Repose

re·pose

¹   [ri-pohz] noun, verb, re·posed, re·pos·ing.

noun

1.

the state of reposing or being at rest; rest; sleep.  (from www.dictionary.com)

I think this approach to life is used by many.  They are in a nearly constant state of being asleep.  They don't notice what's going on.  It's not that they bring their preconceived notions to reality.  They have few, if any notions, preconceived or not.  Rather, They prefer to sleep through life, avoiding as much of the pain as they can.  Or perhaps they just want to avoid it all.  "What a drag!" seems to be their mantra.

Of course, it catches up at some point, whether they are conscious of it or not.  (Not conscious:  stepping in front of a speeding truck and being killed on the spot!)

What about you?  What do you think about the "repose" approach to life?  Share your thoughts with us, please.

Depose

Depose:  to remove from office or position, especially high office: The people deposed the dictator. (dictionary.com)  

We all know people who try to depose reality.  Racists, economists,  lawyers (at times), the far Right, the far Left, creationists, and TV preachers all come to mind.  When confronted with real data, the results of rigorous research, or other testimony relating to reality, they find refuge in. . . 

• scripture of some kind
• what everyone knows (in their narrow circle)
• what we have always believed
• what the person himself/herself has always believed
• what a teacher once said 
• or (God help us) what Rush Limbaugh says

 The unspoken approach is to depose reality for the myth or myths a person wants to believe.  Many people find this approach convenient (no thought required).  Not only the far extremes of opinion indulge.


Those who smoke a little pot to make life seem easier, those who abuse prescription drugs, those to use a little crack or meth, as well as those who only listen to opinions they already agree with are "deposers".  If reality sucks, get rid of it.


These folks don't want to impose their own reality so much as deny reality and live in their dream world(s).  


I find them sad.  "It is what it is" is a saying that helps me avoid the impose and escape the depose mentality.  How about you?  What do you think?  Leave a comment and let us know
 

Expose

Think with me about Ruthie -- the delightful girl in One Big Happy (syndicated comic strip).  She is eager to find out what life is like in small increments.  She approaches people, situations and problems with at attitude of letting them expose what is underneath the surface.

My wife calls this approach "wonderment".  I have tried to cultivate this approach to life and have, to some extent, succeeded.  Rather than try to impose my preconceived notions of reality on a situation, I try to come with a questioning mind, waiting for reality to expose itself to me.  As I see it, we don't really KNOW very much.  Even events or relationships that seem similar to other incidents or happenings may not be. 

Motives may differ, causes vary, and even the interpretation I had of an earlier event that seems the same may be wrong.  Incomplete.  Off-kilter. 

When I am developing a relationship with someone I don't know (most everyone, really) I wait for that person to expose himself/herself.  Who is he?  What does she value?  What habits will I discover?  I listen and look for opinions, judgments, ethical moves, pools of knowledge, and arenas of delight. 

Of course, I never really know the person.  it's better to let him/her continue to expose layer after layer, facet after facet.  I incorporate that into my understanding but continue to listen, look and wonder.

What do you think?  Does bringing an attitude of waiting for reality to expose itself make sense for you?  Leave a comment and let us know.