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Draikar
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"In all things there is balance"
# Statistics
Favourites: 1817; Deviations: 49; Watchers: 43
Watching: 345; Pageviews: 11456; Comments Made: 2978; Friends: 345
# Comments
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I just noticed your little tag line at the top-left of your page: "In all things there is balance." Despite the "black and white" attitudes of many people nowadays, that's a pretty fundamental truth - we humans aren't exempt from it, either.
On that note, have a bit of relevant insight from that dA contest drawing I submitted:
Taijitu - The taijitu is small and out-of-the way, in the clouds on the left side of the "road." The concept of "yin and yang" is pretty well-known today - in the case of my drawing, it represents my perspective of "good and evil" in humanity. It's widely accepted that we as humans are imperfect and "impure." Regarding "good and evil," no human is "purely good" or "purely evil" - rather, within each human dwells both good and evil. Frankly, Taoism has been a source of interest for me, and many of my personal values have a lot of influence from Taoism (though I didn't realize it until a month ago, at most) - regarding "good and evil," my perspective goes like this: within each human dwells both sides - however, each individual's "scale" is rigged differently in some way. Some people need more "good" than "evil"; others, more "evil" than "good." In order to understand one's "personal equilibrium," one must look not at their "good and evil" sides, but at their personal scale and how it's rigged. The two things to bear in mind are that both sides must be present, and that no two individuals' scales are rigged in the exact same way. For example, my scale is rigged in such a way that I require a LOT of "good" in order to achieve that "equilibrium," but to that end, I need a bit of "evil," as well - otherwise, I have an off-balance scale. I can only speak for myself, but before I finally achieved my "personal equilibrium" this year, I struggled with depression and emotional stress on a very frequent and consistent basis. For others who haven't achieved their "equilibrium," the effects are inevitably different in some way. I've achieved this "equilibrium," but with the end of that battle begins another: the battle to maintain that equilibrium - something I will do through self-awareness and self-discipline.
I know it's my perspective, but when you think about it, it's applicable to anyone else who's human, too.
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Actually, that perspective is rather similar to my own, in some ways at least. The yin and yang symbol has been of interest to me for a long time now, and, in fact, I use it as the emblem of one of my characters and his abilities. It is, in part, where my quote "Balance in all things" comes from. I, too, believe there is good and evil in each person, and that very few things are truly black and white; that one must seek a balance in one's own life and spirit to truly find peace. I believe this quality, yin and yang, allows us to choose our own path through life. For each moment, we can choose for ourselves what to do. Do we want to the good thing or the bad thing, the right thing or the wrong thing, the hard thing or the easy thing. It is not an easy choice to make at times, and often the lines are blurred. In the end, our choices help us decide our path. Do we walk in the light, or in the darkness? And sometimes, one ends up traveling through one side before realizing the value of the other.
This also means that no one is ever truly lost. People make bad choices. They do bad things. Evil is born from many things and can corrupt the unwary, but it is still a choice. Even those who have done evil still have good in their hearts. It may sometimes be buried, but it is there. This being true, then it is also possible that, given the right opportunity and prompting, even the most evil person can still have a chance to change their ways. To realize a better path and step out of the darkness. They can grow and become better than they are. Some will choose not to, of course, but for others...perhaps all they need is the right chance to enter the light.
For those who walk in the light (I count myself among them) there is still risk. As humans, we still have a darkness in our own hearts, constantly tempting us and driving us to change our direction. Those who choose to walk in the light, to do good things, must still always be wary of their own dark parts. They need to accept it and learn to work with it, but also to watch it and never allow it to lead them too far into the darkness. Temptation can corrupt even the best of things, if given a chance to do so. Even those who walk in the brightest light must still be careful of their choices. They are more inclined to choose good, but I know from experience that sometimes they can tread in the shadows a bit, and must occasionally be reminded of where their hearts truly lie.
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As I've said in my dA signature, "Our greatest enemies are not our enemies, but ourselves." For each and every one of us, this holds true...and the first step to a better tomorrow is for us to overcome all the negative aspects of the human psyche - something that's by no means simple, easy, or quick to do. Unfortunately, there is no other way for us to change things for the better and keep then that way. Regarding "good and evil," just as one can be blinded by darkness, so can one be blinded by light, as well. The only way for each person to avoid this blindness is for them to understand their own personal scale, achieve that "personal equilibrium," and then maintain it for as long as they live. This can only be done through self-control, self-awareness, and self-discipline.
It helps to understand one's True Worth , as I have. See what insight you find from it! c:
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Well, it took me a couple of days to make the time for it, but I finally finished reading your article. From the looks of things, while we have come to our conclusions in different ways and with different descriptions, I think I can say that we believe in very much the same thing. The same truth as it were. I agree with you that it is the negative aspects of the human psyche that tend to do the most damage.
I suppose it is also technically possible to be "blinded by the light" as well. However, when I say people should walk in the light, I don't mean for them to do so so zealously that they think themselves above others or that they condemn those who still tread the darkness. Quite the opposite for such a path leads right back into that darkness.
I believe that the greatest powers in this world revolve around the concept of love. Yes...that sounds cliche. I believe it true, though. Every person in our world is an individual with his or her own strengths, weaknesses, skills, beliefs, viewpoints, etc. What people do not always understand is that this is not reason for conflict. We are stronger together than we ever will be divided. However, it is only through understanding, compassion, and keeping an open mind that we can work through our differences and truly function together. Love breeds these things. Love for life. Love for each other. Love for the world. Those who are judgemental of others, or who fight because only their view is "right" have forgotten the meaning of the statement "Love each other."
It is our differences as individuals that allow us the greatest strength. What one person lacks, another person has in abundance. We can compliment each other and through that be stronger. Unification through diversity. Respect for each other and our differing viewpoints, and using our differences to strengthen us all as a whole. All are as equal as we are unique. We need only open our eyes and see the foolishness of this world's conflicts and our society can grow stronger. It will take time, but I believe in the day when all people look on each other with respect, love, and friendship, connections that will undermine those darker aspects of our psyche and truly set us free.
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Hah, we're on the same page about "respect!" it is respect that keeps friendships and similar bonds strong, not "mutual agreement" or "consensus." You and I walk different paths, but in the end, we both tread the same ground: this planet we call Earth. We both have the capacity to make decisions which, along with everyone else's, can make an overall difference in our world - the differences in our lifestyles have no bearing on that. We don't have to "agree" on everything - in fact, that wouldn't be a good thing, because a lot of insight comes from differing perspectives.
I think it's pretty obvious that you and I have a mutual respect for one another - without that respect, not only is it impossible for insightful discussions to take place, but it tends to lead to needless quarreling...something the world could stand a lot less of.
As far as "light and darkness" go, my perspective is that in order to avoid being "blinded" by either, you need a bit of the opposite. I'm visually impaired, and ocular ablinism is one of four conditions that contribute to my visual handicap, so I find it easy to make this analogy: to avoid being blinded by light, you need a bit of darkness; to avoid being blinded by darkness, you need a bit of light. My eyes are very sensitive to light in general, so whenever I go out for walks during the day, I always wear sunglasses. Even if the sun is obscured by clouds, my eyes are often strained by the light - hence, sunglasses. Likewise, my eyes take a long time to adjust to darkness because of the albinism, but having just a little bit of light helps me to see. Unfortunately, headlights from oncoming traffic are pretty blinding for me in those instances. I do understand your perspective, of course. In many senses, making oneself out to be "superior" simply for walking in the light is no better than being a "denizen of the darkness." Something I've noticed is that people who "blind themselves with their own light" fail to notice when darkness is invading - only when it's too late do they realize that darkness has overtaken them. Humans are a duality of "light and darkness," so in order to keep from being blinded by either, one must acknowledge and embrace both.
"Love" doesn't have to be romantic - after all, I love and cherish the world and all things that share it with me. That kind of love is "compassion," and the first step to showing that compassion is respecting all things as they are, including humans. It's kinda hard to show you care if you're not respecting what you care for, yeah? d:
Oh, how I love these kinds of discussions, haha...but one thing I've learned (about myself, anyway) is that being limited to "words alone" is very restrictive. I've felt like I can't express or explain myself effectively just through words, so I'm glad my lifestyle will be action-oriented. It'll allow me to integrate words with actions in order to communicate to others what I'm doing and why. c:
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There has always been something to be said for the phrase "Actions speak louder than words." Even more so I'm fond of "teach by example." You sound like you will be doing both these things. I, too, have trouble explaining myself through words at times. In the last few years I've come to understand concepts that I have been taught my entire life. Concepts that have always sounded good and useful, but ones of which, through experience, I now have a much greater understanding. One of the hardest ones for me to explain to people is what I mean when I say that people should not judge each other. On an extreme, people have taken it that I mean never judge anyone about anything, which would be dangerous to say the least. What I mean is that we cannot fully understand why another person is the way they are, and to condemn them without knowing everything about them is foolish at best. Hopefully that makes sense to you. I can attempt to elaborate if you have questions, but I use it as an example of my own limitation of words.
I agree that love is not always romantic. Love is a bond. It is made up of many emotions, all tied together, but no one is the end all of the word. Love is the bond of respect, understanding, compassion, etc. that ties people together. It is the basis of friendship, among other things, and the only true power that can heal the deepest of wounds, those of the heart and soul. You understand this, and I have no doubt about your ability to inspire it in others.
I do see your point about needing both light and dark in ones life to maintain balance. The yin and yang at work. I have found, though, that I must be careful where I place my focus. I do not deny that I have a darker side to my nature, and I know I can use that to help me understand others or to act as a reminder that I am no better than anyone else. On the other hand, I cannot focus on that part of me. While I accept my darker side (to the best of my current ability) when I have placed too much attention on it, it has drawn me away from the light that is the path I desire to walk. I felt my spirit stray, my thoughts clouded by things that I do not hold as good ideals. My own experiences in this have been small as I've always striven to be a good person, but it was just enough that, after I had a nice spiritual reminder of what such things can do, I did have to make a few minor adjustments in my life to get back on track. Even now I struggle with the temptation to go back again, but I have decided that it is better if I do not allow myself to do so. I would rather keep my head clear so that I can both walk a better path myself, and be better able to help those around me untainted by my own dark distractions. In my case, this all merely centered around a story I was working on, but I did feel the difference, and I have felt it again since shifting my focus away from that story. It was affecting my mentality. Because of this, I believe it best if I stay focused on the light. I accept that I have a dark side, and that it is indeed a part of me, but that doesn't mean I have to bow to it. I can, instead, overcome it through my own faith and my determination to be as good a person as I can be.
I hope all that made sense. Let me know if it did not, or if you have questions.
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It sounds, yet again, like we're on the same page - we're just expressing our perspectives differently, in our own words. I'm not sure we really need to keep going in philosophical circles about the same things when we've already established our mutual understanding and respect. Frankly, that does get tiresome for me. About your last comment...what's important is that what you're saying makes sense to you. Sure, others may have trouble understanding, even after you've explained your perspectives and values - the same thing happens with me, as well...and we've already discussed why this happens, too. xD
I'm pretty sure that what you're saying makes sense to you, just as what I say makes sense to me. In the future, you and I might find our own ways to communicate these things more effectively for others to understand, but the very last thing you'd ever want is for you to be confused by your own values. d:
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Point and point. I suppose you're right. We've got ourselves established, and I agree that we're on the same page. It's a good feeling, really.
I suppose you're right about my understanding. I just wish it was easier to describe to people. I know what I'm trying to say...but I just don't have the words to make it make sense to others. I've come close a few times, but I'm not sure I've quite nailed it. You're right, though. As long as I know my own values and beliefs, eventually I'll figure it out. And there's always the big teach by example ideal. Sometimes that's better than direct instruction anyway.
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Yeah, I understand that feeling. It may help to integrate your words with actions, though~ c:
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I shall certainly do my best. Just not an easy thing to "show" sometimes. lol. but...I suppose as long as I just try to be a good person and follow my values, someone will figure it out, right?
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Well, again, the important thing is "understanding yourself and your values," not "others figuring it out." I say, just walk your path - somewhere down the road, you may find a way to help others understand your path better. c:
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Good point, and one I will certainly keep in mind. Thank you.
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Am I too late to wish you a happy birthday? Because I will do so regardless. Happy birthday to you, sir.
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Well thank you, Deluxeloy. No, you're not too late. Never too late. I appreciate it at any time. I'm late getting back to you. lol.
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Well thank you! I appreciate it. It's good to hear from you, too. I hope you're well.
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I am doing very well for myself. I now work a fulltime job as a relief manager at Public Storage. I hope you are doing pretty well yourself.
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I'm glad to hear things are going well for you. Sounds like an interesting job. you like it?
I, myself, am doing quite well. Admittedly, I'm still working my part time job at the local library, and we have to be careful with our budget sometimes, but all in all things are good.
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You're welcome for that, too.
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