Dominate our conditionings

ALL kinds of conditionings somehow shape our life. We are

conditioned by our own temperament, for example, or by the weather at

the moment, by our family traditions, social customs, political

milieu, the historical background of the place we grew up in.

  

            We are also conditioned by the kind of work we do, the

kind of relatives and friends we have. We can be conditioned by the

many technologies that are now easily available. Yes, of course, we

also are highly conditioned by the ideologies and religions we choose,

the culture and the lifestyles we are exposed to. There is also the

media and the propaganda machineries of different groups to contend

with.

  

            Everything that would have some impact on our life somehow

conditions us, from the physical to the social to the spiritual, from

the natural to the supernatural and the unnatural, from elements that

are unavoidable to things that we choose to have.

  

            It is important that we are aware of this fact of life and

make the effort to know these conditionings and master them. What we

have to avoid is to be complacent with them and to be fully at their

mercy. We have to dominate them instead of them dominating us. They

need to be purified and directed to our proper end. We cannot deny

that there are also manipulative forces around.

  

            This is where the question of criteria and standards come

in.  How should we be guided in this lifelong task? Where can we find

the sure points of reference? What should be our North Star?

  

            The question may require a much bigger space and a deeper

discussion than what this column can afford, though I must say at the

outset that obviously the proper reference would be God himself.

  

            That position may trigger many other questions, like who

is God, where can we find him, how sure can we be that we are

following God, etc.?

  

            Before we get lost in those questions, we can readily say

that what is important is that we be more serious about being aware

that there are different conditionings affecting our life and that we

should dominate them.

   

            I believe that irrespective of the kind of criteria and

standards used, we can say that we have enough basis to guide us on

how to dominate our conditionings. We already have a good body of

knowledge derived from the sciences—the natural, the medical and

psychological, the social, to the philosophical, ideological,

theological, etc.

  

            What is important is that we know what are the good

aspects as well as the dangerous side and limitations of these

conditionings. We cannot be naive and just allow ourselves to be led

by these conditionings. We have to lead them.

  

            That is why we should have a clear idea about the ultimate

purpose of our life and the goal that we have to reach, irrespective

of the different circumstances and conditions in our life.

  

            We have to see to it that we are not just herded like cows

by these conditionings. This phenomenon, I am afraid, is happening

these days, when many people, especially the young ones,

indiscriminatingly and blindly follow trends and fashions.

  

            That is why there is always some need for introspection,

for some examination of conscience, for a deeper study and

consultation about this matter, etc. Times are getting more

complicated, confusing and challenging, and we cannot afford to get

swallowed up and lost by the conditioning circumstances of our life.

  

            This concern should be pursued by everyone, creating a

conducive atmosphere for it in the family, in our personal spiritual

direction, in schools, offices, parishes, etc.