Part One: Paradigms and Principles
Inside-Out
There is no real excellence in all world which can be separated from right living.
~ David Starr Jordan ~
Often, when we face problems, we put all if not, most of our effort focusing on the very superficial part of it, trying our very best, to solve it. And yet, we often end up realizing that we seem to have solved the problem, but fundamentally we don't, as when days pass by, the problems seems to reoccur, either under the same or different circumstances. Sometimes, we are not even able to recognize that the core of these problems are from the same root. Apparently or sometimes, we have fixed the outer part, but the core issue remains.
In life, we all look for quick fixed method, intentionally or unintentionally. We often thought that we couldn't get things done the way we want because we lack of certain techniques that enable us to do so. We are envy of other people, wishing we were just like them. As a result, we spent most of our time, looking for techniques, skills to make us more 'effective' in the way we wish we to be.
Yet, for all those outstanding people, if we are able to observe deeply, that behind every of them, in the very inner part, there stand a very fundamental principle which they hold tightly to. Often, we didn't see it. We saw the fruits of theirs, the personality we wish to have, which we even try to mimic those actions, thinking that if we put on the same cloth, then we will look alike. We put the secondary before primary; we focus on Personality Ethic over Character Ethic. We want to 'look' effective without knowing what effective really mean.
To change our life, we must first change ourselves. To change ourselves, to go through the revolution, then we must first able to change the way we see things. As being is seeing, what we see is highly interrelated to what we are. And, to enable this paradigm shifts (to a principle-centered paradigm), we must first know how we see things, what actually has gone wrong with it? Sometimes, the way we see the problem, is the problem itself.
A principle-centered paradigm. Principles are deep, fundamental truths that have universal applications, that enable people create a wide variety of practices to deal with different situations. Principles are guidelines for human conduct that are proven to have enduring, permanent value, and are self-evident.
In every phase of life, as in the principle of process, there are sequential stages of growth and development, be it in the physical area, emotional maturity, human relationship, or even personal character building. And, in life, there is no shortcut, we just can't skip some of the vital steps to save time and effort and still get the desired results. Our level of development is impossible to pretend -- in a long run.
As we look deep into our problems, we begin to realized that it can't be solved on the superficial level, and this is why we need a new level of thinking -- an 'inside-out' approach, to start with self; with our paradigms, our character, our motives.
In life, we all look for quick fixed method, intentionally or unintentionally. We often thought that we couldn't get things done the way we want because we lack of certain techniques that enable us to do so. We are envy of other people, wishing we were just like them. As a result, we spent most of our time, looking for techniques, skills to make us more 'effective' in the way we wish we to be.
Yet, for all those outstanding people, if we are able to observe deeply, that behind every of them, in the very inner part, there stand a very fundamental principle which they hold tightly to. Often, we didn't see it. We saw the fruits of theirs, the personality we wish to have, which we even try to mimic those actions, thinking that if we put on the same cloth, then we will look alike. We put the secondary before primary; we focus on Personality Ethic over Character Ethic. We want to 'look' effective without knowing what effective really mean.
To change our life, we must first change ourselves. To change ourselves, to go through the revolution, then we must first able to change the way we see things. As being is seeing, what we see is highly interrelated to what we are. And, to enable this paradigm shifts (to a principle-centered paradigm), we must first know how we see things, what actually has gone wrong with it? Sometimes, the way we see the problem, is the problem itself.
A principle-centered paradigm. Principles are deep, fundamental truths that have universal applications, that enable people create a wide variety of practices to deal with different situations. Principles are guidelines for human conduct that are proven to have enduring, permanent value, and are self-evident.
"The more closely our maps or paradigms are aligned with these principles or natural laws,
the more accurate and functional they will be.
Correct maps will infinitely impact our personal and interpersonal effectiveness far more than any amount of effort expended on changing our attitudes and behaviors."
the more accurate and functional they will be.
Correct maps will infinitely impact our personal and interpersonal effectiveness far more than any amount of effort expended on changing our attitudes and behaviors."
~ Stephen R.Covey ~
In every phase of life, as in the principle of process, there are sequential stages of growth and development, be it in the physical area, emotional maturity, human relationship, or even personal character building. And, in life, there is no shortcut, we just can't skip some of the vital steps to save time and effort and still get the desired results. Our level of development is impossible to pretend -- in a long run.
As we look deep into our problems, we begin to realized that it can't be solved on the superficial level, and this is why we need a new level of thinking -- an 'inside-out' approach, to start with self; with our paradigms, our character, our motives.
We must not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time.
~ T. S. Elliot ~
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