Monday, May 4, 2015

The Age of Self Adulation (Flattery) VS Self Promotion (traditions, ideas, concepts)




 Self Promotion vs Self Adulation

 In the age we live in I find it very interesting to document a “Curriculum Vitae”, in the public domain on anyone’s personal spiritual experiences, personal training and relationships with their mentor's.Our world now is full of an abundance of "Repeated Regurgitation of Self Adulation; the long resumes of the promotion of accomplishments, that have already been done. Some people care; but for most its disheartening to ones stomach.  

I have always viewed this as a very personal and singular experience, and not something to display in general public. The East Asian Healing Traditions were never developed or promoted to be marketed or offered for recompense. The traditions were offered to the masses as a way for personal salvation, peace and enlightenment. Historically when Chinese first came over to the west, they offered their traditions to westerners as a way for them to make a living. From Traditional Healing Ways, Chinese Restaurants, Tailors, Dry Cleaners, Martial Arts, this is how they supported themselves. Orthodox Buddhist Traditions have always advocated salvation to the masses through Dana Donation System. Almost all credible Temples and groups are funded through private endeavors and Society’s connected back to Asia.

With all that being said although, anytime a tradition from anywhere comes to a new Country it ultimately is adapted. So we have seen the Spiritual Aspects in East Asian Traditions been adapted from Traditional healing enclaves of spiritual communities, to now our modern world. I think its ok for people that are qualified to offer their knowledge for some kind of exchange. Where I personally draw the line with many people today is, where people use their marketing or sales tactics to take advantage of desperate or uneducated people.

  • Self Adulation is simply me-ism the promotion of accomplishments, experiences that have already been completed. Really doesn't often reflect ones current status of where they stand within the traditions or practices they follow or teach. The experiences one do is a crucial component; you need to get out and live youre life and find where you are with what you do. Advice here is, it should not be worn on youre sleeve like a business card although. I tell the students that I teach that it's more important for people to accept you for your contribution and what you have done to advance the practices. In due time those who personally show up, and you know you have an affinity with absolutely share youre experiences and stories. For they will be in it to really know and mentor under you to learn youre art or traditions.
  •  Self promotion or should I call it "Shameless Self Promotion". I feel there is nothing wrong with self promotion, as long its balanced and truthful. People will ultimately decide if they want to pursue what you do or not. One does not have to come off like a car salesman trying to twist ones arm to take youre class or buy your products. Most people already have their mind up or not, in most cases.  
The internet is the mega vehicle for Self Promotion. Also don't forget about magazines, newpapers and local stores, to promote oneself. One still has to go out in person to promote what they do, a website can only do so much. Its simply a nice flyer or business card that never disappears. 
 
We have lived in a Eclectic and Integrated Society for many years if you realized it or not. Balanced self-promotion is the art of spreading traditions, ideas, concepts, and a greater vision.When we promote our traditions, we give people something to possibly enhance our personal lives. You give people a doorway  to help themselves in many cases. I remember when Bruce Lee was a very inspirational brand for myself as a youth and a generation for that matter. There have been many books and movies written about him how he transformed many lives. All due to his ability to use movies and some early books to self promote himself and Chinese Martial Arts. Without this for sure Chinese martial Arts would not have flourished as fast.
 
I believe focus on your products, teachings and classes,which most people are interested in anyway. People are looking for the most part for what's in it for them. Put the Self Adulation to Sleep until one day; on a dull day when everyone get's to sit around and listen to stories of old..
 
GWA