Passionate for a cause

theia · Post by **theia** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 12:09 am

This is, in part, related to the Marian Price thread but I have chosen to create a separate thread to avoid taking Fuzzy's thread off topic.

I'm certain that most of us are or have been passionate about various causes in our lives. As individuals we handle this differently. Sometimes we shout loudly and sometimes we deal with the issues quietly, in our own ways. The latter does not mean that we care less.

Whilst I'm grateful for the actions of those who work tirelessly and vociferously to change things, I'm tired of being told which cause is the most important and which is the one I should be involved in. I'm tired of the way in which it's implied that if I don't share the passion, I'll regret it. I'm tired of the implication that if I don't become involved, I don't care. None of these things is true.

There appear to be as many injustices in the world as there are people. It all seems hopeless. So, for me, in the latter half of my life, I've realised that the best contribution I can make is to look at myself, my projections, my reactions, the ways in which I'm behaving that are driven by subconscious motives.

I wish I could say it's an easy path but it's hellish and I resist every move I make within myself. Sometimes I push it outwards and blame those around me (which I could well be doing at this very moment, and am certainly doing in another couple areas of my life). It has become a lifetime pattern to project my pain on to others and I don't take kindly to changing that. But I'm hopeful that I will, if not in this lifetime, in another.

This is my cause. I'm called self pitying, I'm told I should "join a group" I'm told that I think too deeply about self related things. I'm far less respected than those people who immerse themselves in the world, who are surrounded by friends and who fight for causes. And maybe all these things are true...I don't know...the further I go the less I know.

Am I passionate about my cause? Yes, in a way, and on a good day, I definitely am. For the most part, however, I wonder about the judgments of others and wonder if I should be changing my behaviour from the outside, to fit in more...or maybe not.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:48 am

Fitting in is overrated, be proud of your differences. Do you really care about others that judge you? I'm not religious but "judge not lest ye be judged" is worth remembering. F**k 'em.

I find the older I get, the less passionate I get about everything. And as you said, there are so many causes, even if you wanted to, you couldn't possibly help right all the wrongs in the world. I learned long ago that some things can't be changed at my level so I've tuned them out. Donating to charities for cancer research is a fine thing but until our governments and pharmaceutical companies see a profit in it, I don't think it'll happen. Maybe that's overly cynical? The one cause that still touches my heart is animal abuse and that should be in my power to help, at least financially.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:34 am

theia;1392181 wrote: So, for me, in the latter half of my life, I've realised that the best contribution I can make is to look at myself, my projections, my reactions, the ways in which I'm behaving that are driven by subconscious motives.

I wish I could say it's an easy path but it's hellish and I resist every move I make within myself. Sometimes I push it outwards and blame those around me (which I could well be doing at this very moment, and am certainly doing in another couple areas of my life). It has become a lifetime pattern to project my pain on to others and I don't take kindly to changing that. But I'm hopeful that I will, if not in this lifetime, in another.

This is my cause.

Bez is more the expert than I, but isn't this the very purpose of Buddhism, to examine ourselves and change from within? It's a high calling - one which far too many people ignore, imo. Lots of people throw themselves into causes as a distraction from things that bother them closer to home, much like a workaholic who always finds enough work to keep him busy until the family are in bed.

It's easy to help others. It feels good and is less painful than facing the inner-demons. It's much harder to help yourself ... you've got no outside "enemy" to focus your energy against.

theia · Post by **theia** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:13 am

Accountable;1392187 wrote: Bez is more the expert than I, but isn't this the very purpose of Buddhism, to examine ourselves and change from within? It's a high calling - one which far too many people ignore, imo. Lots of people throw themselves into causes as a distraction from things that bother them closer to home, much like a workaholic who always finds enough work to keep him busy until the family are in bed.

It's easy to help others. It feels good and is less painful than facing the inner-demons. It's much harder to help yourself ... you've got no outside "enemy" to focus your energy against.

I think it is, Acc...in fact I think it is at the very core of all religions. I'm currently reading a book by Father Thomas Keating and he says the same. Sadly, when it comes to religion, we can all get caught up in the ritual, the misinterpretation and the dogma, and miss the very essence.

And Snooze is right about "fitting in." I was talking to my GP the other day and, whilst she retains her professionalism, we both know that we share certain views. She said that one thing her considerable years of practice had taught her is that there are as many "paths" as there are individuals. So, in a way, in maybe a quiet way, I don't need to concern myself with other people's judgments of the way I lead my life.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:55 am

What hacks me off Is the do goody bloody hypocrites who Intend on making me feel guilty because I don't support what they are doing.

Example... A woman Is raising money for The Samaritans..... No-one Is particually Interested and donations are few. Then she runs the London Marathon and drops dead at the age of 30. Suddenly, there Is a surge of donations and we are being fed the guilt trip that we can't possibly be human If we don't donate.

I am not a hard hearted person, I sympathise and feel for her family but where were all these donations when she was alive?

You have people who have never given a second thought or penny to cancer In their life time but the moment they suffer because their loved one loses their life to cancer, they want you and the entire globe to part with your money to research. I find this hypocritcal In the extreme.

I give my money to charities, some on direct debit but they are my choices. I don't ram my charities down others throats and frown upon them If they don't share my passion.

My life, my money, my choices.... If others don't like It...... tough titty...... I need no-one's approval.

theia · Post by **theia** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:05 am

oscar;1392190 wrote: What hacks me off Is the do goody bloody hypocrites who Intend on making me feel guilty because I don't support what they are doing.

Example... A woman Is raising money for The Samaritans..... No-one Is particually Interested and donations are few. Then she runs the London Marathon and drops dead at the age of 30. Suddenly, there Is a surge of donations and we are being fed the guilt trip that we can't possibly be human If we don't donate.

I am not a hard hearted person, I sympathise and feel for her family but where were all these donations when she was alive?

You have people who have never given a second thought or penny to cancer In their life time but the moment they suffer because their loved one loses their life to cancer, they want you and the entire globe to part with your money to research. I find this hypocritcal In the extreme.

I give my money to charities, some on direct debit but they are my choices. I don't ram my charities down others throats and frown upon them If they don't share my passion.

My life, my money, my choices.... If others don't like It...... tough titty...... I need no-one's approval.

Donating to charity used to be a quiet affair, which you did or you didn't. But now the pressures are tremendous...I do wonder though what people get out of the guilt trips they lay on other people

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:15 am

theia;1392192 wrote: Donating to charity used to be a quiet affair, which you did or you didn't. But now the pressures are tremendous...I do wonder though what people get out of the guilt trips they lay on other people I could be wrong but I find It an exercise on their behalf to gain some sort of upper advantage. It's actually the nasty streak In them coming to the fore and wanting some sort of superiority over others. To help them feel better about themselves, they try to persuede you that you can not possibly be a human being If you don't ' care ' as much they do........ I care... Just not about what people like that think.

Post by **LarsMac** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:20 am

A while back, I was very "passionate" for a cause. It got me into a lot of trouble.

Now, my "passion" is to see that my grandchildren learn from my mistakes.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:00 am

LarsMac;1392194 wrote: A while back, I was very "passionate" for a cause. It got me into a lot of trouble.

Now, my "passion" is to see that my grandchildren learn from my mistakes.

Being active In anti-hunt and sabotaging many a Fox hunt In my younger years has caused me to come very close to be arrested many times along with being threatened with violence.

It's just something I happen to be very passionate about. I give my money to the rescue and rehab of Injured Foxes because I happen to believe they are the most beautiful and most persecuted, Indigenous species of the British Isles. But I do appreciate that many don't feel the same as I do.... I have a problem when those who know nothing about me assume that because I do give to their cause, I must not care a jot about babies dying of cancer etc etc. I have come under many a lecture from so called do gooders who Insist my money should go to 'more worthwhile causes'. It's this sanctimonious, pious claptrap that I despise In the human race.

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:07 am

LarsMac;1392194 wrote: A while back, I was very "passionate" for a cause. It got me into a lot of trouble.

Now, my "passion" is to see that my grandchildren learn from my mistakes.

Yep, marijuana is still illegal in most states but thanks for the effort.:wah:

Post by **LarsMac** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:01 am

That weren't it, YZGI

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:37 am

LarsMac;1392194 wrote: A while back, I was very "passionate" for a cause. It got me into a lot of trouble.

Now, my "passion" is to see that my grandchildren learn from my mistakes.
No one learns from someone else's mistakes. We rarely learn from our own mistakes. And what if it wasn't a mistake? Your cause, I mean.

Post by **LarsMac** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:13 pm

AnneBoleyn;1392218 wrote: No one learns from someone else's mistakes. We rarely learn from our own mistakes. And what if it wasn't a mistake? Your cause, I mean.

Oh, no. The cause was not a mistake. Nor was my being a part of it.

The mistake was being so dedicated to the cause, that one fails to see how zealots can take it too far.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:53 pm

LarsMac;1392223 wrote: Oh, no. The cause was not a mistake. Nor was my being a part of it.

The mistake was being so dedicated to the cause, that one fails to see how zealots can take it too far.
I can dig it. I tormented myself in a similar fashion a long time ago.

tabby · Post by **tabby** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:47 pm

I tried to think of people I know who are actively and passionately involved in a “cause” and it isn’t a long list. Occasionally a family member or acquaintance will get a “do-gooder” urge and volunteer for a day or two of helping out with a charitable event but by and large I think most people lead busy and productive lives and help out as time and/or money permits. We do what we can for things that interest us and that’s good enough. I have a few causes that I champion in my own way but it isn’t my nature to put myself out there and be a public activist. A Marian Price I’m not and neither are most people. People like Marian have gone beyond activism and have a willingness to martyr themselves for what they perceive as a higher calling. The world needs people like that for certain but I think it also needs the people who effect quiet change in their own way and on a smaller scale. I see your introspection as a good thing, Theia and I agree with your GP ... she gave good advice!