Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Who Am I?

A public service video shows a person who at the workplace was a gentle, affable superior to all the subordinates but in the home was rude, ill-tempered to the spouse and children. We have an example of a two-faced individual.

A psychology professor in the Kyeongyang magazine gives us an understanding of this phenomenon which is not rare. The public service video has pricked the consciences of many and helped them to see themselves objectively and to reflect on the problem.

However, the professor asks his readers is this only a question of good will? Is it all the fault of the individual?  He reminds the readers that we only have a limited amount of energy. Often the work and place of study consume all our energy and when we arrive home we are depleted, burnt out. In the home, even a small stress becomes overbearing with the weakened condition in which one is in.

After a day at work or in study the energy has been depleted and although one knows the place in the family as parent or child is calling for love and concern this is too much for the person.

He shows how studies have shown that what we eat and rest are some of the best restorative tonics available. These often are sufficient to restore the balance we need to be ourselves. To point out to a person that they are missing some human qualities will not often accomplish much. The body needs to return to its proper balance, to be recharged. The person needs rest. Prayer is also necessary to build up one's endurance.

Both our bodies and spirit are not independent entities. They are closely united. When the body changes the spirit changes and when the spirit changes the body is changed. When the body is tired the spirit will be affected and determine many of our actions.

Accordingly, to live with a peaceful spirit, our bodies need to find rest and to go one step further we need to find rest in the world in which we live. Our bodies, minds, heart and the society in which we live all have a strong influence on what we do. We are familiar with this reality but in the here and now of everyday living, easily forgotten.