today is subliminal off day…as usual,things are popping up…one concept that piqued my interest ——the state of “嫉羡”
I dont know if there is a correct word for that in English…I will try to explain it…
“嫉”means “jealousy”…“羡”means “envy” …but the combination of two is something much more devastating and negative…an emotional and mental state mixing with “Hatred ”,“jealousy”,“envy” and “aggression”…and this state of mind will usually lead to physical /emotional/mental abuses or attacks…towards some one else or oneself…
I take a closer look at it…it is quite common that people get into this state and operate on it without realize it…I ,myself ,have once been the victim and also the abuser…
so ,what is the cause of it ?
at first ,I thought it was a product of “low self esteem”,“scarcity mentality”,“imposter syndrome” and “narcissism”…a mixture of the above causing the believer to view the world and others from a really rigid and narrow perspective…which is polarizing and twisting…
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this mentality creates a tremendous amount of anxiety in the believers ,cuz they have to constantly strike for the goals others set for them…they have to walk on the eggshell…
overtime,the frustration ,stress ,sacrifices and mental energy/investments will build up to a point where there is no coming back…cuz the sunk cost is so high that it is really hard for one to give up or see it the other way around without getting into a terrible cognitive dissonance…
gradually…the believer start to convince themselves …their way is the only right way and honorable way…anything else that reflects they have done a poor jobs will be damned…even though,their way wasn’t really their way…they invested,therefore they believe in it…
.it is bugging me…this emotional/mental state seems to create a endless vicious game…constantly sucking people in and forcing them to play it… …there is no way out once you get sucked in it and believe this is what defines you…it is self sustaining and long lasting…
then ,I realised an ancient Chinese philosophy ——“慎”,which means “be aware”,“be mindful”…
basically the preaching was that…one should keep their head down and concentrate on the self developing…
do not brag…because that will cause unwanted attention and jealousy…people might attack you…if you have something they dont have…keep it to yourself…that is “慎言”,which means be aware /be mindful of word.
do not stand out,because that will get you a shot in the head…those in power would love to make an example out of you…hold back for a while,let other be the first one…that is “慎行”which means be aware/be mindful of action…
do not draw conclusion,because that will close your mind ,let other people express their opinions …that will narrow their perception of the real subjects…let whatever thoughts you have sink in for a while……that is “慎思” which means be aware/be mindful of thought…
restrict yourself from operating on a superficial and hypocritical position…because that is weak and untrustworthy …when people find out what you are hiding…it will repel them …have an integrity whether there is an external surveillance or not…that is “慎独” which means be aware /be mindful of solitude…
I think ,a person who could incorporate this philosophy into his daily life will greatly avoid the possibility of getting sucked into that “嫉羡”mentality…cuz,with the attitude of 慎,one will deeply and carefully examine one‘s own output,from inside to outside…
let’s see what else might come to my mind…