"Ae man can lead a horse ta the water but twenty couldna gar [make] him drink."
___ Scots proverb
If you have ever tried to give strong-tasting medicine to an animal or child, you have encountered (probably with some frustration) the full extent of unwillingness. The same frustration sometimes arises when we try to persuade someone to our way of seeing something; no matter, how many times we explain our perspective, the listener's understanding does not come to the place of realization. It is just not within range of his will.
In our lives we must do many things contrary to our consent: out of duty, expediency or consideration for others. Our ability to show willingness is often a measure of our maturity, a skill honed by circumstance, upbringing, and experience. But these very factors often have the reverse effect; that is, they detach us from our own will.
When we do spend time trying to define our will, it is often a shock to find how much of what we think of as our own opinion, our full consent, our true will is formed by the opinions, wishes and desires of others. Sorting grit from the grain takes a lot of perseverance.
Will without maturity is of no service to us; we must know when we can compromise it and when we should defend it.
"Consult your own will. Where are its boundaries, and when must you defend them?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
No comments:
Post a Comment