The Way of the Flexible Gyroscope
A Model and Method for Self-Enlightenment and Change
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Excerpt from Chapter 7. Our Ability to Change. It has been stated that the only thing that welcomes a change, is a wet baby. Previously I noted that we are all resistant to change as a fundamental part of our very nature. When attempting to change your life, if you wish to see your greatest ally or to see your worst enemy: look in any mirror. While our ability to change should never be underestimated, there are real obstacles to change. The following story will help to illustrate a very important concept. Imagine if you will, a person walking through a field at midnight. He has no flashlight and is unable to see anything around him. At that very moment a thunderstorm is occurring. Occasionally, there is a flash of lightning and for a split second he is able to see the trees, the ground, the rocks and boulders that surround him in his immediate environment. For a split second he sees reality. The environment as it truly is, and not simply as he had imagined it to be. However, as the flash of lightning disappears, he is again left in darkness. He is again totally blind to the world around him. The picture he saw fades in his mind. However, with each successive flash of lightning he is able to see more of his immediate environment, and thus becomes able to assemble a clearer and more stable mental picture of his environment. That picture can prove to be quite useful. It can prove to be protective by preventing him from stumbling over boulders, walking into trees, falling into pits or deep water, etc. With regard to possible obstacles to inner change, our very own nature can serve as an impediment. The axis of our gyroscope is composed of our many singular perspectives bundled together (See Fig. 3). If any of these perspectives disagree, or are strongly at odds with each other, then internal conflict arises. I noted previously, that we usually reflexively reject any new information or perspectives presented to us; in order to avoid the resultant internal conflict with its’ unwelcome anxiety and distress. People tend to stay on their own course to keep safe and secure. Their bundled perspectives may become so strong and rigid that they become that individual’s core identity. At that point they can become highly inflexible and unable to hear the words and ideas of others. Referring back to the preceding story concerning the darkened field at midnight, when we gain insight into a new perspective, a new way of seeing ourselves and others; it is often the same type of process that occurs. That is, we see the new insight or perspective for a brief moment, but then it tends to disappear from our sight. Leaving us to, once again, stand in total darkness. We are left only with an after-image, a shadow of what we briefly saw. Initially, we are blinded by our own perspectives. We reflexively reject anything that is new or counter to our own beliefs. By doing so, we are thrust back into darkness. However, when we are momentarily open to new ideas or perspectives we get a glimpse of the other person’s perspective. As if it was illuminated by a flash of lightning. Through repeated exposures to new ideas or perspectives in the presence of an “open mind”, a clearer and longer-lasting picture of the new insight or perspective can be achieved.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
One's search for a sense of stability in this world can be daunting. Have you ever wondered what controls your life? Is it your thoughts, your feelings, or your desires? Is it other people that control your life? If you were able to find a path to self-enlightenment and inner change that would transform your life, what would it be worth to you? Through the use of a simple unified model, this book attempts to explain the behavior and interactions of individuals, groups, and systems. It presents a unique method that can be used for self-guided personal growth and change. Together, the model and method can be used to obtain greater mental flexibility, power, and stability. The long-term goal is continuous personal growth and change. As you proceed, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and of our world. You will also gain new tools that you can use when dealing with the people and the systems that surround and impact you. You can use these tools to teach others about your nature and about their own natures as well. Along with stories, quotes, thought provoking information, carefully chosen questions, and suggestions; David S. Arnold, M.D. provides in-depth guidelines for self-enlightenment and inner change that will transform the reader's life. He offers sane, sensible, and reliable insights that will enhance the reader's ability to make important life decisions.
About the Author
David Sinclair Arnold, M.D., was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. He is a Psychiatrist and serves as the Medical Director of the Acute Care Inpatient Psychiatry Unit for the Veterans Administration Hospital located in Baltimore. He also teaches clinical psychiatry to medical students and residents at the University of Maryland, College of Medicine. He completed his psychiatric residency training at the Albert Einstein Medical Center located in Philadelphia. He received his Board Certification in Psychiatry and Neurology, and is a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Medicine. He is also a member of the New York Academy of Sciences. Dr. Arnold was honored by former Baltimore Mayor, the Honorable Kurt L. Schmoke, with a citizen citation for "Your Outstanding Leadership and Provision of Excellent Mental Health Services to the Community." Over the past twenty years, he has given multiple speaking engagements and lectures concerning mental health care and wellness at universities, local churches, synagogues, mosques, and schools. He has made several television appearances on programs such as the WBAL Local News and the "Café Be More" show with Frank Ski; discussing topics such as depression, children and violence, and the impact of mental illness on our families and our communities. He has had many radio appearances on 92Q FM, Spirit 1400 AM, Magic 95 FM, "Urban Health Beat" 1010 AM, and "The Journey towards Wholeness" WOLB. Dr. Arnold is an entertaining and gifted speaker. Dr. Arnold holds a third degree black belt in Kempo Karate. For many years he has served as a karate instructor for children and adults, and has taught women's self defense classes. He has sat on school boards and has served as a mentor for school aged children. He currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife Stephanie and his son Alex.