other’s eye, and not the log in our own is such an amazing description of this process. When we are stuck in our own story/matrix, it is very hard to get out. You know this about human nature and the neurology of the brain, and are providing such valuable “biopsies” and “surgical procedures.” I am hopeful that as I see the splinters in my neighbor’s eye, I can use this as a reminder to keep looking for the logs in my own. Your teachings provide the framework to challenge my matrix. We can learn so much about ourselves in having the curiosity, rather than criticism, of observing those around us, and ourselves. Thanks to you and Lisa for your continued guidance in navigating the complexities of our minds and brains! Kathy