ExploreTruth

A couple days ago, I mentioned a few reasons why I thought we don’t rebel:

• Fear

• Tradition

• Apathy(Comfort or disinterest)

• Ignorance and a distracted aversion to self-education

• Distractions

Seth Godin sort of sums it up, and calls it the lizard brain.

He says, that you have two brains. One that wants certain things, carefully thinks about ideas, rationalizes, and generally tries to make good decisions.  Then you have the lizard brain, which is more concerned about your survival.

This is the part of you that loves the status quo, and whenever you desire to change for the better, or wish to change some aspect of your world, this is the voice that says play it safe.  You punk out. I’ve punked out.

“the lizard hates change and achievement and risk.” – Seth Godin

You’ve heard the voice, when you’ve wanted to change poor habits of health, some injustice in the world, some religious tradition you’ve never really critically examined, or that job you’re barely tolerating.

It’s the voice that whispers to you that people will think you’re strange, and may even laugh at you if you dare try to go against what everyone else is doing.  And the thing is, we actually admire people that manage to go against the grain.  Funny how that works….

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation – Henry David Thoreau

So How Do We Learn To Rebel?

I think one of the best ways to rebel against all systems of authority that potential serve to your detriment, is to commit to a few things:

Identify what it is you are really afraid of, and consider the worst case scenario’s.

Godin mentions that what you fear, is often indicative of where and what you should be focusing on.  This has seemed to work for me.  I was nervous about quitting my job a little over a year ago.  I went back and forth as to what to do, and what it would mean for me.  I realized that I wasn’t satisfied where I was, and that I needed to change somethings.

Leaving the comfort of a full time income, to pursue writing, online publishing, and an entrepreneurial model of living, meant that I had to sacrifice certain things.  I gave my deed back on the 1st home I’d ever “owned”, lived of some savings for awhile, had a few ramen noodle meals, while I found a part-time job that was more fulfilling and allowed me to focus on the things I was passionate about, and aligned w/my purpose.  This is just how I did it.  It may be different for you.

This also applies to much of why I even write on this site.  Attempting to stay focused on wrestling with life’s meaning, and the unquestioned assuptions regarding my religious and spiritual life, has often pissed of the lizard voice.  But I keep trying, knowing that the worst case scenerio pales in comparison to floating through life, unaware, and unconscious.

Thinking critically for yourself.

The life long decision to explore truth for yourself is a revolutionary decision. You are saying to the world, I will not simply accept your assumption that reality needs to look like this. You aren’t rejecting, or quickly passing judgment on all systems of control. We’d be here all day if we took a knee jerk reaction to all institutions or systems of authority. You are, however, fighting, and rebelling against, any system, or the effects of that system, that seeks to stifle the freedom, and healing found, when one looks at the truth of their life, and desires a better way.

Re-examining assumptions, and unexamined beliefs.

Yes, this is hard work, but its worth it. And it takes courage. Think about it. Do you know what you’re eating and what it really is doing to your body? You say you believe in God, Can you articulate why, and share with me the reality of Him/Her being real to you, in tangible ways?

Simplifying your life

I recently watched a video from Rob Bell‘s Nooma videos. It spoke about the the many good things that come across our path, that keep us from doing those few things we are called to do in our lives.  In order to pursue that one thing, or few things you are destined to do, you will need to learn how to say no to many “good” things.  You will need to learn the art of living a disciplined, focused life, in order to pursue the “few things” God has for you.

“Purity of heart is to will one thing.” – Soren Kierkegaard

I’m still figuring out ways to rebel against the things that threaten personal, heath, spiritual, and financial growth.  I hope that my highs and lows shared here, will help a few people along their rebellious journey as well.  What are somethings, or systems of conformity that you have rebelled against?