IF you could go anywhere … do anything at all … where, what might it be? Does the notion of a “fantasy land” intrigue you? A nirvana, or a utopian culture, perhaps? The desire, overt or implicit, to escape “whatever is” absorbs a great deal of humanity’s energy. I wonder how this could be quantified. I have a feeling statistics would reveal a great deal if this sentiment were truly measurable.
So this fine month of May, what are you wishing to escape, or change, or somehow avoid? Too many things to count, perhaps?
The endless political drama is at the top of many lists right now. The comedians are having a great time with all of this, and though clearly funny and important (comic relief is a necessity during stressful times), it really is more information on the very same topic. Escape, in this context, is short-lived and perhaps not terribly constructive over time. Other “escapes” can be equally superficial, less than inspiring, or clearly unsustainable.
For me, the secret is finding or creating meaning in whatever context I find myself in. By choice, or otherwise. That is the real key, isn’t it?
When personal meaning can be identified, amplified, or shared, we automatically open ourselves to a more peaceful way of being. We also tend to live from a deeper perspective, overall, while anxiety, depression, or a heightened interest in conflict/drama/controversy often dissipate. Patterns of old are boring, in other words. We then seek new ways of being, new ways of perceiving and engaging with others.
Often those “others” in our lives don’t understand the shift. A personal shift toward greater consciousness and deeper awareness is lost on those who are clueless about such things. And when others remain firmly mired in age-old values or highly commercialized mainstream priorities, the gap between people can become enormous. I see this happening in our world all the time. Yet, we never seem to see this dynamic for what it is — instead we imagine and use curious and inaccurate labels, which only complicates things.
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”
― Voltaire
The one thought I want to leave you with today is just this: Don’t give up on building personal meaning into your life. Don’t settle for chasing trends, pleasing others constantly, and getting bogged down in all things irrelevant. Many out there will NEVER be happy, or content, or peaceful. Never ever. They haven’t been motivated to shift to a broader vision, one built on a deeper life perspective. Many still think happiness depends on all things external, but some of us are coming to understand that most (if not all) of the work of happiness occurs within.
Contentment can’t be purchased at the local store; nor can joy or peace.
It can’t be forced or demanded, because it flows from somewhere deep within.
But once you tap into a deeper spiritual awareness, you will more easily find meaning in every life moment, and when that happens, a more profound contentment arises on it own accord. Have you experienced anything like this? The shift can be subtle initially, but it’s definitely something to build on to see where it takes you.
“My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus.”
[The Science of Second-Guessing (New York Times Magazine Interview, December 12, 2004)]”
― Stephen Hawking
Thanks for stopping by this sunny space for kindred spirits.
See you again in a few weeks.
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