It’s incredible to think just how big of an impact one’s environment plays on who one turns out to be. For example, a person’s religion primarily depends on what region of the world they’re from.
Just like the idea that pit bulls are dangerous dogs. A dog is only as dangerous as the person that raised it. If a dog is raised in a good environment, with good people, it will be a good dog.
I know that I’ve read and heard multiple sources say that racism isn’t inherent, it’s taught.
I’m not quite sure of where I am heading with this post, but hear me out.
Of course, so much of what makes us who we are is genetic, but it could be argued that just as much influence comes from one’s environment. So, how much does that leave up to the individual? I mean, through the choices one makes also determine one’s essence, right?
I was going to point out how the environment and genetics can influence our choices, but our choices can influence the environment and our genetics. They all interplay together.
Do you think that if one tries to maintain a balance of thirds with these three aspects, that their life will be harmonious? I don’t know. What sort of percentages should each category fill in a person? I suppose it could be fluid, changing just as the person changes. Certainly, the ‘choices’ category becomes more influential as we age. We make choices through time, so as time passes we accumulate more choices in our past.
But also, the environment continues to influence us as we age, right? So, that portion grows too. Genetics always influences, but is that a steady influence or does it grow like the others?
Using AI as a conversational tool, I went on a deep dive into the Dalai Lama tonight. I learned about the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. About how he is the Bodhisattva of compassion. I also learned that he took a vow to say within samsara (the cycle of life and death) in order to ensure all sentient beings are enlightened. But, because he failed his body shattered into a thousand pieces. Then, another Bodhisattva rebuilt his body with infinite arms in order to spread the compassion more.
How the Dalai Lama plays into this, is he is the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, or rather their compassion on earth. The Dalai Lama is a revered person within Tibetan Buddhism because he is seen as the embodiment of compassion. When I fully understood this, it was a huge eye-opener for me and really got me to think about life and our choices.
I used to think, “How fortunate that the incarnation of the Dalai Lama to be born within Tibet each round.” But then I got to thinking about all of the stories of young children talking about past lives, and how they chose to live in their current life. They chose their current life because there were lessons and such that they wanted to learn from it. Would that mean that choices supersede both environment and genetics?
The Dalai Lama isn’t born in Tibet because of luck or coincidence. He incarnates there because it is the most conducive location for him to fulfill his purpose. Right?
Is this what makes us the creators of our own destinies? That our choices are the biggest influences in our lives?
In media, witches and wizards often cast flashy spells that affect their environment. Sometimes I like to think of the choices we make as small spells we cast in time. The choices we make affect our reality.
But let’s all be honest, I spend far too much time contemplating choices. I don’t know how this post leads to choices, but it’s something that I ruminate on often. I need to practice releasing on the choices I’ve made in the past. While they influence my present and future, there is nothing I can do to change them because I am bound by time.
I strive to make the right choice. I think we all do. Well, except for that one friend that I have who said she seeks chaos. I think she makes choices for the sheer thrill of it. I abhor choices. I like options, but having to make a choice is a chore. Like making the choice to make a triple strong cup of coffee at 3pm this past afternoon, leading me to write a rambling blog post a one o’clock in the morning.
As I listen to this song while finishing this blog post, it makes me wonder if it would still appear on my “Liked” list if I were born into different circumstances. Probably not.
Whether I like it or not, I guess I chose to live this life for a reason.
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Justin, do you remember a previous discussion-many years ago now- when I was curious about life: how we got here, how life came to be, were we self-directed, etc. This has me smiling.
It is in the question, the answer is known.
I’ve learned to ask, and allow that knowing to be there. I relax & trust that I know what I know. My focus is always the truth, and not just truth as I know it, but fundamental truth.
All your thoughts about what makes us who we are can be true: Genetics, Environment, Religion, Politics, Experiences, Enculturation.
Ultimately, from a space of conscious design, who do we choose to be? What support do we need to be that, have that, live that?
What we’ve been is less important than who we are becoming. I awoke wanting to write a Substack something about this:)
I’ll now see if I do:)
I look forward to seeing it if you decide to publish! 🙂