When people know (or enter into any other relation with) social entities—whether these are institutions or economic goods or another age’s culture—the relation established is not the sort of relation they have with the natural objects studied by physical science. Social entities are reified personality or alienated spirit, while people themselves are the product of historical forces. The knower and the known, subject and object, are moments of one entity, society, and their relations are necessarily ambiguous, two-way, or dialectical. At the turn of the century, adults sought psychological help for concrete symptoms, such as paralysis medical doctors could not explain, or obsessional thoughts that would not go away. Of those seeking treatment, they were sick in the sense the word “sickness” is used in medicine; something prevented them from functioning socially as the so-called normal person functions. Their concept of wellness was—not to be sick. In modern times, however, people with presenting symptoms such as those mentioned above are in the minority of psychologists’ clientele; most people coming to a psychologist at the end of the twentieth century are not certain what they suffer from. They come in complaining of anxiety or depression or low self-esteem because their marriages are in trouble, or their productivity is falling off. #RandolphHarris 1 of 10

As personal interests become autonomous in the shape of class interests, the personal conduct of the individual becomes reified and alienated and thereby becomes a thing apart from one, an independent force. It is just such alienated forms of conduct that make up society. The most common sources of psychological suffering today stem from three levels of alienation: Alienation from oneself, alienation from other human beings, and alienation from nature. Because of the development of industry, material forces were saturated with spiritual life, while human existence was made primitive, becoming a material force. The spirit has become thing and things are steeped in spirit, so that history is a fabric of meanings-becoming-forces. This dialectical relation of subject and object was most marked in the case of the proletariat because the proletariat has been reduced by capitalism to labor, a mere economic commodity, and yet it can still take cognizance of itself as a commodity by acquiring class consciousness. Thereupon, it has seen through the supposed natural law of economics and revolutionized capitalism. For this class, self-knowledge means at the same time correct knowledge of the whole of society so this class is at once subject and object of knowledge. Its self-knowledge is history knowing itself and in that total clarity lies the promise of a return from alienation. #RandolphHarris 2 of 10

Most people experience some degree of separation on each level, from self, other human beings, and from nature. If our alienation on any one level becomes too great, symptoms of emotional distress appear. The symptoms of alienation breed a profound sense of helplessness and hopelessness expressed in the awareness that life runs out of one’s hand like the American and Sacramento River into the Twin Tunnels project to Southern California leaving us with nothing to care for our yards and trees. This is so pronounced in adulthood because we are no longer being taken care of by our parents, we have our own families we have to care for and we have to protect ourselves from predators.  Some people fear that one will die without having lived; that one lives in the midst of plenty and yet is joyless. “However, let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing,” reports James 1.4. Not only must our relationship to God be right, but the outward expression of that relationship must also be right. Ultimately, God will allow nothing to escape; every detail of our lives is under God’s scrutiny. God never tries of bringing us back to that one point until we learn the lesson, because God’s purpose is to produce the finished product. God’s wonderful work in us makes us know that overall we are right with him. Whatever it may be, God will point it out with persistence until we become entirely his. #RandolphHarris 3 of 10

On our mortal journey, we hope to begin to cure the alienation from the self that is often so pronounced in adulthood. It is instructive to trace the relation of these forms of alienation to anxiety. When we fear we or someone near us may not live to our full potential, the repressed emotions have found a way of avoiding the censorship—and the distortion for which the censorship is responsible. An invariable concomitant phenomenon, then, is that painful emotions are felt in our subconscious. Similarly, we have conscious episodes of anxiety, which occurs only when the censorship is entirely or partially overpowered, and on the other hand, the overpowering of the censorship is facilitated when the actual sensation of anxiety is already present in somatic (of the body, especially as distinguished from a bodily part, the mind, or the environment; physical) sources. It thus becomes obvious for what purpose the censorship performs its office and practices reality-distortion; it does so in order to prevent the development of anxiety or other forms of painful affect. However, when we make mutually satisfying connections with others, and will notice a great paradox. While we really do not care much about the judgments of others, we care more than ever about the quality of the lives of others and everything around us. We are therefore likely to find oneself forgetting ourselves more often, because are so engaged in the World. #RandolphHarris 4 of 10

Spiritually looking up is not a one-time experience.  Truth exists, but it exists only in the future tense; it is the presumptive totality to be attained by permanent self-criticism. The criterion of truth is grasp of reality, but reality is not at all to be confounded with empirical being, what actually exists. Reality is not; it becomes—and without the collaboration of thought (ibid). The dialectical unity of subject and object in society; the promise of a return from alienation when society, through the proletariat, attains self-knowledge; and the notion of truth as a totality yet to be achieved—are attractive to some. Disillusionment means having no more misconceptions, false impressions, and false judgments in life; it means being free from these deceptions. However, though no longer deceived, our experience of disillusionment may actually leave us cynical and overly critical in our judgment of others. Yet, the disillusionment that comes from God brings us to the point where we see people as they really are, yet without any cynicism nor any stinging and bitter criticism. When we lose ourselves inside the love of God, we affirm our oneness with all of life. Daring to let go of our hard-won sense of identity is the ultimate communion with God. Whenever we can, we should merge into altruism. And enjoy an experience free of thought, self-consciousness, striving, or judgment. #RandolphHarris 5 of 10

When asked, many of us are happy to offer our help. It feels good to be needed, but it is particularly fulfilling when our efforts actually advance someone else’s endeavors. Yet, when it is our turn to ask for help, many of us give up our place in line. Instead of taking our turn, fair and square, we walk away or go to the end of the queue. Why do we give up in this way? In some cases, we become comfortable with the line. Waiting becomes a safe and secure buffer zone. Some people believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Even our originality is called into question when we canvas people for their opinions, as if seeking others points of view will diminish our own ideas. In some cases, we may just be afraid of rejection. What if someone says, “No, I am sorry. I cannot help you?” Then what? Well, we move on. It is that simple. Look how Justin Timberlake did Britney Spears back in 2007 when people were threatening to take her life, stealing her cars, extorting her for $50 million in exchange for her babies, and declared her incompetent so they could control her estate, while she still had to work and was only giving her $1,500.00 a month. She asked Justin for help, and he told her, “No, I am afraid you will hurt my career.” Now no one knows who Justin Timberlake is and Britney Spears is an even bigger star than ever. Many have never seen someone with such a dynamic catalog of music, and so many performances. #RandolphHarris 6 of 10

Even if you are afraid of asking for help when you really need it, it could be because you do not like to burden people. However, when people who never ask for anything need a favor, it is probably because they are at a really low point in their lives that they have never experienced. Certainly, some people ask the same people for help too often and they may feel put upon and even a little resentful. Some of us do not like to be indebted to others for anything. We avoid asking so that we will not feel beholden. However, for the most part, seeking support will help us to more easily turn the life we are living into the life we want. Delegating household duties, asking for assistance on the job, and recruiting our friends and family for emotion sustenance are essential is we want to revision and change our lives. Clearly, asking for help is not easy. At first, it feels terribly uncomfortable, like we have our pants on backwards in front of a classroom of high school students. That may have actually been a fashion statement in your parents time. And although we can still walk, we feel vulnerable. However, the vulnerability is really a form of truth, not a sign of weakness. Some of our best leaders in business and government are successful because they surrounded themselves with a strong and steady support system. #RandolphHarris 7 of 10

 Icons like Reese Witherspoon, Paris Hilton, Tomi Lahren, Aaliyah, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Mary Kay, and Bill Gates built successful teams that allowed them to bring their visions to life. You Can to the same with similar results. Seeking emotional support from others is not a display of incompetence; it is a demonstration of your intelligence, whether you are trying to add to your base of knowledge or learn something new. When we ask for help we are acknowledging the splendor and fundamental need for a circle of giving. Besides, some people love to share their experiences, which in many cases will be all you need. It is rewarding for you and them. Eventually, we will learn how to ask for help with grace and diplomacy. It will feel as right as our favorite song. Some friendships even suffer because some people neglect to be direct and honest when asking for help. Instead of speaking in precise terms, many ask for help in roundabout ways that leave their intentions and needs unclear. When they do not receive the help they need, they find themselves confused and bewildered. When we ask for help, we have to be clear so that people know exactly what we want. If they can help, they usually will. If they cannot, they will let us know that, too. #RandolphHarris 8 of 10

However, do not use vague language just because one is afraid or comfortable This will only lead to misunderstandings, which in the long run will be a waste of time for everyone. And be gracious no matter what. When you ask for help, try to be gracious no matter what. “Thank you anyway” (with a smile words wonders even when someone says, “no.” Pouting only makes matter worse. Remember that most people want to help but, in some cases, cannot because of all sorts of circumstances beyond their control. Do not make people feel worse by dwelling on their inability (or unwillingness) to provide support. Besides, just because people cannot help does not mean they do not want to help. Indeed, if we respond graciously, they may be more inclined to think of someone else who can help us. They may even reconsider and offer to help us after all. Our patience and understanding (versus impatience and resentment) will almost always be in our best interest. And if we exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. Believe in God; believe that he is alive; believe that God has all wisdom, and all power, both in Heaven and in Earth. In many cases that will allow our hearts to fund the comfort we seek. We could feel weighed down by our responsibilities. However, instead, we must exercise great faith and be filled with optimism, wisdom, and love for others. #RandolphHarris 9 of 10

We must have the attitude that we can do and will do. We must trust the Lord a, and rely on him for strength, and the Lord will bless us. Experience has taught many people that if we exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy. We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance—and if it is, the Lord will help us. However, we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow God’s direction. Why is it a challenge to consistently look up in our lives? Perhaps we ack the faith that such a simple act can our problems. For example, when the children of Israel were bitten by poisonous serpents, Moses was commanded to raise up a brass serpent on a pole. The brass serpent represented our Savior. Those who looked up at the serpent, as admonished by the prophet, were healed. However, many others failed to look up, and they perished. As we remember God and trust in his power, we receive strength through our Savior’s Atonement. It is the means whereby we can be relieved of our anxieties, our burdens, and our suffering. It is the resource whereby we can be forgiven and healed from the pain of our sins. It is the means whereby we can receive the faith and strength to endure all things. #RandolphHarris 10 of 10