Never Try to Convince Someone That There Is a Box!

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   Misbah786posted 2 years ago

   They first try to convince you there is a box, then they challenge you to think outside of it. The truth is, there was never a box; there is no box and there never will be. Your only limitation lies in who you think you are — your ego.”
   
   ― Omar Cherif
   
   

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      tsmogposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      When I first saw this post I said to Self "Too deep for me!" Then this morning when I read it again I thought the explanation offered by Cherif seemed magical since it itself is creating a box by introducing the ego. So, I said to Self, "Beware it is a trap!". Of course I may be wrong or delusional, yet the Ego is held within the box of a psycho-dynamic structure of Self. Seems to me the box is eliminated with interactions with other souls in the limitless and vast expanse of Life.

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         Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

         What a fantastic response, Tim. I love it so much when wise and intellectual friends like you give me a time to pause and observe.
         You told yourself Too deep for me!, Then, after reading it again today, you said to yourself Beware it is a trap!. You are right that the quote mentions "The Ego." You gave me a moment to think about it. Your deep insights are much appreciated by me.
         Blessings always!!

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   AliciaCposted 2 years ago

   I love this quote. Thank you for sharing it, Misbah. I’ll remember it. There is no box!

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      Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much, Linda.
      Blessings and Love to you!!

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   Jodahposted 2 years ago

   What a great quote! Thank you for sharing this wisdom, Misbah.

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      Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      John, thank you so much. I also like this quote.
      Blessings always!!

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   Vladimir Karasposted 2 years ago

   Misbah dear -- When people -- myself included -- talk about a "box", they mean cultural paradigm, the sum total of a belief system of a certain epoch by which the mankind is operating. Then, in a more personal sense, "box" means our own belief system composing our autopilot -- to which most of the people are constantly switched.
   Thus, thinking "outside of the box" means thinking beyond our daily inner routines.
   It means creating our intimate reality overriding our automatic tendencies.
   Just like history is repeating itself with the mankind being reluctant to make the next step in consciousness evolution -- so individuals keep replaying their own little drama in the theater of their mind -- like self-hypnotized into a "box" from which they can't, or don't want to escape, calling it their "comfort zone".
   Many a great thinker has said that in order to grow, or to outgrow ourselves from the yesteryear-self, we have to leave our comfort zone, our "box".
   Well, that's at least what this humble mind of mine can generate on this topic. But hey, I am not saying I am right, but if I am wrong, at least I am wrong in my own style, lol.
   Blessings to you my dear far away friend.

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      Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Mr. Val, without a doubt, you have an unique style and I appreciate it.
      
      I believe that everyone entered this world with an empty mind, much like an empty hard disk with no data. So I think the box is either the result of our own imagination or the creation of those around us.
      
      I believe that the imagination knows no bounds, but everyone on the planet has a different level of creativity. As a result, the box can be as large or as small as our imagination allows.
      
      Blessings always!!

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   Vladimir Karasposted 2 years ago

   Misbah dear -- I see consciousness beyond imagination, supervising it, otherwise we would start believing in anything that our imagination produces. That consciousness meaning "I-amness" without anything coming after it. An introspective observer detached from all innate and acquired personality traits.
   When that consciousness gets contaminated by ego, or bunch of strategies for psycho-physical survival, we are operating from the survival mode, not creative one.
   At that point we are acting out our autopilot programmed by life experiences and all those suggestive authorities in our early life. We are not ourselves anymore, but that experiential, programmed material replaying itself through merely reacting to life.
   To be creative means to be pro-active, not re-active.
   Creativity comes through conscious refinement, cultivation of that which is best in our potential -- not from a spontaneous expression of whatever comes to mind.
   Spontaneity is the privilege of immature mentalities, where anything is recognized as valuable. So I could splash some paint on the canvas and say it is "artistic" because that's how I felt at the moment.
   Creativity dictates finesse, and finesse only comes with conscious refinement.
   The world is full with mostly unconscious automatons just going through the motions of living and repeating the same thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and attitudes.
   Creators are the ones who can spiritually pull themselves up by bootstraps and slip into the unknown of their unused potential, daring to be something else -- because to create means manifest from thin air, not by repetition.
   Hey, here I go again just like any other old-timer having trouble to find his
   "Stop" button. Please, don't mind my yapping, I just took my evening shower and there is nothing good on the TV -- resulting with this pile of  alphabet.
   I've got to be more democratic and let other people say what they think, not monopolizing this discussion. So this all from me on this subject. Lol.
   Some more blessing coming your way, dear friend.

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      Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Mr. Val, you are always welcome to share your thoughts with me. I didn't mind at all; in fact, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the subject. There's certainly some food for thought here. I'm glad the forum helped you avoid boredom. Smile!
      
      I'm sending you bundles of blessings!!

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   ravirajan01posted 2 years ago

   Misbah, the "box" is nothing but the cozy comfort of our comfort zones that prevent us from trying and failing in doing something new. So basically, if we are frequently doing things out of our comfort zone irrespective of failures, societal pressures, or even lack ok knowledge, the "box" might be as big as a stadium.

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      Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Ravi, thank you for your response. I believe it is important to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
      
      My comfort zone is like a little bubble around me, and I've pushed it in different directions and made it bigger and bigger until these objectives that seemed totally crazy eventually fall within the realm of the possible.
      — Alex Honnold
      
      Blessings to you!

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   Brenda Arledgeposted 2 years ago

   Interesting quote...don't think outside the box...there's no box.
   
   I guess we put ourselves in the box.  Always trying to jump out.
   
   The sky is the limit.   We can accomplish whatever we dream.

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      Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Spot on! Exactly, the sky is the limit. There is no stop until and unless we choose to stop.
      
      Thank you so much, Bredz.
      
      Blessings and lots of love!!

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   Vladimir Karasposted 2 years ago

   To say that "there is no box" is to live in a denial, to ignore the fact that ego is running our show while limiting us. Modern sciences like neuroplasticity and epigenetics are talking about the box as one of their central concepts. We have to have some standards of inner comparison, otherwise we don't see what has to be fixed -- or even believe that
   we are just fine and there is nothing to be fixed there.
   Like, when we have emotional problems, that means that we are emotionally operating within a box of self-perpetuating emotional patterns and we've got to find a way to snap out of that groove.
   Thus, saying that "there is no box" is self-deceiving, and then the phrase like "sky is the limit" sounds very unconvincing, because if that were true, we would be already soaring like a bird in that free space, all happy as a lark -- not just using those phrases while making them quite sterile.
   It somewhat reminds me of those New Age gurus who keep saying how "you can do anything and be anything" -- as they themselves look quite tired of life, wrinkled, and surely not following their own recipes for living.
   As for creativity -- so many people are not seeing how they are actually creating from within their box, using some great words to only "describe the furniture in their box".
   But then, of course, we can always keep insisting that there is no such a box, or put it into a shiny and colorful wrapping with many beautiful pictures on it.
   Yes, we have that ability to deny just about anything that we don't like, and what is trying to badmouth our beloved comfort zone.
   Now, all of this is not merely "my" opinion, but some scientific facts, not even some "theory" that would only have to be proven, but a hard science with measurable differences between "living in a box and living free from it".
   By the way, I am quite beyond any need to be "right" -- I honestly don't care what people choose to believe, so this is not my little ego trip of "proving someone wrong".
   Everyone has a right to think whatever they please.
   And still, here comes another batch of fresh blessings to all of you.

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      Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Sir, I agree with your statement, "Everyone has a right to think whatever they like."
      
      Even if we don't get anything out of this conversation, we will receive Blessings.
      
      Many blessings back to you!!!

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      Brenda Arledgeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Val...
      My sky is the limit phrase shows us that even in times of trouble there is so much more to look forward to in life.
      It's not that we are trapped in an emotional box...it's that we chose to linger there for awhile.
      
      We are not broken and we are not hiding in a box.
      
      We miss the familiar and even though we do not go around acting Happy as a Lark...we know we can do anything we want.
      That's the beauty of it...We chose what we want to do and how we want to feel.
      
      No one else can make us feel a different way...it is our own little world to live & enjoy...to do with how we see fit.
      
      There is nothing I cannot do if I put my mind to it...but only if it's a desire that comes from within my heart.
      I'm afraid I'm one who doesn't follow the crowd too often.
      So if there is a box...I don't stay in it too long.  I prefer to jump out and enjoy watching the sky touch the ground.
      It's the only life I have...or at least the one I know about here on this earth where my footsteps walk.
      
      Thanks for that batch of fresh blessing...It does the soul good.
      
      May we all enjoy our own comfort zones.
      
      Have a great day.

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         Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Agreed! The sky is the limit. But  always remember that the sky is infinite (limitless). There are no barriers and no borders, a sigh of relief!
         
         Lots of Blessings to all!!

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   Vladimir Karasposted 2 years ago

   Hmmm...

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    MizBejabbersposted 2 years ago

    I love this quote, Misbah. I'm enjoying reading everyone's opinion on what a box is. They are leaving out one box, at least the box in my life and the lives of my friends growing up. Our boxes were established by our parents, not just a "they". But then our parents' boxes were established by their parents, societies, churches, schools, etc., which they went on to emulate in rearing us. This went on going back ad infinitum to the societies from which they immigrated: European, Spanish, Jewish, Muslim, etc.
    Boxes, as we've come to know, are a matter of control over society. "What will the neighbors think?" was one of the most confining things to keep most young in their boxes. Fortunate was the child who was taught to think outside the box. It sounds wonderful if no boxes existed, but the question is, would it result in total chaos? I'm not an advocate of boxes, since my father wanted me to think outside the box (my mother didn't want this) but thinking outside the box about this very quote brings up the question. People can be mighty selfish critters sometimes.

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       Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Wonderful response, MsDoris.
       
       In my opinion, thinking outside the box simply means thinking for yourself rather than being influenced by others. Thinking differently, even if it appears "odd," being open to new ideas, and being free to think sounds obvious and simple, but for the vast majority, reality is light-years away. Most people will not think outside the box, not because they cannot, but because they were raised in this manner. They have been seeing the so-called 'Box' since the beginning of their time on this planet.
       
       Yes, our ancestors created the box; it has such a long history that one cannot imagine where it began. Yes, the most common question is 'what will the neighbors think?' but who gave them the right to interfere? We live in a society that we created; we made the rules, and we are the ones who are irritated by them afterward. God created us all in different families, but He created us as individuals.
       
       
       Only we are answerable for our deeds good or bad. Perhaps the box we're referring to here is to see what others think and how we can satisfy them. All of these situations are governed by societal norms and laws. However, thinking outside the box may be useful in a variety of situations. There is no doubt that these laws and regulations exist to protect us from various crimes, but they are also responsible for causing chaos in society. These laws and boundaries also give rise to crimes.
       
       Yes, I agree that people can be very selfish at times. I believe we must recognize the importance of thinking from a fresh perspective. We are not living in the same era as our forefathers. Time has changed, and I believe that thinking should also change. I think humans and their thinking had already evolved over time. In this day and age, we can talk about so many things, like  genders other than the two, male and female. We can stand up to protect the rights of other genders, and we have already promoted different relationships; no matter how we look at it, they exist, and this is reality. Do you believe it is ever possible to happen within the box? I think if  there was ever a box, it no longer exists.
       
       
       I have come to the conclusion that even if people believe there is a box, one must know when to think outside of it.
       
       
       Sending you lots of Blessings and Love!!!

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    Vladimir Karasposted 2 years ago

    Misbah dear -- Thanks for paraphrasing everything I said here -- after all.
    May you feel blessed with new realizations that "box" does exist, and thinking outside of it means advancing ourselves beyond everything that the society instilled into us as a cultural dogma.
    Have yourself a fabulous day, my friend.

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       Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Lol! No, I did not
       
       Mr. Val, you missed it:  I think if  there was ever a box, it no longer exists.
       I have come to the conclusion that even if people believe there is a box, one must know when to think outside of it.
       
       You missed the fact that I used the word 'if' in my concluding statement.
       
       We may be able to agree on that once there was a box. But, it no longer exists. The box is now nothing more than an illusion.
       
       Edit: Let’s rephrase the quote:
       
       They first try to convince you that there is a box, then they challenge you to think outside of it. The fact is that there once was a box; it no longer exists and will never be created again. Everything you see as a box is nothing but an illusion.  Your only limitation lies in who you think you are.”
       
       Let us also omit "the ego." It creates a box, as Tim pointed out.
       
       You, too, have a wonderful day and a lovely week ahead.
       Blessings always!

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    Vladimir Karasposted 2 years ago

    Well, I must be wrong all this time -- I am just humbly reporting what sciences of neuroplasticity and epigenetics are saying about the box -- and they are certainly not saying "IF" it exists but base much of their study on the fact that it does. But, here, you probably know something that they don't, so don't take any of my useless comments here seriously. I already regretted mentioning any of it -- I promise, I won't be challenging your educated opinions anymore.
    Don't ever grow old, my dear, you see how old people are prone to writing some nonsense. Also, I must have wasted some decades cultivating my mind and emotions for thinking and processing the reality from "what I believed" was outside of the box. Imagine my disappointment now, as I realize that the box doesn't exist, and I should have just let myself be and life would have unfolded just fine.
    Forgive my sense of dark humor, that's another hazard of getting old and senile.
    Needless to mention, but I won't be writing another thing on this theme. I'll just stick to writing my crazy articles and imitations of poetry.
    Be well and happy, my friend.

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       Misbah786posted 2 years agoin reply to this

       You are a beautiful soul, Mr. Val. I respect you and your opinion.
       Don’t take this conversation seriously.  It’s nothing more than a healthy and light discussion. Stay well and be happy!
       
       Let’s rephrase the quote:
       
       They first try to convince you that there is a box, then they challenge you to think outside of it. The fact is that there once was a box; it no longer exists and will never be created again. Everything you see as a box is nothing but an illusion.  Your only limitation lies in who you think you are.”
       
       Let us also omit "the ego." It creates a box, as Tim pointed out in the previous comments.
       
       Lots of Blessings to you!

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