At the end of the year, we are in such a frenzy and avidly await the new beginning. The fatigued old period dies and is buried and an exciting new epoch arouses and is celebrated. The time is filled with an immeasurable amount of hope and jubilation. Many people find fulfillment in this occasion because it briefly replaces the happiness they lack. (1)
We are immortal organic beings, “for dust you are and dust you will return,” (2) but human consciousness at best extends to our mortal existence. It only fully awakens at 20 years of age or so, goes through a period of existence, and then stumbles upon death at which point it leaves this ephemeral reality. Many, when asked, express that life is meaningless. This means that the continuum of life has no punctuation, no joy. It is simply filled with an endless stream of tedium: school to work, to a relationship — or many, to saving money, to retirement, to death. The Nihilists (3) tell us that this is the true unfolding of being.
This is not the truth, though, is it? Life is, potentially, much more exciting and dynamic than this formula describes. That said, it is up to our individual actions to create an actuality that is searching for the path to perfection. Though this is a goal that can only be fully realized by God or some of his disciples, it is an honorable one and the sole one to fully give life value.
So, how do I create a sense of excitement, of searching, in my daily actions? I must awaken every day with the understanding that this is a new day, a new beginning. It has the potential to be like no other. It could end in raw failure or be infused with such luck as to make all my dreams come true. Whatever occurs on this day, I will deal with and respond to positively.
This is not naive. It is the truth. The only moment I truly occupy is now, the physical period I am remarking on. Everything else is either a memory of the past or a vision of the future. A mindset such as this is a way to approach sentience. Many of the circumstances that enter into my day-to-day existence are not of my own creation. Some of them are difficult and unfair: this includes the man who gets your promotion, or steals the girl away from you, or wins the lottery. How I respond to these challenges, nonetheless, is of my own making. If I keep the concept of a beginning in my heart, I am filled with an endless amount of optimism. Author, Alan Cohen, leaves us with a thought. Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.
A closing thought: What I believe dictates how I will see the world and my life in it. This is a concept that has a very old pedigree. But, it is as true today as it was in ancient times. This is not simply idle blustering, but a way to see the world around me. One only has to ask which produces the best results to find the answers. The elusive positive nature — eudaimonia, or flourishing (4) — is not so easy to achieve, unfortunately. It is easy to be unhappy and hard to be happy. Personal development is a protracted and difficult journey and requires a lifetime commitment. The results are, despite everything, very fulfilling.
To sum up: This week we spoke about a new year and a new beginning.
To be noted: Attributed to Thomas Edison — If you fail a thousand times, you have not failed enough.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BDtRulNlTk&ab_channel=ClassicalTunes
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W49TbBZUaEQ&ab_channel=AcademyofIdeas
This week, on your introspective stroll, please reflect on what a new beginning means to you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: You are forever blessed with a new beginning!
Footnotes:
2) Genesis 3:19