Impotent Precedent

When it really comes down to it – nothing is by the book. School was to train your mind to think and comprehend. Apply just that and not the textbook material to what would follow once you broke those academic ties and stepped out…into what you were misled to believe as relatively known territory.

Dude? Like, you know nothing. You’re born with the same amount of stuff you go back to the ground with. Startling, unsettling, unbelievable? I’m not so sure anymore.

Born with purity. Umbilically chained in the womb and society-ically chained in the new world. Each day you live, you erode some of that purity and take on some adulteration. By the time your Time here is up – you’re laid to rest with the same amount – except what’s in you – is different.

It’s some twisted, confused trip this. This. Here and now, as I write. Got that idea floating somewhere in my head but it’s not taking shape. Not formulating. Not adding up. Like a piece is missing – that key thing that will glue the thought together. It’s a song. Let me go find it. Then it’ll come.

It’s the comfort of applying the precedent factor that misleads us. It’s the underlying, latent dependency on “what happened” and “history repeats itself” that plays the messiest tricks with our minds. It’s using that same precedence to make current decisions in your life.

It’s clear in my head now…where I went wrong…all of those times..those instances..they’ve crystallized. They’re staring me in the face with this lousy grin. This sheepish leer. “Yeah, we’re here because, woman? You were kind of stupid.” *kick* And they’re out the door – for now. Their taunts echoing in the hallway. Let it be. Will just turn up the volume on the amp..


Precedent. It’s more damage than reparation. It’s more hurt than heal. It’s more dark clouds than clear blue skies.

When a situation hits – ‘Precedent’ is the name and identity of your first crutch. I’m sure it’s there because, in many instances, it works. It has worked. But cumulate the experiences that are yours and yours alone, add up the thoughts, the beliefs and the emotions that are yours and yours alone – different in percentage terms and different in the mix – and then apply what sets the precedent. It can’t solve. It can’t explain. It can’t show you the way you want it to show you. It simply can’t. You’re laying an unachievable task at Precedents’ feet.

Yet we cling to it. Understandable. Because there really isn’t much else. Precedent takes many forms. Something as lame as books and movies to something more substantial like experiences of a friend or family member. Referring to these forms may give you a sense of…understanding, of belonging perhaps, but when you take that a level higher – applying it to your situation – things don’t quite work out.

Understand – that they can’t. The precedent has not been set.

Precedent is applicable for things, instances, events and moments that don’t involve feelings and emotions. Precedent is the tool to cut the tangible. Not the intangible. Add the precedent germ to the intangible and you’re just adding to the confusion.

What then, to do?

Think for yourself. Sit on that ultra-cushioned couch or out under a tree and think for yourself. Slip out of your body and sit across from your shell and see what you need to see. You. The world around you. Evaluate and judge yourself. What can you live with. What can’t you live with. What can you live without. What can’t you live without. Accept that you have limited control over most things. What you do have substantial control over, however, is how you react. How your mind computes all that surrounds you. It’s all about how you look at something. You can’t get everything and everything can’t get you. It’s just the way things are – don’t fight what’s already in motion and set. Fight what can be fought. Pick your battles wisely.

The Precedent Crutch is just that – a crutch. A limitation. A delusion. Nothing in life works out like a math equation – don’t expect it to. Think instead. Free flowing thinking…just push yourself a little everyday and see what feels right. Set your boundaries of being as fair and as judicious and as reasonable and then – Think.

You’d be surprised at who you can be, how you can think, what you can see. "When you know who you are/you will be on your knees.." And you will be. It’ll be a combination of good and bad that will have you touching the ground – but let it come. This is why you’re here – to know who you are so you can then, know why you’re here.

Screw the Precedent. That’s for sissies. You’re not one now are you?