This morning, I realized that I felt “pretty good.” I believe that many of us have had that same feeling. I have yet one more birthday approaching. This reminds me that time is relentless — it marches on: the body continues to age. But where is the pain and suffering that I anticipated at my age when I was 18 years old? It has not yet appeared. It would be false to claim that the 63-year-old body mirrors that of a 23-year-old: it doesn’t. But the frustrations and anxieties that I associated with physical age are not with me.
I am so lucky to be me
Recently on my way to prayer, I was reminded that I am here by chance — by luck if you will — and will depart under similar, somewhat bizarre, circumstances. This is the same for all of us, I am sure. A small story: On my route, there is a dual traffic light situated at a major intersection. The first allows the buses to proceed and the second, when illuminated green, the rest of the general traffic. This, rather inattentive, motorcyclist duly waited for the second light to change. He then, inexplicably, strayed into the bus lane.
Life is ephemeral: or is it?
We believe we are a fickle and ephemeral people: When our skin color is too white, our mothers tell us to go out into the sun and get some color. We laud the “Californian-tan” look and relate it financial prosperity and good health. (1) When we are dark, however, we shade ourselves from the sun and lather our skin with creams to lighten its tone. Temperature is a lot like this. Many people prefer the cold over the hot and welcome a brisk day. In opposition to this are those who prefer the “chaleur” of the tropics. In truth, however, no one likes extremes: everyone can probably accept -5 degrees, but -55 degrees would be quite something else. Why then do we accept extreme points of view in our world?
Never give up on your dreams – never!
Where do dreams come from? They come from deep, deep inside of you and only you. They remain hidden down three flights of stairs, carried along a darkened corridor, and dropped down a plunging lift to your private world of imagination. I want to step into that world: to float like a bird and soar to the heavens; to dive to the deepest trench in the seas and to communicate with all forms of life, In short: I need to join Gaia (1) and commune with this wonderful world. I must feel this “oneness with all.” But I can only do this through my healthy and fertile creativity. I need to step away from the world of the day-to-day and reside, even for a moment, in the world of “make-believe” — the realm of the fantastic.
Think positive thoughts
The droplets plummeted from the sky. I sat in my armchair and closed my eyes. Instantly, I was transported back 50 years. There I was as a young man walking along a beach as the rain fell and the sonorous wind projected its cacophony. The air literally sparkled with spray from the sea. I felt alive, but also somewhat fearful of the power of nature so fully on display. I was soon “drenched to the skin,” but carried on, nonetheless. I needed to find my way home. I wanted to find peace, warmth, and safety. This trek along the shore could be analogous to our journey in life. Existence is fraught with problems and complications, but also with solutions and happiness. Why then do some complain of its cold and moisture while others appreciate its cleansing mist? It is just attitude to a situation and the belief in a positive outcome.