Control and Interpretation

I guess that the idea of "being in control" or, as we often hear it these days, being a "control freak" is really based on our interpretation of thing. These of course include

• the world,
• our place in the world,
• our ability to change things in our world, and, at the bottom,
• our ability to have enough power over ourselves and others that we get what we want.

I have been reading a book on Improvisation for the Spirit and at one point she talks about control.

Control is elusive and wanting control just leads to suffering.
-Katie Goodman

Suffering. Not something any of us would naturally accept. But that brings to mind another saying that goes around the recovery community from time to time:

Pain is real; suffering is optional.

In other words our perception of pain and our interpretation of it can lead us into suffering or something else. The suffering naturally leads to things like resentments, "poor me", anger, fear. We then pull away, isolate or strike back. We try yo find ways and places of control. We suffer.

Goodman then says something profound in the improv book:

Trust is the opposite of control.

Wait! Trust? But trust in what? Or who?

Trust, among other things that the world is the way it is and that in some way or another beyond our control, it will be okay for the world.

…All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.
-Julian of Norwich

Then things begin to fall into place a whole lot easier. The daily themes we have talked about can begin to intertwine:

• Acceptance- all is what it is
• Compassion- others are in the same place we are
• Gratitude- that all is and will be in the hands of a power greater than ourselves
• Deeper meaning- which can be found in the midst of that lack of control
• Forgiveness- for others and ourselves when we seek to take that control
• Celebration- for all that we have been given
• Prayer and meditation- to keep in greater and greater contact with our higher power

Life begins to flow differently when that begins to happen. Life begins to have a rhythm that we can fit into because the world is just doing its thing (for better or worse in our interpretations.)

As I learn more of being mindful and to meditate I learn that my focus needs to be on what is and what that means. I learn that much is far beyond my control and to fight back like that is to cause myself to suffer. I need to be mindful of needing to trust and let go of my ways and learn the ways of peace.

Who's in Charge Around Here?

This week I continue looking at some of the aspects of the Attention and Interpretation course I am doing with Dr. Amit Sood of the Mayo Clinic. As usual, I note that the thoughts and interpretations (!) here are mine, not his or anyone else's.



So, we have been looking at paying attention and developing a mindful attitude toward the world and our own lives. Through the practice of meditation we develop a basic set of facts, thoughts, data, that in and of themselves have little if any meaning. Ah, but do we give them meaning! Hence the second part of what I am discovering and experiencing- interpretation. It's what happens when we look at, feel, or respond to whatever it is we become mindful of. The interpretation is what gives it meaning- or not. Often that interpretation can be based on more than just the facts. It can be based on past experiences, fears, hopes, dreams, history, faith, lack of faith, and on and on. It is often just a set of assumptions.

All one has to do is listen to the same bit of political news on MSNBC and then on Fox News. You will have a hard time believing it is the same story. The one you like or respond to will be the one that matches your political views, the facts be damned.

All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.
-Friedrich Nietzsche

The same is true of the interpretation of the things we pay attention to in our own lives.

We may not use the idea of power vs. truth within ourselves, but in reality the ideas and assumptions that have the upper hand (power) in our lives will generally lead the way to an interpretation. What we think we believe is right or wrong will color the interpretations we give to an experience.

The consequences can be troubling to much worse. Or they can get us to believe in God.

The book and movie, The Life of Pi, is one of the best examples of how this works. In the end, we are asked to decide which is the better story. Which interpretation is more helpful, hopeful, life affirming? That may be the best way to start looking at interpretation of the things we become mindful of.

Reality is how we interpret it. Imagination and volition play a part in that interpretation. Which means that all reality is to some extent a fiction.
--Yann Martel

Meditate on what it is that makes your interpretations. Be non-judgmental and allow what is to be.