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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 28. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by saw on February 2, 2005, at 7:00:04
This just seemed appropriate right now. It gave me food for thought and I wanted to share it. Sabrina
----------------------------
In ancient Greece Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.
One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, “Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?”
“Wait a moment,” Socrates replied.
“Before you tell me I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the triple filter test.”
“Triple filter?”
“That’s right,” Socrates continued.
“Before you talk to me about my student, let’s take a moment to filter what you’re going to say. The first filter is truth.
Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?”
“No,” the man said, “actually I just heard about it and …”
“All right,” said Socrates. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not.
Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?”
“No, on the contrary …..”
“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him, even though you’re not certain it’s true?”
The man shrugged, a little embarrassed. Socrates continued.
“You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter – the filter of usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?”
“No, not really …”
“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”
Posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 7:29:46
In reply to Socrates, posted by saw on February 2, 2005, at 7:00:04
Are you directing this at me or anyone else in particular?
AG
Posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 7:32:38
In reply to Re: Socrates » saw, posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 7:29:46
Um, yes, I feel a bit bothered by this.
Posted by saw on February 2, 2005, at 7:51:24
In reply to Re: Socrates » Angel Girl, posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 7:32:38
I am not directing it at anybody at all. Actually, I was thinking about myself. It was a piece of writing from my daily newspaper that I thought was interesting and made me think about some of the times in my life that I have indulged in behaviour not useful to my own well being. It made me think of how I could use the triple filter in my own life but asking myself if I was telling myself the truth, if what I was telling myself was good and finally, if it would be useful to myself.
I'm sorry - I should have explained that I was applying this to my own life and not referring to anyone else. I can see now with the current happenings that this may have been misconstrued. Again, please accept my apologies - I did not mean to have anyone feeling bothered by it. Perhaps it is time for me to take a break.
Sabrina
Posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 9:42:19
In reply to Re: Socrates .. PC and AngelGirl » partlycloudy, posted by saw on February 2, 2005, at 7:51:24
okay, no more bickering, girls. Sabrina was just trying to pass along something that resonated with her in some fashion when she read it.
Please remember that we each perceive the spoken and written word in our own way. Right now, pc and AG, you are agitated about other things going on IRL and on these boards. Give yourselves a break.
No one here wants to hurt you. We are here to support each other, right?!?
I can tell you; a lot of things going on have me just focussing on breathing in and breathing out these days... (and reciting the Serenity prayer!)
Posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 9:57:52
In reply to Re: Socrates .. PC and AngelGirl » partlycloudy, posted by saw on February 2, 2005, at 7:51:24
I'm very sorry for hurting your feelings Sabrina. Please don't go. It really has nothing to do with you. It's just all this crap that's going on right now. I should never have asked you if it was directed at me. I deeply apologize.
AG
Posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 10:30:05
In reply to Re: Socrates .. PC and AngelGirl » saw, posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 9:57:52
(((((((((((((MWUH))))))))))))))))))))
Posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 10:51:50
In reply to Re: Socrates .. PC , AngelGirl, and SAW, posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 9:42:19
You have a very good computer. I *am* agitated. Not really holding together well, either. I'm all upset over some family stuff. (Death, arranging overseas flights, scheduling, work juggling.) I should not have even attempted to join in today here.
bye for now.
Posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 10:53:52
In reply to Re: Socrates .. AngelGirl, posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 10:30:05
> (((((((((((((MWUH))))))))))))))))))))
{{{{{{{{{{MWUH}}}}}}}}}}}}}} right backatcha!!!
I think that you and Rod, hope I'm not forgetting anyone, are probably the only ones that I'm not disagreeing with today. I think I'm in a hypomanic irritable state right now. Doesn't take much to piss me off and for me to react to it.
AG
Posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 10:55:18
In reply to You mean you can see my tears? » sunny10, posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 10:51:50
> You have a very good computer. I *am* agitated. Not really holding together well, either. I'm all upset over some family stuff. (Death, arranging overseas flights, scheduling, work juggling.) I should not have even attempted to join in today here.
> bye for now.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{pc}}}}}}}}}}}}}
AG
Posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 12:32:31
In reply to You mean you can see my tears? » sunny10, posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 10:51:50
we're here for you when you're not feeling your best, partycloudy. Don't run off- we do recognize and appreciate your feelings; I just didn't want you feeling more despondent than you already were to begin with, that's all.
PLEASE feel free to tell me your feelings- I won't judge; I just wanted to make you feel better and not singled out in a negative way.
(((((((((((Big hugs))))))))))
Posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 12:33:33
In reply to Re: Socrates .. AngelGirl » sunny10, posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 10:53:52
so if you can see that, half the battle is already won!
(huge smile)
Posted by Angielala on February 2, 2005, at 13:21:48
In reply to You mean you can see my tears? » sunny10, posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 10:51:50
I hope you aren't gone...
What happened? Who passed?
Can you talk about it?
> You have a very good computer. I *am* agitated. Not really holding together well, either. I'm all upset over some family stuff. (Death, arranging overseas flights, scheduling, work juggling.) I should not have even attempted to join in today here.
> bye for now.
Posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 13:39:07
In reply to Re: Socrates .. AngelGirl, posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 12:33:33
> so if you can see that, half the battle is already won!
>
> (huge smile)I wish it worked that way. I've yet to be able to exhibit much in the way of self-control when I'm in this state. Yet another thing for therapy. Geez, the list is so long already. I'll keep my therapist in business for a very long time, in fact, my sister wants me to see her more often. She may have a point but right now my therapist is away for a 6 week period and *this* is what happens as a result when I don't have her to help me.
AG
Posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 14:01:37
In reply to Oh my, posted by Angielala on February 2, 2005, at 13:21:48
My mum's brother died last Thursday. He lived in Wales and I'm the only one of us 4 kids who knew him in (my) adulthood, as I lived in the UK for 7 years during the 90's. He was a very robust, healthy man with a gentle nature. My mum was scheduled to come visit with me tomorrow. It was all on-off-on-off with that until it was apparent that the health officials (coroner) in Wales won't be finished with his "case" til next week. So mum is coming (that's good); I am working while she arrives (bad) and my husband who was going to pick her up is now out of town (bad) and the limo service I arranged to fetch her (good) cancelled the reservation (very bad). I have *such* mixed feelings (good and bad) about her visit since it is such a sorrowful time, but I need to see her (very good) since yes, my leave of absence was due to mental health issues (pitch black bad). Could not stop crying and started yelling at executive managers (bad but funny).
I don't dare ask for the morning off work tomorrow as I have dragged the whole administrative staff along with me on this wild ride of mine with all my doctors' and therapist appointments. Every time I take time off work someone has to cover my job as I'm the front receptionist.
As for the therapist - I'm really ticked off about it. Once I showed up and she didn't have me on her schedule; Monday she called thinking we had an appointment (not according to my calendar), and she's rescheduled me twice and I just started to see her in December. She keeps telling me she's concerned about me but the actions don't give me that message, you know?
The 2 good for 1 bad list thing would be a great exercise. thanks!
Posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 14:27:35
In reply to Re: Socrates .. AngelGirl » sunny10, posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 13:39:07
I hate it that you're feeling bad but your *this* (human reactions)is a-okay with me.
Posted by alexandra_k on February 2, 2005, at 14:30:27
In reply to Socrates, posted by saw on February 2, 2005, at 7:00:04
Most worthy of a quality thread :-)
Sorry about the way things turned out :-(
Thanks for sharing that.
It has given me something to think about.
Posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 16:04:53
In reply to Re: Oh my » Angielala, posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 14:01:37
pc
I'm so sorry that you're going through so much and please accept my condolences for the loss of your uncle. I will keep you in my prayers. I hope that your mom's arrival will go smoother than it appears to be going at this point. Hugs sweetie. Take care of yourself.
AG
> My mum's brother died last Thursday. He lived in Wales and I'm the only one of us 4 kids who knew him in (my) adulthood, as I lived in the UK for 7 years during the 90's. He was a very robust, healthy man with a gentle nature. My mum was scheduled to come visit with me tomorrow. It was all on-off-on-off with that until it was apparent that the health officials (coroner) in Wales won't be finished with his "case" til next week. So mum is coming (that's good); I am working while she arrives (bad) and my husband who was going to pick her up is now out of town (bad) and the limo service I arranged to fetch her (good) cancelled the reservation (very bad). I have *such* mixed feelings (good and bad) about her visit since it is such a sorrowful time, but I need to see her (very good) since yes, my leave of absence was due to mental health issues (pitch black bad). Could not stop crying and started yelling at executive managers (bad but funny).
>
> I don't dare ask for the morning off work tomorrow as I have dragged the whole administrative staff along with me on this wild ride of mine with all my doctors' and therapist appointments. Every time I take time off work someone has to cover my job as I'm the front receptionist.
>
> As for the therapist - I'm really ticked off about it. Once I showed up and she didn't have me on her schedule; Monday she called thinking we had an appointment (not according to my calendar), and she's rescheduled me twice and I just started to see her in December. She keeps telling me she's concerned about me but the actions don't give me that message, you know?
>
> The 2 good for 1 bad list thing would be a great exercise. thanks!
>
>
Posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 16:07:17
In reply to Re: Socrates .. AngelGirl, posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 14:27:35
> I hate it that you're feeling bad but your *this* (human reactions)is a-okay with me.
Sorry, sunny, little confused about the *this*. Not sure what you're meaning.
AG
Posted by jujube on February 2, 2005, at 20:27:38
In reply to Socrates, posted by saw on February 2, 2005, at 7:00:04
Sabrina,
Thanks for posting that. It's so easy sometimes to unconsciously lose sight of that simple yet important philosophy.
Tamara
P.S. My old dog's name was Socrates, but unfortunately, he never shared any profound pearls of wisdom with me! Oh well, he was special anyway. (Sorry, I'm weird when it comes to my pets.)
Posted by sunny10 on February 3, 2005, at 10:20:50
In reply to Re: Socrates .. AngelGirl » sunny10, posted by Angel Girl on February 2, 2005, at 16:07:17
I think your reactions are just fine...
That's all I meant.
-LCC
Posted by Angel Girl on February 3, 2005, at 20:29:07
In reply to Re: Socrates .. PC and AngelGirl » partlycloudy, posted by saw on February 2, 2005, at 7:51:24
Sabrina
I'm sorry that I jumped on ya. I guess it was the timing of the post, so I thought there might be some possibility that it could've been related to other happenings on the board.
I know you, so I shouldn't of jumped to that conclusion. I hope you can accept my apology. I'm very sorry that I've made you feel so badly.
AG
> I am not directing it at anybody at all. Actually, I was thinking about myself. It was a piece of writing from my daily newspaper that I thought was interesting and made me think about some of the times in my life that I have indulged in behaviour not useful to my own well being. It made me think of how I could use the triple filter in my own life but asking myself if I was telling myself the truth, if what I was telling myself was good and finally, if it would be useful to myself.
>
> I'm sorry - I should have explained that I was applying this to my own life and not referring to anyone else. I can see now with the current happenings that this may have been misconstrued. Again, please accept my apologies - I did not mean to have anyone feeling bothered by it. Perhaps it is time for me to take a break.
>
> Sabrina
Posted by Angel Girl on February 3, 2005, at 20:31:19
In reply to Re: Socrates .. PC , AngelGirl, and SAW, posted by sunny10 on February 2, 2005, at 9:42:19
Thanks sunny. You are such a breath of wisdom on these boards. The serenity prayer has been a Godsend for me when I have been in the abyss.
AG
> okay, no more bickering, girls. Sabrina was just trying to pass along something that resonated with her in some fashion when she read it.
>
> Please remember that we each perceive the spoken and written word in our own way. Right now, pc and AG, you are agitated about other things going on IRL and on these boards. Give yourselves a break.
>
> No one here wants to hurt you. We are here to support each other, right?!?
>
> I can tell you; a lot of things going on have me just focussing on breathing in and breathing out these days... (and reciting the Serenity prayer!)
Posted by Angel Girl on February 3, 2005, at 20:35:00
In reply to Re: Socrates .. AngelGirl, posted by sunny10 on February 3, 2005, at 10:20:50
> I think your reactions are just fine...
>
> That's all I meant.
>
> -LCCsunny
Thank you but I'm not sure how many would agree with you. You may be in the minority.
AG
Posted by sunny10 on February 4, 2005, at 9:51:12
In reply to Re: Socrates .. AngelGirl » sunny10, posted by Angel Girl on February 3, 2005, at 20:35:00
ah, but I have found that I am often in the minority.... it's just that I have now come to terms with that (insert Serenity Prayer here), but don't mistake coming to terms with it to mean that it's easy...
Why do you think I count on the prayer so heavily (smile)?
Sunny10
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