Propaganda is the selective presentation of facts. The propagandist creates a simple story and repeats it often, with the deliberate intent of shaping beliefs and, consequently, behaviors. Hitler’s message was a clear example of how systematic propaganda can make otherwise rational individuals believe the most absurd “facts.”

I believe what often gets us in trouble is our own internal propaganda. Perhaps because of events that happened to us long ago, we created a simplistic, negative message about ourselves, and repeated it often. Most of us practice the opposite of daily affirmations, with phrases like:

I’m a loser. I’m not smart. I’m no good. I’m fat and lazy. I don’t deserve to be loved. I’ll never amount to anything.

Posted in bad habits, compulsions, happiness 3 Comments »

In one of my older Journals I kept a few reminders that at any given moment each decision I make can get me closer to, or further from, my goals. I need to make a dedicated effort to choose wisely. I need to embrace my free will in favor of spiritual growth and happiness. So I’d like to share that list here:

Posted in addictions, bad habits, choices, compulsions, pleasure 6 Comments »

I spend a lot of time thinking about the destructive habits we use to avoid or escape reality: vices, virtues (which are often just vices in disguise), and living vicariously through someone or something else. My initial assumption is that these v’s are interchangeable; they are all addictions (though some are more socially acceptable than others) and should be treated as such. We all, at some point or another, feel trapped by something, though the “ties that bind” are various and insidious. We have personal themes that we struggle to escape, even though to outsiders it seems like a simple choice: just don’t do it!

Posted in addictions, bad habits, compulsions, inner peace Comments Off