The concept of the “Self” lies at the core of many spiritual and philosophical traditions. It is often described as the most fundamental aspect of our being, the true essence of who we are. However, the Self is not something we can easily grasp through our usual means of understanding, like thought, perception, or intellect. It transcends our physical, mental, and emotional experiences, yet it is ever-present and underlies all of them. In this chapter, we will explore what the Self is, how it differs from the ego or personality, and why understanding the Self is key to realizing true reality. The Self as Pure Consciousness At its essence, the Self is pure consciousness. It is the awareness that observes all experiences, but it is not limited by or attached to those experiences. It is the unchanging witness of all that arises in life—the thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions we experience daily. To grasp this concept, think about a movie screen. The screen remains ...
People
of any gender can be intimidated or threatened by someone who they
perceive as strong, confident, or assertive, regardless of the person's
gender.
However, some women may be intimidated by strong men
because they challenge traditional gender roles and expectations, which
can be a threat to their sense of safety and power. For example, a
strong, dominant man may make some women feel as though their opinions
and decisions are not valued or heard.
It's important to note
that this is a social and cultural issue, and not a universal truth or a
trait inherent to all women. Many women respect and admire strong men
and find their confidence and strength to be attractive and inspiring.
As
with strong women, a man being strong doesn't necessarily mean he's
aggressive or overbearing. Strength can take many forms, including
emotional intelligence, assertiveness, and the ability to overcome
challenges and adversity. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to
determine their own definition of strength and what they find attractive
in a partner or friend.
The intersection point where both strong
men and strong women may be seen as intimidating or threatening to
others is likely rooted in societal expectations and cultural norms
around gender roles and power dynamics. When someone challenges these
norms and defies traditional expectations, they may be perceived as a
threat to the status quo, and this can lead to fear or intimidation.