What are the dangers of “Negative Will” and the advantages of the “Positive” one? Are dreams the wheel of Will?
Two interesting questions and, as per my usual style, I will address each issue separately so that we can all understand the thread of my thoughts.
To will: to make it happen (or try to make it happen by using the mental effort rather than physical means); to want it to happen (= wish) [Source: Collins and Cobuild English dictionary].
Positive Will Vs Negative Will
Imagine what it would be like to be depleted of Will…that is correct: one would be no better than a rock or even a vegetal.
Will is the moving force of life: one wants material things, he will work to get them; one wants a lover, he will predispose himself to attract one; one wants a promotion, he will do whatever to get it; one wants a works to work and his mind will Will it so that the “spell” will be successfully cast…
Of course these are examples of “Positive Will”, since one will put himself into action to actually get the things he wants, without the preoccupation of the time frame (i.e. he is patient enough; he does not bend to Will alone for he bears in mind the time needed to satisfy that wish).
But then there are cases where “Negative Will” predominates. These are the cases where people find themselves completely submitted to Will: they want to satisfy their pleasures; their wishes at all costs and whenever they want it. Their most common imperative is “I want it now!”. The downside to this negative form of Will is that usually a person does not see his wishes met and ends up by wanting more, more and more. This dissatisfaction (accompanied by undisciplined patience) will eventually lead to an obsession with a never-accomplished-satisfaction, which in turn will lead to numbness, inaction (of both mind and body).
Will is the driving force of action if, and when, hand-in-hand with time reverence.
Dreams as the wheel of Will
It has been said that dreams are the reflections of fears, however I find this view a too simplistic one. Dreams are much more than fear indicators; they are also warnings; a tool for clairvoyance; an escape for life’s vicissitudes; a canvas for the colours of our imagination and, undoubtedly, the wheel of our Will.
For most people dreams indicate them what path they should take in life (even if they do not remember it) and this puts in motion the Will cart. When they wake up they know exactly what to do (perhaps this is reason behind the expression “sleep on it”); what they want in life, how to satisfy their needs…
When people dream their mind builds a corridor of options through which they walk in order to choose whatever they wish. Once they select the object of their wishes immediately the cloud of Will is formed and then it will pour the rain of action upon the fields of creativity (when “Positive Will” predominates).
When the “Negative Will” takes over a certain individual; he dreams, the cloud of Will is formed yet it doesn’t produce the rain of action, instead it produces thunders of frustration when it doesn’t get what he wants, when he wants it.
Will is the parent of construction, progress and modernity when (and only) time is revered.
Two interesting questions and, as per my usual style, I will address each issue separately so that we can all understand the thread of my thoughts.
To will: to make it happen (or try to make it happen by using the mental effort rather than physical means); to want it to happen (= wish) [Source: Collins and Cobuild English dictionary].
Positive Will Vs Negative Will
Imagine what it would be like to be depleted of Will…that is correct: one would be no better than a rock or even a vegetal.
Will is the moving force of life: one wants material things, he will work to get them; one wants a lover, he will predispose himself to attract one; one wants a promotion, he will do whatever to get it; one wants a works to work and his mind will Will it so that the “spell” will be successfully cast…
Of course these are examples of “Positive Will”, since one will put himself into action to actually get the things he wants, without the preoccupation of the time frame (i.e. he is patient enough; he does not bend to Will alone for he bears in mind the time needed to satisfy that wish).
But then there are cases where “Negative Will” predominates. These are the cases where people find themselves completely submitted to Will: they want to satisfy their pleasures; their wishes at all costs and whenever they want it. Their most common imperative is “I want it now!”. The downside to this negative form of Will is that usually a person does not see his wishes met and ends up by wanting more, more and more. This dissatisfaction (accompanied by undisciplined patience) will eventually lead to an obsession with a never-accomplished-satisfaction, which in turn will lead to numbness, inaction (of both mind and body).
Will is the driving force of action if, and when, hand-in-hand with time reverence.
Dreams as the wheel of Will
It has been said that dreams are the reflections of fears, however I find this view a too simplistic one. Dreams are much more than fear indicators; they are also warnings; a tool for clairvoyance; an escape for life’s vicissitudes; a canvas for the colours of our imagination and, undoubtedly, the wheel of our Will.
For most people dreams indicate them what path they should take in life (even if they do not remember it) and this puts in motion the Will cart. When they wake up they know exactly what to do (perhaps this is reason behind the expression “sleep on it”); what they want in life, how to satisfy their needs…
When people dream their mind builds a corridor of options through which they walk in order to choose whatever they wish. Once they select the object of their wishes immediately the cloud of Will is formed and then it will pour the rain of action upon the fields of creativity (when “Positive Will” predominates).
When the “Negative Will” takes over a certain individual; he dreams, the cloud of Will is formed yet it doesn’t produce the rain of action, instead it produces thunders of frustration when it doesn’t get what he wants, when he wants it.
Will is the parent of construction, progress and modernity when (and only) time is revered.
Image: "The Knight's Dream" by Antonio de Pereda
Interesting post Max. My nephew is a psychiatrist, and recently shared on his blog a link about how neurofeedback can help us improve performance. Many athletes use this to help them "think outside the box" in terms of their capabilities. For example, for many years most runners thought it was impossible to beat the four minute mile. Now, it is expected that a star athlete will be able to beat a 4 minute mile. My nephew's boss has been giving lectures to companies. I think all of us could benefit from a positive mental attitude. But when you speak of "will", I can't help but think of faith. Faith is a moving force that enables us to act on what we believe. I suppose that will could be considered a synonym.
ReplyDeleteYour comments about dreams were interesting as well, and I had just commented on LS's blog about having read part of Sigmund Freud's Interpretation of Dreams. I think in many ways dreams allow us to think thoughts that the conscious part of us refuses to allow in waking hours. In our dreams we are able to do things that in our real life we don't have confidence to do. (of course they also allow us to do things we are UNABLE to do in real life...like fly. lol) I think the key to using this to our advantage is to allow ourselves to dream a little more when we are awake, then will our selves to accomplish those dreams.
Max,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine a life without will. As I always say, 'Where there is a (wheel) there is a way.' Okay I didn't originate that adage, but the use of the word wheel in this case is the same as will. They both require motion. (either by thought or physical force) Will is action and action is an energy force. The result can be positive or negative depending on the actions taken to achieve the desired goal.
"...there are cases where “Negative Will” predominates. These are the cases where people find themselves completely submitted to Will: they want to satisfy their pleasures; their wishes at all costs and whenever they want it. Their most common imperative is “I want it now!.”"
I think negative will is comprised of super ego. The mantra may go something like this; 'I want what I want and I don't care who gets in the way, I will still get what I want.' It is an endless and selfish pursuit to blaze a path of glory, but what the culprit may not realize is that the road to success is not guaranteed and even if it is attained, it is not necessarily permanent. Success is nothing without someone you love to share it and if you've stepped on those people to attain success then you have nothing in the end.
"The downside to this negative form of Will is that usually a person does not see his wishes met and ends up by wanting more, more and more."
Yes, nothing will satisfy negative will. It's like an endless pit of futile energy that turns those who pursue it into reprobates.
"It has been said that dreams are the reflections of fears, however I find this view a too simplistic one. Dreams are much more than fear indicators; they are also warnings; a tool for clairvoyance; an escape for life’s vicissitudes; a canvas for the colours of our imagination and, undoubtedly, the wheel of our Will."
I agree. Dreams are much more than meets the eye. It's what's behind the eye where your spiritual blueprint lies. Once one learns how to read the blueprint, one can decipher one's existence. Documenting one's dreams can help them to understand the blueprint.
"When people dream their mind builds a corridor of options through which they walk in order to choose whatever they wish."
Just like choosing options for a car, you can choose options for your personal vehicle - your body (temple).
"When the “Negative Will” takes over a certain individual; he dreams, the cloud of Will is formed yet it doesn’t produce the rain of action, instead it produces thunders of frustration when it doesn’t get what he wants, when he wants it."
And a lifetime of nightmares where the individual is really running from her/himself. When they stop running, then they will begin to see what they are running from.
"Will is the parent of construction, progress and modernity when (and only) time is revered."
Not thy will, thy will be done.
Great post Max.
Goodwill Cheers
Hey Delirious!
ReplyDelete"Interesting post Max." - thank you so much *bowing*!
Psychology is extremely interesting, and it is a subject that I enjoy hearing about and reading too: that being said I'd like to thank you for having shared this story with us :).
However psychology doesn't explain everything, it excludes a lot of things and that is why it isn't as even more effective as it could be.
Notwithstanding a good attitude can help a lot regarding all sorts of achievement, there is no doubt about it.
"But when you speak of "will", I can't help but think of faith. Faith is a moving force that enables us to act on what we believe. I suppose that will could be considered a synonym." - well, faith is related with belief, with having a strong sense of confidence or trust or optimism; whereas will is related with wanting something to happen, to wishing for something. Faith is about belief, Will is about wanting. Perhaps Will is the moving force of Faith which in turn could (or not, depending on the individual and if whether he is taken by either Positive or Negative Will) be the driving force of action.
LOL true, dreams also allow us to fly lol. But did you know that it is said when we fly in dreams it usually means that the soul left the body to go visit the first realm (either to receive information, orders or just to fly as you said lol) and holds onto the world of the living by our navel? It is a very interesting concept too.
"I think the key to using this to our advantage is to allow ourselves to dream a little more when we are awake, then will our selves to accomplish those dreams." - I agree with you, my friend :). It is also a way out!
D, thank you so much for this most precious comment; I love our chats :D!
Cheers
Dear Alexys,
ReplyDeleteThe sun is shining on my blog...you brought it with you :D! Thanks *bowing*!
"I can't imagine a life without will. As I always say, 'Where there is a (wheel) there is a way.' Okay I didn't originate that adage, but the use of the word wheel in this case is the same as will." - LOL LOL "where there is a wheel there is a way" LOL LOL...you are right, in this case it is the same lol!
"They both require motion. (either by thought or physical force) Will is action and action is an energy force. The result can be positive or negative depending on the actions taken to achieve the desired goal." - I hear you, girl!
"I think negative will is comprised of super ego. The mantra may go something like this; 'I want what I want and I don't care who gets in the way, I will still get what I want.' It is an endless and selfish pursuit to blaze a path of glory, but what the culprit may not realize is that the road to success is not guaranteed and even if it is attained, it is not necessarily permanent. Success is nothing without someone you love to share it and if you've stepped on those people to attain success then you have nothing in the end." - BRAVO; BRAVO!!!!!! *clap clap clap*! This is beautiful, my sista: and so right! There is nothing else to be added here....
"Yes, nothing will satisfy negative will. It's like an endless pit of futile energy that turns those who pursue it into reprobates." - not to mention that people who suffer from this disorder end up by going crazy and being miserable, cause they are so focused on their wanting that they obliterate others, love, life...everything that is good (including chocolate lol)!
"I agree. Dreams are much more than meets the eye. It's what's behind the eye where your spiritual blueprint lies. Once one learns how to read the blueprint, one can decipher one's existence. Documenting one's dreams can help them to understand the blueprint." - exactly! Documenting dreams is of extreme importance, but unfortunately most people do not do this. Helas, they don't even believe in this type of things *nodding*....
"Just like choosing options for a car, you can choose options for your personal vehicle - your body (temple)" - True! And speaking of it, if more people would consider their bodies as temples there wouldn't be less addicts (of any kind)....
"And a lifetime of nightmares where the individual is really running from her/himself. When they stop running, then they will begin to see what they are running from." - only when they stop running it might be too late (in this life, I mean)! They might hear the Big Boss saying "Go back! And don't run this time!"...
Thank you, dear *bowing*! And thank you for your great comment: to say that I loved it does not reflect the proper intensity produced by your words *bowing*!
Positive Will Cheers
Thanks for dropping...
ReplyDeletePositive thingking produce good result as compare with negative one..
Well, I must have a very strong umbilical cord because in my dreams, I start to fly, but keep landing and have to kick off to keep going. lol
ReplyDeleteWhen you spoke about will being different from faith, it reminded me of the concept of "intentionality". I"m not sure if this is what you were thinking of, but my understanding of intentionality is that it is the motivation that moves us forward to act on what we want.
I have an odd sort of story to go along with this. Years ago I decided that I wanted to find a "secretary" which is a piece of furniture much like a fold down desk, but with drawers below like a dresser. We didn't have much money at that time, so I spent many hours searching thrift stores and garage sales searching for a secretary, but with no success. A few months later, my mother in law came to visit, and without knowing about my search, brought me a gift.....a secretary. Intentionality? Will? Faith? I think they are all closely related.
Hi Max;
ReplyDeleteI wanted to make one more observation, it seems at times that you use will almost like “hope”; thoughts? Would you like to add that into your response to my other comment?
Hey Toby,
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome *bowing*!
No doubt about that, old sport :)! Thanks for commenting on this issue!
Cheers
Hey D!
ReplyDelete"Well, I must have a very strong umbilical cord because in my dreams, I start to fly, but keep landing and have to kick off to keep going. lol" - LOL LOL I believe you, well...we all do! Eventually you have to land otherwise you wouldn't be here talking with us lol.
"When you spoke about will being different from faith, it reminded me of the concept of "intentionality". I"m not sure if this is what you were thinking of, but my understanding of intentionality is that it is the motivation that moves us forward to act on what we want." - no, I was not referring to "intentionality" (although I would agree with Sartre when he said that intentionality is identified with conciousness), but I understand why you my words (on Will) would remind you of this concept (if we look at it through the eyes of Brentano who defended that mental phenomenons are directed at an object). Perhaps I should write about this too lol.
Wow...that is an awesome story, D! Thanks for sharing *bowing*!
I wouldn't call it Intentionality, nor Will, nor Faith; instead I would call it synchronisation! Have you ever heard of this concept?
Hey LS;
ReplyDelete"I wanted to make one more observation, it seems at times that you use will almost like “hope”; thoughts?" - hope could be mistaken by Will in a sense that it is also related with wishing, wanting; but it differs from Will since Will will make you act to get what you want; whereas hoping may or may not lead you to action. In fact, many times hope is associated with sitting and waiting for something to happen.
I think that D is right when she says that Will and Faith are related, in a sense that you want (will) to believe (faith) and this might lead you to action (if you have the right mindset).
Max, I have so many wills... I wish a lot of things but they don't happen! But one thing is for sure: I never give up my dreams!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Hey Cidão,
ReplyDeleteThey don't happen or they don't happen when you want them to happen? These are two different things!
Ah, that is great!!! One should never give up on his dreams :D! May God bless you, gato! :)
Cheers
I quite agree, Max, that practicality, or "reverence for time," as you put it, is a necessary dimension to having a positive will. Having no concept of appropriate results or of appropriate goals to attain within a realistic time frame, sets one up for frustration and defeat as surely as would having no will at all.
ReplyDeleteHave you read the book by Rollo May called "Love and Will"? It's from way back in the 1960s, before you were born(!), but very interesting, I thought.
I have read a book or two that examined the idea of a loss of will as a prime indicator and/or result of mental illness. So it is good to have a strong will. Yet WILLFUL people ignore the needs and wills of others, isolating themselves in the process, and creating hostile backlash in those with whom they have interacted.
I know quite a few people who would like to be able to put their wills on others. In my opinion, this is exactly because they lack the disciplined and appropriate, reasoned will, to assert mature control over themselves!
I love discussing ideas with you!
Max, I haven't heard of "synchronization" as used in this instance, but it seems to be the perfect word to describe what happened! I've had this happen alot in my life...it's eery lol
ReplyDeleteDear Lynda,
ReplyDelete"Have you read the book by Rollo May called "Love and Will"? It's from way back in the 1960s, before you were born(!), but very interesting, I thought." - no, I can't say that I have (but I will look for it)! Thanks for the tip :D!
"I have read a book or two that examined the idea of a loss of will as a prime indicator and/or result of mental illness. So it is good to have a strong will." - I hear you!
"Yet WILLFUL people ignore the needs and wills of others, isolating themselves in the process, and creating hostile backlash in those with whom they have interacted." - I know what you are talking about; however like in most things in life there must be a medium term (Nietzsche called it the Appolonian measure - balance). People should not try to obliterate Will yet they should not exacerbate it too much either. One must know how to balance things: he wants things (or someone), he works to get them (or her/him) yet he must also think that if he doesn't get them right there and then he can always continue to work, and for sure he will succeed; meanwhile put his Will on pause mode and help others get what they want (and this can mean a hug, a smile, his time, his shoulder, a portion of his wealth etc)...this is balance.
"I know quite a few people who would like to be able to put their wills on others. In my opinion, this is exactly because they lack the disciplined and appropriate, reasoned will, to assert mature control over themselves!" - ooh, I know a few beings like that as well *nodding*. Absolutely, and since they can't control themselves they try to control others (as a test to see if their unaccomplished Will will work on others...odd, very odd).
"I love discussing ideas with you!" - :D me too; it is always great to exchange ideas with intelligent people such as yourself :D!
Thank you so much, Lynda; for this conversation....loved it!
Cheers
Max, I wish we could have some of our conversations over a pot of coffee, in a cozy cafe while watching activities unfold on the street!
ReplyDeleteBut alas, there's an ocean in the way! lol...
Thank YOU, my friend!
Lynda
D,
ReplyDeletelol then allow me to explain you (I won't be long):
Synchronisation in mysticism is the notion that nothing is by chance; that there are no coincidences (that everything happens for a reason, a determined purpose and has a specific cause). The most used example for this concept is when you think about someone and that exact someone calls you right away - was it coincidence, or is there a purpose?
Some mystics call it "the conspiracy of the Universe" lol; but I would include this in God's intervention (and plan).
Of course this is a very simplistic explanation of Synchronisation, but it gives you an idea, right?
So, when you needed a secretary and you couldn't find an affordable one, I would say that God (many would say Universe) made His arrangements so that you would have one :).
"I've had this happen alot in my life...it's eery lol" - lol I hear you! I also have endless examples of this type of synchronisation....
Max, another very good book is:
ReplyDeleteSYNCHRONICITY: Through the Eyes of Science, Myth and the Trickster -- by Allan Combs and Mark Holland
I really liked it!
I almost (wink) believe in the Cosmic Jester, as an intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds, i.e. between man and God.
Max, another very good book is:
ReplyDeleteSYNCHRONICITY: Through the Eyes of Science, Myth and the Trickster -- by Allan Combs and Mark Holland
I really liked it!
I almost (wink) believe in the Cosmic Jester, as an intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds, i.e. between man and God.
Lynda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book title :D!
"I almost (wink) believe in the Cosmic Jester, as an intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds, i.e. between man and God." - lol I hear you. I think that God always finds a way to put things on track; and that is why I believe that nothing is by chace...that there is always a reason for things to be...
Thanks for sharing some good vibrations - for me a great start to the weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks also for stopping by! Sorry you where a bit cold from the last post - the next one is much warmer!
Wishing you a great end to your week :-)
Hey Renny!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, my friend! I am always willing to share good vibrations *bowing*!
It is my pleasure to stop by your blog, I love reading your words :D!
LOL LOL Ah, it's ok...you are forgiven LOL ;)! I'll be there to read the next one :D!
Thank you so much, Renny! And I wish you the same :D
Max what a lovely post..I love it.. and I love readers comment.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend dear.
MAX:
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Undisciplined patience is probably the cause of more destruction, heartbreak, and sorrow than any other single human factor.
Interesting analysis, and great, thought-provoking post.
HAve a nice day.
Hi Max , very interesting and thought provolking writing, especially in the realm of dreams.
ReplyDeleteI have never tied my will to dreams, don't remember too much about my dreams, just the scary ones, which I relay to my wife and she looks through this book of interpeting dreams and tells me what they mean.
In my dreams I do things I wouldn't normal say or do, actually I am more outright and forthcoming in my real life, odd, I would think it would be the other way round, any thoughts?
As far as will goes, as a Christian I look at will as being free, free as in a gift from God no cost or strings attached , but also free as we are free to choose to live our life as we want, either to do bad things, negative will,or to do good things positive will, with or without God from whom we recieved the gift in the first place.
hey max! i hope you had a great weekend. i miss you! hugs
ReplyDeleteHello Angel,
ReplyDeleteThank you, darling: I am glad you loved it :)!
I was blessed with fine readers who always share their thoughts in such an exquisite fashion, thus offering me the best book collection in the world *bowing*!
Thanks, dear; I hope you had a great weekend yourself :D!
Cheers
Hey SWb!!
ReplyDeleteIt is always nice to see you here :)!
"You are so right. Undisciplined patience is probably the cause of more destruction, heartbreak, and sorrow than any other single human factor." - intriguing, isn't it?
"Interesting analysis, and great, thought-provoking post." - thank you so much *bowing*!
Thank you, once again; and I hope you have a nice week ahead :D!
Cheers
Hi Bob!
ReplyDelete"Hi Max , very interesting and thought provolking writing, especially in the realm of dreams." - thank you very much *bowing*! :)
"I have never tied my will to dreams, don't remember too much about my dreams, just the scary ones, which I relay to my wife and she looks through this book of interpeting dreams and tells me what they mean." - lol that is a good strategy: to have your dreams analysed. And has any of them matched the analysis?
"In my dreams I do things I wouldn't normal say or do, actually I am more outright and forthcoming in my real life, odd, I would think it would be the other way round, any thoughts?" - that is interesting...well, I have read that when this happens is because you might be accessing your memory of past lives; but it can be something else, my friend....
"As far as will goes, as a Christian I look at will as being free, free as in a gift from God no cost or strings attached , but also free as we are free to choose to live our life as we want, either to do bad things, negative will,or to do good things positive will, with or without God from whom we recieved the gift in the first place." - this is beautifully interesting, Bob!! :D
It was a pleasure to read your thoughts on this, my friend; thanks for having shared it with us :D!
Cheers
Hey Liza,
ReplyDeleteI did have a great weekend, thanks :D! And yourself?
Oooh, that is so sweet :)! Let me go and drop by your place....
*big hug*!!! ;)
I wish you a nice week ahead, darling :D!
Cheers
Olá, Max!
ReplyDeleteNão sei se fiquei mais feliz com o seu retorno ou com o propósito dele.
Aproveito então pra comunicar que adicionei seu link aos dos meus amigos, assim não perco mais o caminho.
Muito obrigado pela gentileza, que na minha opinião é a "moeda corrente" entre os bloggers.
Um beijo e uma boa semana!
Nice passage Max. It reminded me of a fun quote by the abolitionist, Henry Ward Beecher:
ReplyDelete"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't."
Olá Oscar!
ReplyDeleteQue simpatia!!! :D Se o meu retorno te fez feliz, então está descansado porque irei voltar muitas vezes :D!
Obrigadão!! Claro que não preciso dizer que retribuirei o gesto :D!
Podes crer, na blogsfera as pessoas tendem a ser gentis...parece que o melhor delas vem ao de cima :)!
Um beijo e tem uma excelente semana também tu!
Hey Scott!
ReplyDeletelol lol although fun it is beautiful, Oswegan!! And true lol...
Thanks for having shared this with us; you are a great chap :D!
Cheers