Below the iceberg....

I know it is an overused analogy, but it does illustrate the fact that what we can see above the water level is that which can be articulated as our motivation [inner motivation that is]…

However, there is so much below the water level that is affecting our motivation and intents – a driving force that should not be ignored.

The hidden ‘mechanisms’ of our inner man are where some of the greatest battles are fought in our lifetime. [You can call it subconscious or unconscious mind]

The old man and new man [in Christian terminology] will always be in battle.

So many people with whom i communicate seemed to be oblivious to the dichotomy they are are displaying. They profile themselves differently from the way other people perceive them. They are not able to understand why people respond a certain way to them, because their perception of self is so different from others’ perception of them.

It is like 2 strangers living inside the same body. Such a disconnect! For example, a friend sees herself as a very giving person but most people perceive her as self seeking; another thinks she is very simple and humble, yet she comes across as arrogant and complex.

I am not referring to hypocrisy. I believe it is the unknown, the unconscious mind functioning as the dominant voice which means the person is totally not able to see the discord.

Only friends / colleagues / acquaintance can detect. Hence, a sincere friend must act as a mirror and be willing to give feedback to help, even though the truth hurts.

Better is the pain from a friend than flattery from an enemy.