The other morning when I was out for a walk, I was suddenly overwhelmed with a powerful sensation. For a moment, just for a moment, I was taken to a very special place. Bliss: it is difficult to have one of these moments, isn’t it? You need calm, bright sunshine, and all your material needs to be met. But, do you? The answer, of course, is that you do not need anything exterior to you. The adversity and chaos that, naturally, swirl around in the physical world need you to accept them into your consciousness. Only in this way are these influences real and able to have an impact on your day or your life, for that matter.

Only you can adopt these “dark forces” as a part of your being. It is only inside of you that misery or, conversely, ecstasy exists. As individuals, however, if we look at the material world, we are constantly dissuaded from looking inside for the answers to life – my life – and the understanding of my place in it. It is much easier to grasp something physical – an entity that seems real and tangible. But a beautiful car and the magnificent home only belie the search that must go on inside of you – at least if you want some modicum of peace in your life.

Many of our older citizens are bitter at the end of their mortal existence? I have always found this to be puzzling. This is because they cannot imagine an existence that does not include them and perhaps, more importantly, they have not cherished each and every day of life – and now it is going to end. The reasons are many for this oversight: too busy, didn’t care, afraid to open the spiritual door, etc. We are, unfortunately, inviting a whole new generation of young people to embark on a material existence with little to no reflection on their spiritual side, the side that commands their moral compass. The position they desire to achieve during “their piece of life” — the journey they wish to undertake — is only a physical one. The cell phone is exceptionally pernicious in this regard.

When I say spiritual, I do not necessarily mean religious. Religions come in many hues and pitches and, quite rightly, all espouse that they command the doorway to a true understanding of God and the universe. There may be a particular religion that does so, but I must find the one that is the most suited to my personality and my beliefs. I think we can identify with the man who never wears a suit. When he wears one to a formal function for the first time he looks and, ultimately, is uncomfortable. Those individuals that are truly adept at their convictions possess an “air of tranquility” that is most attractive and inviting.

We all know that we are independent and isolated beings. I was born alone and I will die alone. This is not some negative fear-mongering, this is simply the truth. This means that I possess enormous individual power because I can be in 100% control of my inner perceptions. My sixth sense, my connectivity to God and the universe, however, can only be accessed through prayer and meditation. You must stand before your own pathway to your portal to success – spiritual and otherwise.

It is an inner journey that obviously brings the peace and bliss that we all so desire. Meister Eckhart (1) leaves us with a thought: Spirituality is not to be learned by flight from the world, or by running away from things, or by turning solitary and going apart from the world. Rather, we must learn an inner solitude wherever or with whomsoever we may be. We must learn to penetrate things and find God there.

A closing thought: We are confronted with just so much busyness on a daily basis that there is little to no time to reflect on my spiritual place in the universe and my meaning, or mission, in life. I think, nonetheless, that if we remain aware of the tremendous power that lies within each and every one of us then we can be somewhat comforted. We will eventually find the time to make that journey. It is a necessity, given the makeup of reality. Chronological age is the great equalizer. If you do not make peace with your God, whatever that means to you, you will suffer at the end of your physical life – and, sadly, most do. From Mark Twain (2): The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.

To be noted: From Eleanor Roosevelt (3) — In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.

Just for fun: J.S.Bach

For reflection: Jiddu Krishnamurti: To Live Without The Shadow Of Control

This week on your introspective walk, please look for your own moment of bliss.

Every day look for something magical and beautiful

Quote: We are innately five things: we are naturally happy, peaceful, loving, seeking and communal — these lie within.

Footnotes:

1) Meister Eckhart

2) Mark Twain 

3) Eleanor Roosevelt