Exorcism and Exerciseism

Exorcism? Sounds scary. Let’s explore the meaning of the word and the idea of possession and see if we are subject to some form of possession. Let’s starts with the first two definitions of “possession” on Merriam Webster: “the act of having or taking into control,” and “control or occupancy of property without regard to ownership." These are great places to start.

The world is full of ideas. We take them in all the time. The basis of all life is the exchange of knowledge, be it cellular, chemical, atomic, physical, and it goes on. Everything in the observable and felt universe follows this to some degree or another. When we speak of possession, we are in fact   talking about an imbalance of power. That is, when an idea is not controlled or understood by us, the first definition, but where we are controlled by the idea, the second definition.

We see these in the world around us frequently and they are often taken for granted. Phrases like, “I’m always late,” “I need to lose 5 pounds,” “I’d be happier if they behaved better,” or “I must put on my makeup to leave the house.” They become so commonplace that you may sit down at a restaurant and overhear nothing but these possessions speaking one to another without the human being that houses them being any wiser to them.

Let’s separate these ideas, these possessions from the realm of the spooky or the scary and shed some light on them. They are not inherently evil. Let’s use our wisdom and the definitions from earlier to explore a rephrasing of it. I think a better definition is, a habit, way of doing, mode of being that no longer serves me.” The second the balance changes from that which I am exploring, a new idea, or a new program for life, to that same program running my life is where there is a disconnect.

Many of these programs are given to us by teachers and parents. They are in general subconscious, taking effect in our lives without us knowing. An example of this is the program of “my family believes that in order to be happy and successful in life, I must be an accountant like my father and his father before him.” Or “The only way to grow is through effort.” Again. These though or modes of life are not evil, however they are limiters to our joy when we live them out past their usefulness. Is it true, that one may become successful by being an accountant? Of course! There are many wonderful ways to find happiness and success in accounting. The place of separation is when we say must instead of may. If left unchecked, these possessions, these life programs will drive us in the same way the farmer drives the ox to plow the field. One way or another, the job will be done.

Let’s then return to the title. Exorcism or exercisem? Am I removing this program from my life or am I empowering it? When I go to the gym am I empowering a belief that my self-worth is based on the appraisal of another person? Is that program serving me? Do I wish to exercise new modes of being, news ways of exploring life? Must I be vegan because my parents are, conversely, must I eat meat because my family does?

Explore the programs that run in and through your life. Empower the ones that serve you. Burn the rest.