This is a guest post by Jason Martuscello.
From an evolutionary perspective, we have seen magnificent growth in science and technological advancements as well as increases in pools of information and knowledge. As a result, the choices we make everyday have exponentially increased. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Halo 4, iPad mini, Call of Duty, iPhone 5, fluorescent colored shoes, 50 Shades of Grey – are just a few examples of choices that we may encounter that keep us on the cusp of this evolving society. We are all consumers and are required to make choices everyday that add complexity to our everyday lives. Should I buy? Should I read? Should I listen? Should I remember?
We are constantly battling a tension of forces of human progression and adaptation versus conforming and adapting to society. In other words, should I buy/adopt the newest, latest, and greatest? Are we in control of decisions or are we just pawns getting played in a game chess? We all toil with this dilemma to some extent but the ones whom prevail in these situations demonstrate a sense of inward control. To better understand lets consider the alternative, ones who lack a sense of inward control, allow the complexities of life run rampant. For example, they may easily succumb to peer pressures, influences, information and are (sub)consciously controlled by the external environment.
In one sense, controlling complexity can be considered a balancing of information, influences, memories, and experiences. Left uncontrolled, our minds become bombarded with unregulated sensory input, which can contribute to increased stress, emotional trauma, anxiety, misery, conflict, and negativity. Inward control puts you in the position of power and you become the gatekeeper allowing simplicity, peace, and happiness. Inward control begins with a free, open and clear mind and provides the foundation for simplicity in life.
If you’d like to get in touch with Jason, you can e-mail him at jmartuscello@mail.usf.edu
