The Paradox of Consciousness

The conscious human beast
A paradox presides
Blessed with unique awareness
Cursed by the biological blind drives

Arrogance clouded in uncertainty
Pride profused with shame
The irreconcilable juxtapositions
Driving us covertly - overtly insane

Anxious- we yearn for liberation
Yet we can’t seem to let it go
The awareness of our impermanence
Troubles us so

We strive for a higher virtue
All the while enslaved with guilt and fear
We attempt alter our mind
Hoping it will end - disappear

The avoidance of pain
Ironically weakens the fortitude our soul
We live out an empty life
Pompous – defiant - broke

Like a rope that’s intertwined
Braided tightly with joy and pain
The human dichotomy
Suffering comprises most of our day

The key to eternal happiness
The secret to unremitting growth
Delay immediate gratification
Ancient desires subdued – controlled

Suffering is the product
Extreme fixation of the duality inside
Celebrate – not curse this duality
Without the drives you're not alive

So open your mind
You’re not dreadful, dirty or weak
Juxtaposition
Conscious creature - Instinctual species
That’s what makes us special - unique
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
July 7, 2019 at 8:19 AM
So well expressed. I’m amazed I am the only one who has commented. Interesting that you speak about shame. Shame is the thing that separates us from God. All starting when Adam and Eve hud themselves from God when they realized they were naked.
Hitchcock Avatar
July 8, 2019 at 5:29 AM
I think to start with Adam and Eve is a mistake on our part for it ignores millions of years of our pre-human ancestors that developed a neural netting that favored stress, anxiety, insatiable appetite, and a huge sex drive (sinful nature). If it were not for these drives we wouldn't be here. Now, in a civilized society, these drives are considered "sinful" which creates neurosis for most because of Biblical beliefs. In Romans 7:15 Paul was confused as to why he wanted to do one thing but was compelled to do another. These are the blind drives of biology, not the pull of a fictitious Devil. When we under stand our biology we are on our way to autonomy. When we cling to presuppositions, we are forever held captive.
Hitchcock Avatar
July 7, 2019 at 10:51 PM
Thanks Richard, I'm seeing all of your responses (I'm on my phone). Thank you so much! I don't get many responses...it makes me wonder if I'm the only one noticing these things that life brings. Thank you again and I look forward to seeing your page. Perhaps you and I are on the same one!
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