September 16, 2010

What is your motivation?

For my birthday Jimmas a friend gave me a book that I'm really enjoying! (Thanks again Brian!) It's called Pagan Visions for a Substantial Future. It is a collection of writings from several authors. I am really enjoying it. The first chapter was very meaningful for me because I have thought about this subject for a long time: "What ethics do we live by? What is our motivation?"

I was raised Mormon and as most people raised in an organized religion, I was raised with a sense of duty to please God. And also a fear of displeasing God, of hellfire and damnation.

Other's are motivated a lot by fear; fear of losing their job, the family, their security or many other things.

There are a ton of people motivated by greed! Always out trying to get more toys, more money, more things, more... more... more!

When someone is being threatened they most likely will be motivated to survive, almost an animal instinct.

The first chapter in the book is exactly what I believe. That I am motivated by honor. Being true to what I believe; to what I say; how I act; how I interact with others and how I live and act in the world and nature.

It rings true to me and my core beliefs.

This is not easy. It takes work and time. And honoring myself!

I'm not there yet... I'm working on it. But it's where I want to be.

Anyhoo....


Y'all may be hearing more of my thoughts on this book.

3 comments:

Breenlantern said...

"The first chapter in the book is exactly what I believe. That I am motivated by honor. Being true to what I believe; to what I say; how I act; how I interact with others and how I live and act in the world and nature. It rings true to me and my core beliefs. This is not easy. It takes work and time. And honoring myself! "

I absolutely love this statement. I live in this world and my motivation is based purely on my desire to do good, avoid doing harm, help when I can and be the kind of person I'd like to know and spend time with. It is hard, especially when so few others live this way and rarely apprecaite the effort, but if you're doing it for yourself, to honor yourself, then others' no longer play a role in determining how you will behave because they are not the basis for your motivation, you are.

I'm glad there are people like you in the world; I wish there were more.

Doesn't hurt that you frikkin adorable as hell, either :-)

SteveA said...

I believe in the inherent good of a person and their concern for mankind! Growing up Christian and having a Muslim dad I can fully appreciate the good in religion and coexistence. But these days I tend to be more divorced from organized religion and appreciate goodness!

Kyle said...

I'm intrigued. Just added it to the wishlist. Sounds like a book I would enjoy.