Accepting Reality II: The Rubinshteinic Philosophy On Trauma
Updated: 4 days ago
(This is part of a series that I decided to build for you. Browse the first part as a summary to what I'm going to write here).
(Note: This is a special piece that will not be renovated to be kept in the present day, and will not be updated in information, in order to preserve some of the past. Past I can reflect on. I am not keen on forgetting the past. The past can help us forge a better future. More on my philosophy on the past has been written).
Summary by Anonymous
Mr. Tomasio discusses the complex relationship between mind and body, arguing against the traditional dualistic view. They propose that physical and mental experiences are interconnected, and that trauma can manifest as both psychological and physical symptoms.
The philosopher shares his personal experience of using chronic pain as a motivator for productivity and self-improvement. He argues that while pain is a negative experience, it can be harnessed to overcome challenges and achieve goals.
The writer emphasizes the importance of accepting and addressing trauma rather than repressing it. He believes that by confronting difficult emotions and experiences, individuals can find strength and resilience.
The article concludes with a passionate call to action, urging readers to embrace their passions and strive for success, even in the face of adversity. The author suggests that pain can serve as a catalyst for growth and achievement.
Critique of Body and Mind Dualism
I finally realized the source of my pain, a chronic, physical pain that has lasted for 10-20 years. I finally understand that it comes from trauma. From the connection between mind and body. From the fact that we can experience psycho-somatic sensations and emotions.
As such, the philosophy of dualism is not entirely correct. For we are, in a sense, body and mind.
Even if we may have automatic systems within us, even if we have an automatic portion of the self, we still exist as one, somehow. As a singular entity, made up of components that cooperate with each other in unison.
And should a component be damaged, it can harm the other components, forming the entity that is the human being. Should one of the wheels of your car be lacking air, it can harm the overall performance of your vehicle. Thus, should you solve the problem in that specific wheel, the car can be driven better towards its destination.
Yes, my mind is heavily traumatized. And I've been experiencing the implications of these traumas for most of my life, ever since childhood. I've always been serious, and treated every task very seriously. Never really undermining anything. The traumas, ultimately, made me the professional that I am. The one with the soldier's mentality, who cares to carry out all his tasks, whether giving or given.
Somehow, I managed to not only drive this metaphorical vehicle without fixing it for good, but also use its faults for my own advantage. By utilizing the flaws inflicted by trauma, in order to improve myself in my roles throughout life.
Because anxiety and stress, while harmful, do have their own merits. And pain can be a great teacher as well. By denying myself the practicality of curing this pain, the ascetic life had become far, far easier.
Why? Because I suffer anyways. What's a little more suffering going to do?
And when you are stressed, you may find yourself having an easier time focusing. In addition, when having concern, you can get things done more seriously. When you are anxious, should you be able to restrain yourself, you can use it to live more safely, thus contributing to your own survival.
After all, these sensations and emotions are natural. They are there to keep us safe. Their point is for you to avoid experiencing the same traumas again. It is but the way of the mind to adjust to the future, based on past experiences. That is, of course, assuming that your mind is still functioning properly, after whatever you have witnessed throughout life.
In other words, face a "sufficient" amount of trauma, and you may unconsciously use it to become stronger mentally. Therefore, you can find virtue even in such an adversity.
Addressing Potential Critique
It may sound bizarre to turn the same liability into an asset. However, when you get used to discomfort, life becomes more bearable than otherwise. Metaphorically, if you are riding a damaged car on a very long and desolate road, you have no choice but to tolerate the liability until you reach your destination, somewhere in the horizon. The liability of pain thus becomes an asset when you use it for self-improvement.
Enduring around 10 to 20 years of chronic pain in your every waking moment is no easy task. However, the more you endure, the stronger you can become. My neck has been in pain since the near-end of the 2000s. It has been stiff as wood by default, ever since.
That is done by understanding that some things deserve to be granted. They deserve to, because there might be other things at play that are more deserving of your attention. Put the pain and the suffering in the background. Your mind might already do it for you.
Should you develop a strong-enough tolerance for it, you may be able to tolerate whatever requires your attention, as well.
The pain is tiring, don't get me wrong. And I don't like it. I still keep it unchecked. The reason is simple: I maintain my pain tolerance in the name of my work. I work so much because I am used to the agony. Since I view this work as my life's purpose, I have little problem essentially locking myself in my hermitage and working.
There are days where I don't even sleep, although of course this is not entirely wise on my end.
This pain slowly but surely silences the inner screams inside me, allowing me to focus on relentless writing.
Why do I let it cancel my inner experience, hoping for salvation? Simple, but not quick to be understood: I use pain to fuel me, and give me energy.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory!
AND THROUGH VICTORY, MY CHAINS ARE BROKEN, AND RELEVANCE SHALL FREE ME. Free me from being under the ceilings of irrelevancy! Of obscurity!
It is only through a life of militant work on my goals that I will actually be someone in this careless, apathetic world! Yes! My initiative will be proven useful the more I work on it! And for that, I need to feel pain, so I will have the energy, the passion to succeed, and be purposefully frustrated by my current situation! By the fact that I was called irrelevant so swiftly and carelessly!
You will all benefit from my success! Benefit from new and newer articles! Benefit from other writers! Empires are built on ambition! And ambition is always the lack of peace from the current situation one is in!
Be aware of the sources of your pain, and the truth can set you free.
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