On Genuine Optimism (WAS: Elchanan - Personal Notes ...)

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeff,

 

Yes, I agree, what I share is unquestionably my own perception and not fact.

And ... I have seen tens of thousands of posts go by in dozens of discussion

groups, taught many people personally, and more, and so my perception is

very well-informed. I appreciate your " perhaps " conjectures, below. Would

that these conjectures were more often true than not. But this is just not

the case.

 

The RF world is not all that dissimilar from our society at large. For

example:

 

- We read, on a daily basis, about weight loss goals, attempts, products and

programs, and the like. The same.

 

- We read, on a daily basis, about trying out this or that food or taking

this or that product to " heal " some symptom(s). The same.

 

- We read, on a daily basis, about trying to " cleanse " the body by force

using some product or program. The same.

 

The actual number of RFs who have genuinely crossed over from fractional,

medical-model thinking into the holistic pursuit of health from the inside,

out is quite small, though growing as time progresses. Again, would that

this were not the case ... but wishing does not make a thing so.

 

I could go on, but I imagine my point is sufficiently made. I am a great

optimist, far beyond what most can even imagine. And great optimism can only

exist when it is rooted firmly in clear, unmistakable realism. Otherwise, we

have only hope, the stuff that mainstream religions and politicians have

peddled since the dawn of civilization and probably before. But this is the

antithesis of genuine optimism.

 

Best to all,

Elchanan

_____

 

Jeff Rogers

Wednesday, March 04, 2009 7:42 PM

 

Re: Elchanan - Personal Notes [Principles for

Vibrant Living: Constructive Use; HBG; Harmlessness]

 

 

Elchanan,

 

You have some good points. Thanks for sharing.

 

Regarding this comment:

 

>>Blanc, much of the RF world operates with a very distorted sense of food

in the larger scheme of things. Food is merely one input, among many, to

our overall vitality and sense of well-being. Examples of other inputs are

fresh air, sunshine, physical activity, mental activity, work, play, social

connections, sexuality, and much more. To be fully vital and alive, we

humans need to eat well, interact constructively with the physical world,

engage in pursuits that express our intrinsic sense of curiosity and

wonderment, and more. So no, for me food is not " a religion " >>

 

That is just a perception. I don't know as it is true, but I believe I can

see why someone might have that perception.

 

People who change their diet may already be active physically and mentally.

They may get plenty of fresh air, etc. The only thing many are changing is

the diet, so that may be why so many raw foodists focus attention on the

food/diet. The exercising, etc. can continue without change. The focus of

attention shifts for many to the raw food and it's community. Then again,

perhaps they have very balanced lives outside the raw food community.

Change can be difficult for many, so the added support of a raw food

community can help them on that path of change and health. I know many raw

foodists who are physically active, etc., I just happen to know them through

the raw community.

 

As for me, I have continued being active in other areas of my life while my

diet has changed.

 

Jeff