Hope in action

Recently, we spoke about hope. It is common knowledge that we must turn hope into reality. We can do this through prayer, through meditation and, the one I find to be the most practical – through action. Hope without action is neutered, naïve dreaming. It lacks the efficacy of the possible, the perhaps, “the what if” I could change the world – my world. But, specifically, what is the nexus of this desire, this yearning that I hear and read so much about? It is “au fond,” at its core, the belief that my life could get better.

Before we begin this “optimistic state of mind,” (1) it is necessary to accept the gift of life itself. God or the cosmos gives us this gift, seemingly, so effortlessly — so easily — that many times we give it little to no value. I am just alive. If you critically thought about this offering of life, for example, would you be willing to sacrifice it so easily to some elected leader, some potentate or king in the service of a war or ill-advised piece of foreign policy? Would the intelligent, reflective person, pointlessly throw that gift away? I think not.

Until I acknowledge that all power is inside of me and in my relationship with God or the universe, I am exposed to the vagaries of life. These are numerous and multi-faceted. Life is fickle, cruel and unfair – all true statements. It is my response to my life that determines whether I will find the natural peace that lies within each of us.

How then do I begin the process of discovery of the self; the self that is enabled to act? I believe the answer lies in identifying simple habits, powerful nurturing tools. Firstly, I must appreciate my unique and special gift – my life, there is no one like me, there never has been and there never will be — and then realize that I am empowered to use it as I see fit. Secondly, upon waking each day, I can decide whether today will be a good or bad day: we all have a choice. Next, get up and make your bed. This closes the night and ignites the new day. The past has no power unless I bring it to the present and negatively energize it with angst, fear or self-recrimination. Finally, write in your notebook. Begin to document your feelings, hopes, dreams, frustrations, and desires. This gives you a bigger picture of the person that you are in the world.

Now, after a good breakfast, open the door and face another beautiful day. You are shielded in the belief that you can affect change in the world. You are hope in action. The great thinker, philosopher, and pacifist, Count Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910), leaves us with a thought: If, then, I were asked for the most important advice I could give, that which I considered to be the most useful to the men of our century, I should simply say: in the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, and look around you.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers – by Emily Dickenson (1830-1886)

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –

   That perches in the soul –

   And sings the tune without the words –

   And never stops – at all –

   And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –

   And sore must be the storm –

   That could abash the little Bird

   That kept so many warm –

   I’ve heard it in the chillest land –

   And on the strangest Sea –

   Yet – never – in Extremity,

A closing thought: It is easy to pontificate, but much harder to do. Life is prognostication made real. The greatest aspect of existence is that there is no judge of its efficacy, but you. You decide whether it is successful, or not. It is but a journey that can only be adjudicated at its conclusion – curiously, not by you.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about acting in the world. It is important to realize that I can be in control of my life if I so desire.

To be noted: Being clever is when you look at how things are and use the empirical evidence to work out something new.

Just for fun: Brahms Violin Concerto in D major

For reflection: DAVID ICKE – THE CORONAVIRUS CONSPIRACY

This week please reflect on your action in life.

Every day look for something magical and beautiful

Quote: I acknowledge that I am alive today.

Footnotes:

1) Hope