Are we doing what we want to do or programmed to do?

Question

We say that we are doing what we want to do; but are we really?

Refusing to marry and marry at an older age. This seed planted in the sixties

Two children per household. This seed planted in 1927.

Mother leaving their children in daycare. This seed planted in the late seventies.

Men wearing coglone. This seed planted in the early seventies.

Becoming consumers instead of saving. This seed planted in the late sixties.

Earring on males and tatooes. This seed panted in the seventies.

Answer 1

I agree with you that the majority of us would like to believe (and often do) that they are in fact always doing what they want--and in some respects this is true--even when it comes to attitudes, behaviors, thinking, etc.

I give you high marks in asking this question of this calibre, I do not, however, that your examples of "programming" are either representative of the types and kinds of programming that we need to really concern ourselves with...

...but were selected because of your OWN programming...

Generally speaking I would not choose to describe our behavior in a 'black and white' extreme of on one hand "doing what we want" and on the other side only obeying some "programming".

As it relates to "doing what we want", this assumes that any of us knows what we want.

Without knowing precisely what you (and others) might mean by "programming" make it difficult to specifically address the sources of such programming.

However, when I refer to "programming" I am referring to both "collective and individual programming" that occurs along the lines of religion, society, culture, sex, love, critical thinking (or the lack thereof), and an almost endless list of other behaviors--"learned" and otherwise.

Programming also carries with it the connotation of something that is "pre-determined" and a lack of "free will".

However, often what is or isn't a conscious choice (based on free will) or a programmed choice is a matter of perspective.


The types and kinds of programming you refer to in your question are more towards "culture and society", and are probably the easiest to overcome.

The most difficult "programming" to confront is that "programming" that is created by and for ourselves--and that "progamming" which is associated with what might be termed as "foundation/core beliefs" and "values".

Basically, "programmed behavior" will almost always bring one only "pain", discomfort, frustration, etc., Meaning, it won't be until the person literally "gets tired" of having the same ("painful/bad") thing happen every time they do the same thing.

This does NOT mean that ALL "programmed behaviors" are "bad"--the many programs which reside in your DNA that keep the BILLIONS of activities which keep you alive each and every day is a good example.

The goal is, is to be able to recognize that something is "programmed", and then discern whether "new thinking" and a "new judgement" is required. Thinking and judgement, are the operative words and concept heres, as most "programmed behavior" does NOT require--or negates--or totally ignores thinking and judgement altogether.

So, are we completely at the mercy of the almost endless number of "programs" which run our lives?

No.

One of the most effective "keys" is to learn what are referred to in some esoteric circles as "principles". How does this help? Because a principle is the underlying truth that makes all facts valid. Once a principle is learned and understood, in order for one to successfully implement it, one must "think" and use judgement.

Here's a quote that may help:

"To use the energy of mind you have to realize that you're the operator and not the machine and then are able to go against the way of thinking that you have been taught. If you have, for instance, been taught one way but figured out a different way to do something than the orthodox way, then you have used your mind. If you have been able to make something very creative, put together some structure that is contrary to anything you have ever learned through memory training, you have used your mind because you have gone beyond the program. You didn't act the way you were programmed to act."

"...when we realize how we are programmed we then have power over the programming and can respond as we consciously see fit rather than as some computer program."

Our duty is to learn to speak the language of personal responsibility, and discover our "programming" and consciously change it as we see fit.

Regards,

Answer 2

Well obviously society plays a huge roll in what to do, but programmed no, more and more, we have the freedom of choice, not all want or like tattoos. Not all mothers have a choice to keep their kids home. How are they supposed to make a living especially if that accidental pregnancy, or a failed marriage. It is not programmed for a mom to leave her child at daycare by choice, it is a reality that living costs and no parent enjoys paying 165.00 a week so they can go to work.
Some are good at saving, others love consuming and this is a seed planted in how we as individuals are taught to handle our money. But absolutely we have planted seeds hence the ever long asked question nature vs. nurture. Why is it OK in some countries to practice genocide? It is planted seeds to what is acceptable in societies.

Answer 3

you are so right and if you keep going with this and look at all of the usual things you see and hear, most of them are unexamined, so much of what is in people's minds is just handed down from one person to another, one generation to another. This is why most people are not awake in the spiritual sense. In order for that to happen, the mind has to stop. There has to be a disconnect between the mind and consciousness and by mind I mean thoughts. Who you are is one of those. In truth, it's more like what you are than who. Who is made up of layers of thought about one's accomplishments, opinions, image in the mirror, hopes, dreams and ratings compared with others. And the interesting thing about all that is all of those are just thoughts as well. So, the 'self' that most people think they are is just thoughts about more thoughts and conclusions (also thoughts) about all of that thinking. But that is not you, better to just drop all of that and be aware.

Answer 4

I married at 18.
I did have the two kids though, but they are seven years apart.
I don't leave my kids in daycare. I stay home with them.
My husband rarely wears cologne.
I loathe shopping.
I have two tattoos. I got them before it was mainstream for females. My husband has no earrings and has no interest.

I do what I want. I don't do something just because everyone else is doing it.

Answer 5

Bathing, seed planted after the Black Plague

Answer 6

I think we are programmed to do what we want by our own consciousness. Everything that we think become things, they materialize. This is the reason we should keep our thoughts in positive things.

Answer 7

hi expensive once you uninstall a application the initiate up this gadget labled via uninstaller software like loose area to overwrite on it so which you would be able to get well this application via spacial application .till you do no longer any element on it it stay intact on your hard. good success

Answer 8

Yes, most everyone is asleep & programed. It goes much deeper than your examples, & you can never convince someone that they are not awake. It's just better to wake up yourself & be an example.

Answer 9

cultural trends happen its just the effects of society. But at some point each trend will break and a new one will start.

Answer 10

An unexamined life is not worth living. Use a mirror, be who you want.