Human Behavior Patterns(The Laws of Probability)

"To understand is to perceive patterns."
-Isaiah Berlin

There is a Time to analyze and there is a Time to recognize. And
though these two processes may sound the same, they are
entirely different.

To recognize something is to accept that something for what it, in
fact, is. This is the mastery of Truth.

To analyze something is to microscopically question that something
to extremes. This simply amuses our ego and gives us "something
to talk about".

When it comes to Human Patterns, or Human Behavior, our
addiction for analysis often results in an abandonment of common
sense. Analyzing Human Behavior, instead of accepting it for what
it is, often blurs our senses to the obvious and unquestionable
facts which are staring us in the face.

Isn't it interesting how we, as human beings, Choose to Perceive
Patterns? On one hand, we Choose to recognize some Patterns for
what they Truly are. While on the other hand we Choose to analyze
other Patterns until we become confused and dizzy.

For example: we know that the sun rises in the east; we know that
if we let something slip from our hands it will fall to the ground; and
we know that if we plant a petunia Seed it will grow into a petunia
flower and not an oak Tree. We understand, and accept these
natural Patterns as Truths and facts and we hardly, if ever, ask
"Why?".

However, when it comes to Human Patterns (Human Behavior) we
take an entirely different stance or attitude; we automatically look
for, and attempt to dissect, the "Why?" of the situation and casually
Ignore the fact of the situation.

Why is this so? Why do we accept nature's Patterns for what they
are yet refuse to accept Human Behavior Patterns for what they are
...a Pattern?

Since our earliest childhood society, and all of its factions, groups,
and organizations, has Instructed us to recognize things for what
they are.

Yet this same society has, on the other hand, Indoctrinated us to
give people the "benefit of doubt", at the expense of Truth, when
it comes to their Behavior Patterns.

We have been trained, mostly through Guilt, to Forgive and forget
when we should be taught to be Aware and understand. For
Awareness and understanding are our most reliable allies.

A person's past is a testimonial to their future. If a person is a liar
or a thief, this is what they are. There is no "sugar coating" of these
facts. Yet, how many of us blindly give these individuals the "benefit
of a doubt" only to rue our Decision and cry out "Why?".

We then get together with our like-minded groups and exhaust
ourselves attempting to analyze why this person lied to us, or
why this person has stolen from us. Yet no matter how deeply
we analyze an individual's Behavior Pattern we can never come
to the real answer of "Why" that person did what they did. For
each person's subjective motives are as different and varied as
there are people on this planet.

Therefore, those of us who analyze behavior instead of recognizing
Patterns, and those of us who give the "benefit of doubt" instead of
accepting obvious Truths, suffer repeatedly for our blind Ignorance.

And for those of us who continually embrace illusion at the expense
of Truth we regretfully, and constantly, find ourselves wailing out
"poor me".

Before we allow some person or entity access into our lives, or
into the lives of our family, it is critical that we see these persons
or entities for what they Truly are, and not for what we "think they
should be".

Behavior Patterns of people, whether as individuals or as groups,
remains very constant. It is our Sovereign responsibility to be
Aware of an individual's obvious Behavior Pattern, which represents
a high probability of how that person will behave, and not simply
give someone a capricious "benefit of a doubt", which is a low
probability of how that person will behave.

To do otherwise is to toss aside the Laws of Probability which
govern the behavior of all Patterns, Cycles, persons, and things
which occupy the physical realm.

To Ignore Human Behavior Patterns, along with the Laws of
Probability associated with these Patterns, is to subject ourselves
to a lifetime of continual victimization. And if we Honestly look at
the personal tragedies of our Past, we are likely to discover that
they are the result of the people we allow into our lives and the
obvious Behavior Patterns we Choose to Ignore.

For, in the end, whether we Choose to accept this fact or not,
a Pattern is a Pattern is a Pattern.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

Confusion

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."
- Confucius

When it is deemed to be the appropriate Time for us to leave the
joyful world of childhood and enter the mundane world of adulthood,
we are tutored and Indoctrinated by a wide variety of adults. Adults
who live in complex and Confusing worlds. Yet, because they are
adults we, as children, look up to them with a degree of awe and
respect; for, after all, they are "adults", aren't they?

And even though we are still naive little kids, we see that they
anguish over the complexities and trials of adult life. We see that,
in many ways, they are Confused, frustrated, and are suffering for
answers to all of the issues which confound them in the world of
grown-ups. We see that, although they are adults, they do not have
all of the answers we imagine that they do have.

But again, because they are adults, we respect them and look up to
them for guidance and answers. The same guidance and answers
which they too are struggling to find. These are our teachers. And,
regardless of how pure their intentions are, the Truth is that no one
can teach another something which they themselves do not know.
No one can teach us clarity of Thought if they themselves are
confounded, Confused, and perplexed.

Yet these are the mentors who "guide" us into adulthood.

So the question is: if we are surrounded by a sea of Confusion,
where do we go to find Clarity, Truth, and Understanding?

Each one of us enters our Current Incarnation with special qualities
and interests. And it is probably safe to say that, regardless of how
someone (or someones) try to steer us, we ultimately proceed upon
a Path that is in general Harmony with our Divine Nature.

We tend to pursue a career and hone our skills in those areas which
give us delight, maintain our interest, and are consistent with our
personality.

Over Time, we become very good at our specialties and personal
interests. We truly Become, at least to some degree, an expert in
our Chosen field or hobby. We can Speak and Act with surety so
long as we stay within the areas of our expertise.

But, what happens when we are confronted with a Decision, or
dilemma, which is outside of the area of what we know?

We become Confused!

Confusion does not mean that we are stupid or incapable of
understanding new things. It simply means that we are beyond our
field of expertise; we are a "fish out of water"; we are attempting to
make Decisions on things we know little, or nothing about.

We all become Confused when we step outside our area of expertise.
These are the Times when we experience Simple Ignorance. Simple
Ignorance is the lack of solid, or bona fide, information, knowledge,
and options. And there is only one way to cure Simple Ignorance:
learn that which we are Ignorant of!

However, learning something entirely new may seem like a daunting
and impractical task for us. So, what do we do then?

If we are like most people, we compensate for our Simple Ignorance
by either accumulating enormous amounts of information and
Opinions on whatever it is that is Confusing us, or we seek out
someone else to "manage" our Confusion for us.

When we are rapidly accumulating vast amounts of information and
Opinions, we become perplexed, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Our
mind becomes cluttered, our perception becomes distorted, and our
judgement becomes clouded. This is the worst possible Time for us
to make a Decision on whatever it is that is Confusing us.

On the other hand, when we turn our personal Decisions over to
another person to "manage", we may, in fact, be relying upon
someone else to make Decisions for us who may not be much more
knowledgeable than us. Someone who also may have objectives,
such as fees and commissions, which are in direct conflict with our
best interest.

And finally, in Times of great Confusion, we may find ourselves
entering into uneasy Compromises which we may deeply regret
at some future Time.

So, with these Thoughts in mind, what is the best way for us to
handle Confusion?

It is important to keep one distinct possibility in mind. And that
possibility is that most presumed crises are really unimportant
Events which do not require any Action on our part. These imagined
crises will dissolve and fade away of their own accord.

We must therefore Truly ask of ourselves whether our crisis, or
Confusion, is real or imaginary. If we determine it is imaginary,
then it is probably in our best interest to simply "let it go".

However, when a major Event or Decision does confront us, this
is the Time for us to take a few deep breaths and dedicate our
ourselves to understanding, in depth, that which we need to know
in order to make a rational and safe Decision...regardless of how
much Time, energy, and effort it may require of us.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be either
advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions and no more.
Everyone is encouraged to seek competent advice from a licensed,
registered, or certified professional should such advice or service be
required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

Instruction vs. Indoctrination

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I---
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference."
- Robert Frost

We live in a realm of Duality, and often we find ourselves standing
at a Crossroad where we are required to Choose between two
diverging Paths: one which is easy, or one which is right.

One of these forks-in-the-road, which each one of us must Choose
to travel sooner or later, is between the Road which leads us to
Instruction or the Road which leads us to Indoctrination. And,
although the names of these two Roads sound quite similar they are,
in fact, two entirely different Paths. And because they are two very
different Paths it is important that we weigh the Consequences of
Choosing one Path over the other.

Indoctrination: This is the easy path; the path of the crowd.
Indoctrination is the one-sided presentation of an idea, theory,
Choice, or Belief. It is something which is imposed upon us by
either subtle means, such as guilt or salesmanship, or by forceful
means, such as fear or threat.

In other words, Indoctrination is a form of "brainwashing". It is the
removal of previous held Beliefs and ideals so that new, regimented
dogmas can be implanted. Indoctrination, in its most fanatical sense,
is aimed at, and accepted by, the most Ignorant, gullible and weakest
of minds.

When we willingly and unquestionably accept Indoctrination, our
Horizons shrink and our growth and Thinking become stagnated
and frozen. We are required to live in a world of policies and
procedures which are not of our own Choosing. Our Imagination
and Dreams are "surgically removed" from our thought process
and our Individual Sovereignty is forfeited to those whose sole
purpose is to dominate and control others.

Indoctrination fractures and divides in its attempt to conquer and
dominate. This fracturing and division is openly visible in the
political and religious organizations which occupy our planet.
However it also exists, just as strongly if not as openly, in scientific,
mathematic and research groups whereby the faction which has
been Indoctrinated into a regimented belief system fights ferociously
to discredit any new ideas, concepts, or theories brought forth by
free-thinkers and visionaries in that particular field.

Instruction: This is the difficult Path; the "Road less traveled".
It is the Path of the Lone Wolf, the visionary, the free-thinker, the
Seeker. It is the Path of wide Horizons, Imagination and Dreams.

The Path of Instruction is the Path which Blends and Creates. It is
the Road on which we discover Wisdom, Truth, Magic and personal
Adventure. Instruction is the inclusion of all possible natural, and
universal, alternatives along with how they apply to, and are
affected by, Universal Principles.

When we embark upon the Path of Instruction we are handed the
Keys which unlock the secrets of the Universe and are Instructed to
go forth and unlock the doors of Eternal Truths which must remain
locked to all but the True Seeker and Initiate.

In ancient times a worthy and well-qualified Initiate would Seek
admission to one of the Mystery Schools where he, or she, would
be Instructed in the Eternal Wisdom of the Universe. Today, we
no longer have these Mystery Schools, nor do we have any of
the Ancient Masters walking among us. Therefore, if we are to
Truly learn that which is understood by only the very few, we
must Choose to travel "the Path less traveled by" ... the Path of
Self-Initiation and Self-Instruction.

And although the Ancient Masters are no longer among us to help
guide us along our way, they have left us the Keys to Ancient
Wisdom by way of their Sacred Writings, Symbols, Mythologies
and Legends. It is now up to us to simply Choose to grab hold of
their Ancient and Mystical Keys, venture forth upon our own
Personal Path, and unlock the doors which hold the Truth,
Wisdom and Enlightenment of all Eternity.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Events

"The wise adapt themselves to circumstances,
as water moulds itself to the pitcher."
-Chinese Proverb

Nature is a process of continuing Cycles, patterns and rhythms.
Her Cycles, patterns and rhythms produce Events. Events produce
circumstances and Consequences. This process has been in
existence longer than any one of us mortals. Yet we mortals actually
Believe we can out-think, control, and even defy, Nature's eternal
processes.

When we consider that every Consequence is the result of an Event,
and that every Event is a process of Nature, then we must also
accept the Truth that an Event is neither good nor bad; it is Simply
part of an eternal process.

With these Thoughts in mind, let us take a look at some Events,
their consequences, and how we often Choose to "label" the results
of these Events.

Large waves are natural occurrences on the vast oceans of our
planet. When they occur in uninhabited areas or upon the vast and
empty expanse of our seas, we consider them to be natural Events
and take very little, if any, interest in them. However, should a large
ship be capsized by one of these large waves we automatically
categorize this natural wave as a "rogue" wave and accuse Mother
Nature of creating a catastrophe. Whereas, in Truth, the fault
actually resides in our inability to understand and recognize this
natural rhythm of Nature.

It is interesting to note that on one hand we classify a large wave
as a natural Event while on the other hand we call it a calamity;
same Event yet different label.

Earthquakes and tectonic plate movements are part of Nature's
ongoing rhythmic process. When a seismic Event occurs under the
sea or in some remote area of our planet we dismiss the Event
almost immediately. However, should this same Event occur below
a community, town, or city, we consider this natural Event to be a
tragedy created by Mother Nature. Two identical Events: one
viewed with very little interest while the other is viewed as a great
misfortune.

This is not to say that the premature loss of life is not a tragedy,
for it is. It is to say that our Ignorance of, or complacency with,
Nature' s Laws, rhythms, and Cycles is what is tragic, not the
Event itself!

Another example of Events are the news "events" so many of us
anxiously await at the end of our day. What many of us call either
"good news" or "bad news" is really neither. The "news" we watch
and listen to is nothing more than an after-the-fact report of the
Consequences resulting from a previous Event, or Action. By the
Time we hear about these Consequences both the initial Event and
the ensuing Consequence have long since passed. It is merely how
we Choose to Interpret, or "label", these after-the-fact "news
events" that affect our emotions and Thoughts.

Every Event, or Action, has a Consequence. Therefore, an Event
is an Action which is simply a prelude, or catalyst, to a Consequence.
It is up to us to recognize an Event for what it is and thereby
understand, Foresee, and perhaps even profit from, its forthcoming
outcome.

We occupy this planet in partnership with Mother Nature. Mother
Nature is a Divine Principle; an Egyptian Neter. It is our personal
responsibility to be familiar with Her Laws, Cycles, rhythms, and
patterns. By understanding and being in Harmony with Her, we
will find Mother Nature to be nurturing and Giving. By doing
otherwise, we may find ourselves being disciplined for our
misbehavior and Ignorance.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The Past

If we don't remember the past, how will
we know when the future arrives?"
-Joseph Panek

The Past is one of the greatest gifts that can be presented to us.
It is a classic textbook of both Wisdom and folly. The Past contains
all of the Lessons, experiences, Consequences, achievements, and
tragedies of the countless individuals, and civilizations, which have
preceded us. It is also the realm of the Ancient Masters who made
certain that the Sacred Teachings and the Sublime Truths of
Antiquity were passed on to all future generations.

Mythologically, The Past is also the domain of Saturn, The Teacher
who bestows upon all people, organizations, and civilizations the
just rewards, or punishments, resulting from their Past behaviors.

The Lessons of The Past are the guidelines of the future. When we
learn from The Past we gain foresight and Awareness. There is no
need to randomly guess, or haphazardly "predict" what tomorrow
holds in store because, "What has been will be again, what has
been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun"
(Ecclesiastes 1:9). Therefore, to learn from The Past enables us to
understand, and foretell, what Destiny holds in store not only for
ourselves, but also our society and our planet.

In the oft-repeating Cycles Of Eternity, individuals have met with
disaster and empires have been razed to rubble simply because
they have Ignored the Lessons of The Past. These individuals and
empires always behave in the same manner: they Ignorantly and
pompously march off to do battle with History completely oblivious
to, and heedless of, the calamity which awaits them as they
cheerfully wave their ancient and tattered banner whose faded
Words proclaim: "This Time It's Different!"

In addition to The Past, there is also our past. Once we Become
able to learn from the past experiences of others, we then become
better able to learn from our own past experiences. This Learning
process simply requires that we place our ego aside and replace
it with a genuine thirst for knowledge and Wisdom.

History is replete with tyrants, despots, various clergy, and petty
thugs who have conducted monumental efforts to destroy Wisdom
and knowledge. Yet, with all of their misguided efforts, the Eternal
Spirit of Wisdom and Truth has always prevailed.

In addition, many individuals have been tortured and executed
throughout the endless Past for their efforts to provide their
generation, and all future generations, with Spiritual Guidance and
Divine Truth.

Books, manuscripts, and people can be destroyed, but the Divine
Essences of Truth and Wisdom cannot. These Divine Essences are
forever preserved, and carried forth, by Master Teachers,
indigenous cultures and Independent Thinkers.

And although ignored by many, these Teachings and Instructions
lie right before our eyes. They are the spiritual writings, philosophies,
legends, and mythologies which have been preserved through Time.
Our library shelves abound with many of these works which are
simply awaiting the touch of our fingers and the gaze of our eyes.

We owe it to ourselves, and our ancestors, to absorb these Lessons
and philosophies of The Past so that we can be better prepared for
what awaits us as we journey down our very interesting Path which
beckons us into our future.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

Ignorance

"Instant rejection followed by immediate ridicule
is a sign of Ignorance."
-Pythagoras

"The greatest disgrace is to be ignorant of being ignorant."
- Pythagoras

There are two types of Ignorance: Simple and Inherent.

Simple Ignorance: Simple Ignorance is a product of not under-
standing something that is unfamiliar to us. Simple Ignorance
is easily cured by studying and Learning whatever it is that we
currently do not understand.

An example of Simple Ignorance: Prior to entering Grade School,
we know that there is an alphabet, numbers, the ability to read,
and the ability to count. However, we are not able to read or count
because we have not been taught how to use letters and numbers.
Once we enter Grade School we are taught how to use letters and
numbers and thereby learn how to read and count. At this point
our Ignorance of reading and counting is overcome.

Each time we Choose to Learn and understand something new we
conquer our Ignorance in that subject through our desire and
determination to Learn.

Inherent Ignorance: Inherent Ignorance is the complete
opposite of Simple Ignorance. It is this Ignorance that is referred
to in the above quotation. Inherent Ignorance is what causes people
to react with denial and resistance to Thoughts and ideas that are
revolutionary and new. Thoughts and ideas that are a threat to the
way they wish to understand something.

Whereas Simple Ignorance is conquered by the desire and
determination to Learn something new, Inherent Ignorance is the
refusal to understand, or acknowledge, a Thought or idea that is in
conflict with the way someone wants to think about a particular
matter.

Inherent Ignorance can easily be recognized by "instant rejection
followed by the immediate ridicule" of a thought or idea that
conflicts with someone's ingrained Belief system.

Inherent Ignorance surrounds us in abundance. It is the product of
a "closed mind". Inherent Ignorance is that ingrained conditioning,
and Indoctrination, which causes factions, organizations, and
individuals to attempt to discredit new and unique Thoughts, ideas,
and innovations.

Inherent Ignorance generally takes the form of these kind of
statements: "I refuse to believe that! What makes you think that
everyone else is wrong but you are right?", or, "That's ridiculous!
How can you even suggest such a thing?".

We hear these types of statements very often in the news media
when one faction is attempting to discredit the ideas of a Lone
Innovator or Independent Thinker.

We also hear these kinds of comments from friends and relatives
when they have no intention of entertaining any Thought or idea
that is not sanctioned by "the crowd" with which they associate
themselves.

In order to understand something, a person must first want to
understand. Persons who Choose to be Inherently Ignorant have
no desire, or intention, to understand or acknowledge something
that is outside their ingrained belief system.

One of the most precious assets of the True Seeker is the ability
to recognize Inherent Ignorance, thereby avoiding those whose
behaviors are not Harmonious with the Seeker's Path.

The True Seeker, when confronted with persons or factions that
are Inherently Ignorant, immediately and politely gives them a
wide berth. For the True Seeker's primary interest is to expand his,
or her, Spiritual Horizon and these individuals and factions are a
hindrance to the Seeker's Spiritual Growth.

The Seeker of Truth and Wisdom understands that New and
Creative Ideas stimulate our minds, thereby allowing us to Travel
new Paths. New Paths allow us to experience new Adventures.
New Adventures enable us to grow both mentally and spiritually.
Mental and Spiritual Growth enables us to distance ourselves
from the world of the mundane. As we distance ourselves from
the world of the mundane we approach the Realm of Spirit
where Peace, Harmony and Contentment reside.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009