posted November 12, 2005 03:46 PM         

Thanks teasel.
Thought I might get a lashing for that one. *nervous laugh*

posted November 13, 2005 03:01 AM         

Even when very young, children are able to see through hypocrisies and are aware when someone's actions don't match their words. Confusing messages will only serve to make them lose faith and ultimately respect of others.
It's so important for children, I believe,to reassure them that you feel confident in their ability to discriminate and think for themselves.

I want my children to believe in themselves. To question. To follow their own truth. To feel strong in defending themselves and speak out if anyone older ever touches them inappropriately or tries to control or manipulate them in anyway.
I only want them to give respect to elders who give it to them. I wouldn't expect respect from my children either if I treated them disrespectfully. What kind of hypocrite would that make me?

Both of my parents were molested when young. So, it's no wonder they instilled this adamantly with me and my brothers.
How many less children would be molested if they felt it was ok to question adults and to have their awareness kicked in that this person may not be a good person or right in their actions just because they are in a position of authority?

That saying, Sue, I understand your intentions when you started this topic. I do believe older people, who have learned from life (not all have) have a lot to give. I think it's terrible the way society suffles them away and writes them off as if they're insignificant. An entire lifetime is hidden behind those eyes. It is truly amazing when you take the time to listen to their stories and all of the trials they've overcome and survived.

A lady that I work with, who I adore and admire, blew my mind tonight, telling me the story of her life and all she has suffered and endured and the way she is not bitter at all about any of it. She said, "if I die tomorrow, I'll die happy. I've got my cigarrettes and my coffee (hehe, that cracked me up), my friends and my work. My children are all grown and have their own lives."
She has raised 10 children alone. Been through 2 marriages; the first to a suicidal alchoholic and the second husband who died tragically...she has had a heart attack and a stroke and at 67 years old is still going strong and smoking her cigs, and working her ass off everyday, just able to pay her bills with nothing much more. She amazes me. I always help her at work any way I can. I lost another dear friend from work who died last spring, who was 70.

I worry about her all of the time, seeing the way my employers run her ragged. But, she's a fiesty one and somehow she keeps going without complaint.
I work with another older lady who is bitter, spiteful and just plain mean. She gets no help from me.

There are assholes of all ages and creeds.
There are also very cool people as well.
We're all equal, yes. The ones who are ignorant enough to have not realized that and who think they are above others, don't deserve the respect that they aren't willing to give.

(a long-winded agreement with 26 lol )

posted November 14, 2005 01:02 AM         

Very well said Lialei and geminstone (I read your other posts).

posted November 14, 2005 02:05 AM         

and Faye expressed the same in her words a ways back:

"As a general rule...YES..respect for elders and even any age is a trait to be nutured and fostered. But beware when it gives the elder or any age one(s) the idea they have a license to USE and ABUSE! Family especially can overstep those bounds and the control freaks try to run your life.
I think most know what I mean."

It's about remaining open and receptive to others, isn't it? To not have any prejudgements about them, whether from their appearance, age, race, sex, occupation or life-style. Give that person a true opportunity to shine their potential, without closing off to them. In all fairness of that kind of beginning approach, we then can make our own choices and feel right about what we have chosen, from the reciprocated approach they choose with us.

But to approach someone with small-mindedness...for example, not liking their astrology sign or anything as petty and superficial as that and therefore feeling as if we are superior in anyway...then we are not seeing the other person as they truly are. We are only forcing projections onto them from a lifetime of our own formed closed-minded biases.
In the end, who is really the fool? The judger or the judged? Who is succumbing to an illusion?

posted November 14, 2005 02:40 PM         

quote:

---

But to approach someone with small-mindedness...for example, not liking their astrology sign or anything as petty and superficial as that and therefore feeling as if we are superior in anyway...then we are not seeing the other person as they truly are. We are only forcing projections onto them from a lifetime of our own formed closed-minded biases.
In the end, who is really the fool? The judger or the judged? Who is succumbing to an illusion?

---

I don't know that I completely agree with this. I know that may be unpopular and unpleasant, and some of you may think that it's misinformed.

The person that treats everyone with respect and dignity is not deserving of judgment, and in that case the judger may be considered a fool. That person, who is above reproach, need not worry about his/her detractors.

On the other hand, however, astrology can be a handy tool in insulating yourself from potential unnecessary hurts. That goes for everyone who can say statistically that they have been affected over and over again by the same sign. For the same reason you may feel compelled to move out of a gang-infested neighborhood, or not attend a church whose pastor is found to be involved in pedophilia. I don't think it's unreasonable to keep your distance from known threats.

A lot of people are aware of my bias or weariness where Aries are concerned. I have a long history of not getting along with Aries that dates back to before I ever knew about astrology (which means that astrology wasn't providing a bias). However, I've lived with Aries my entire life, I've been roommates with one Aries for like 4 years now, and I'm currently dating an Aries.

posted November 14, 2005 10:23 PM         

There is an integration that can occur within ourselves. Where we balance our judgement with openness and acceptance; receptivity.
Just as you do with the Aries you know and have known. You are cautious...yet still able to give the person a chance to defy preconceptions. A beautiful gift you give to these others in your life, most likely without them even realizing it.

Trust is the issue, I think. And it's truly a hard thing to do after you've been burned.
But, if you don't give that Trust...take that chance, you are closing yourself off to life and possibilities. There is always that person out there that is bound to blow your mind and shake the foundations of everything you thought you believed.

posted November 15, 2005 12:29 AM         

quote:

---

A lot of people are aware of my bias or weariness where Aries are concerned. I have a long history of not getting along with Aries that dates back to before I ever knew about astrology (which means that astrology wasn't providing a bias). However, I've lived with Aries my entire life, I've been roommates with one Aries for like 4 years now, and I'm currently dating an Aries.

This is what I mean by stating that as long as a person is respectful they need not be terribly concerned with judgment.

---

Hmm...this reminds me of something. Just the other day, I found out that a girl in my French class was a Leo. Leo is pretty much my "Aries" for you. Although, I am an Aries...but you know what I mean.

posted November 15, 2005 09:31 AM         

I agree
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Scorpio sun, venus, mars, mercury and uranus
Libra moon, pluto and asc.