Why “The Easiest Thing of All is to Deceive One’s Self” – Step 10

A fit man sees a much fatter and corpulent version of himself in the mirror w/ sfz title

“The easiest
thing of all is to
deceive one’s self;
for what a man wish-
es he generally be-
lieves to be
true.”

– Demosthenes (384 BC – 322 BC), Greek orator / politician

 ~~~

What have you discovered about yourself that self-deception has kept hidden lately?

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OR

Is there a small truth about yourself that you are avoiding today?

~~~

Dream – Priscilla Ahn (4:25)
Demosthenes – the Origins of Oration (5:25)
Fantasy World Meditation by Ernesto Cortazar (8:26)

 

Analysis: The Mirror of Maintenance

Demosthenes highlights the profound danger of self-deception. We often believe our desires instead of reality. Consequently, our spiritual toolbox begins to empty quickly. The Basic Text emphasizes a reliance on a Higher Power. This strength prevents us from returning to destructive habits. We must practice constant self-examination to stay healthy.

Meanwhile, The Big Book warns about the slippery slope. Resting on past success invites trouble into our lives. False pride blinds us to our hidden weaknesses. Carl Jung noted that the unconscious directs life until made conscious (Jung, 1951). Such blindness allows the subtle foe to strike again.

Finally, Wellbriety teachings offer a path of balance. We must look at ourselves with a clear eye (White Bison, 2002). This honesty preserves the progress of our recovery journey. Truly, we must remain vigilant against our own wishes. How else can we maintain a life worth living?

References

Jung, C. G. (1951). Aion: Researches into the phenomenology of the self. Princeton University Press.

White Bison. (2002). The red road to wellbriety: In the Native American way. White Bison, Inc.

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Traducción al Español

Citas, Títulos y Referencias

¿POR QUÉ “LO MÁS FÁCIL DE TODO ES ENGAÑARSE A UNO MISMO”? – PASO 10

SIN EL AUTOEXAMEN NUESTRA CAJA DE HERRAMIENTAS ESPIRITUAL SE VACÍA –

“Cuando olvidamos dónde reside nuestra verdadera fuerza, rápidamente nos volvemos sujetos a los mismos patrones de pensamiento y acción que nos llevaron al programa en primer lugar.” (El Texto Básico, p. 48)

POR LA PENDIENTE RESBALADIZA DONDE EL DESEO = VERDAD –

“Es fácil aflojar en el programa espiritual de acción y descansar en nuestros laureles. Estamos destinados a tener problemas si lo hacemos, porque el alcohol es un enemigo sutil.” (El Libro Grande, p. 85)

“Lo más fácil de todo es engañarse a uno mismo; porque lo que un hombre desea, generalmente cree que es verdad.”

– Demóstenes (384 a.C. – 322 a.C.), orador y político griego


Análisis

Demóstenes resalta el profundo peligro del autoengaño. A menudo creemos en nuestros deseos en lugar de la realidad. Por consiguiente, nuestra caja de herramientas espiritual comienza a vaciarse rápidamente. El Texto Básico enfatiza la dependencia en un Poder Superior. Esta fuerza evita que regresemos a los hábitos destructivos. Debemos practicar un autoexamen constante para mantenernos sanos.

Mientras tanto, El Libro Grande advierte sobre la pendiente resbaladiza. Descansar en los éxitos pasados invita a los problemas a nuestras vidas. El falso orgullo nos ciega ante nuestras debilidades ocultas. Carl Jung señaló que lo inconsciente dirige la vida hasta que se hace consciente (Jung, 1951). Tal ceguera permite que el enemigo sutil ataque de nuevo.

Finalmente, las enseñanzas de Wellbriety ofrecen un camino de equilibrio. Debemos mirarnos a nosotros mismos con un ojo claro (White Bison, 2002). Esta honestidad preserva el progreso de nuestro viaje de recuperación. Verdaderamente, debemos permanecer vigilantes contra nuestros propios deseos. ¿De qué otra manera podemos mantener una vida que valga la pena vivir?


Pregunta Concluyente

¿Hay alguna pequeña verdad sobre ti mismo que estés evitando hoy?

Zonr logo on to deceive

Comments

6 responses to “Why “The Easiest Thing of All is to Deceive One’s Self” – Step 10”

  1. E-Dawg Avatar
    E-Dawg

    I would say one of the small truths about me that I am avoiding would be working on my passive aggressiveness. I need to practice using direct and assertive communication. And not worry about what someone thinks if I’m being hard on them… it’s not because I’m being a jerk it’s because they need to work on something themselves that affects everybody in a living situation…

  2. Bodhi Baba Avatar
    Bodhi Baba

    One goal I have for this year is to pull to the side of the road more often when I need to text but I’m now realizing that this habit is going to take a much more thought out plan of action than just wishing this bad behavior away.

  3. Tony Omaeboo Avatar
    Tony Omaeboo

    I deceive myself by ignorance. I can’t know more than I experience. Life comes out it’s on time.

  4. Margo Avatar
    Margo

    I just got into a butt load of trouble by overspending – spending what I wished I had rather than what I actually had. I intend to be more fiscally responsible today – not tomorrow or the day after – but today, because that is all I have. Namaste.

  5. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    I need to keep an eye on grandiosity without minimizing the potential of what can be a good thing.

  6. brita Avatar
    brita

    Yes I deceive myself that I am prey to everyone else’s yuckiness.

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