Q is for Quality

qual·i·ty

ˈkwälədē/

noun

1. the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.
2. a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.

Quality is defined as an attribute. However, qualities can be experienced as positive or negative. Equality or Inequality is an experience of quality.

As a practice we tend to seek only the positive aspects of quality.  We are always looking for the good qualities in everything and in everyone. We seek good quality to avoid painful experiences.  It is interesting that we seek good qualities but not perfection.

We often state that we are not perfect and that nothing in the material world is perfect, but we don’t know that as fact because we haven’t met with or come into contact with everything in the world. We don’t expect perfection. Many of us have been taught this idea (not to expect perfection) through our experiences and by others in our lives. Instead of perfection we expect a standard or a degree or level of quality. We expect that qualities are unique to each thing or being.   Our standards provide a degree or level of acceptability.  

We acknowledge that not all qualities appear or feel good, yet these aspects show up, such as decay. (In the deepest sense of truth, decay is transformation.) However in our day to day living, we frown on decay and run away from it. However there is a level of decay which we will accept, for example an overripe banana becomes an ingredient in banana bread. So while at some point the quality of the banana has changed it is acceptable at some level for some  useful purpose. (We can still consume it.)

On a more personal level, decay often comes in the form of various illnesses.  Cancer comes to mind as an experience many people fear. We don’t want that experience, but it is so very prevalent.  “Cancer” an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body is a quality of transformation most of us fear. When an organ becomes cancerous it is rapidly disintegrating.  However we are disintegrating or changing all the time. As we become older this transformation or disintegration becomes more visible. We identify this as aging. Many of us don’t like this process either.

We have become afraid of anything that would disrobe our spirit. Again this is primarily because we are not taught about the deeper  truths in our day to day social constructs (school or work and social life). Quality is most of all an experience.

Be well and be happy today!
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