The other day, I was late – a condition which seems to define my life: late, but always on time. I was furtively “flying” down the highway to my destination. I was being passed by other vehicles during my journey; hence I assume that the perception of my velocity was my own creation. I was suddenly “arrêtéd,” stopped, by a rather lengthy stoplight. My initial irritation gave way to a state of awe. At some distance, there was a beautiful cherry blossom tree (1) in full bloom – truly magnificent! For a moment, I felt honestly embarrassed. How many times had I passed by Gaia’s example of beauty, only to miss her attraction?
Bliss
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.
The illusion of permanence
Now and forever: I saw this sign on a building recently. It got me to thinking: this is a concept that imbues our society, certainly from an educational perspective. I get a degree or degrees and this allows me some level of entitlement for the rest of my life. My diplomas segue into an excellent job and a wonderful existence. But, unfortunately, this is not reality.
Forgive yourself
We have all done things in life that we consider egregious, events that we would rather forget. However, you can’t. Your obligation, as a human being, is to make amends: go to the aggrieved party and give your apology, and give it sincerely. Now, many times, most times, in fact, your efforts will be rebuffed. The majority of people do not accept contrition easily. You are thus left with double the grief. The first being the realization that you have erred and the second torment is to have your pleas rebuffed. Your pain has no bounds.
To be at peace
The story of the titanic (1) is an evocative one. The passengers knew in a short period of time that the ship was going to sink and most were facing imminent death. Statistically, your chances of survival were slim. And yet, the vast majority of people conducted themselves in a respectful and polite manner. (2) Why, when the inevitable was at hand? This disaster could be used as a metaphor in our modern society – either for the inevitable environmental collapse or with our earthly extraction.
Will an education make me just?
You would think that an education would give a person some moral parameters, wouldn’t you? The more educated you become, the more sensitive you are to the needs of humanity — the concerns of the Common Good – that sort of idea. This is a truly naïve premise, however — being more educated, many times, makes you more deceitful and ruthless.
Life is absurd!
Everyone at one time or another in life reflects on the meaning of life. Why am I here and how did I get here? One of the more controversial replies to this question is given by the eminent intellectual, Albert Camus (1913-1960). He is known for his philosophy known as Absurdism. (1) This is the belief that there is absolutely no “why” to life. It is all without meaning or purpose – but go on living, why not? On the face of it, one would have to agree.
Color your world
Recently, I was just mesmerized by the color around me. I think it had to do with my new shoes. They are a deep chestnut brown that speaks of tradition and age – some would say just like my personality. Color certainly impacts all of us. Any visit to an art museum or private gallery pulls you away into an unfamiliar world – so attractive and yet so elusive. Sight has to be one of the most important senses of all for it produces images that color our world: both figuratively and literally. I am stuck on a question, however, as I walk amongst crowds of people. Are we embarking on a new shade of existence — the hue of colorlessness? There seems to be a certain monotonousness or dullness that is descending upon our world. The cell phone, and its conformity of usage, is certainly leading the charge.
Chaos: is this my life?
Have you ever had this kind of startling experience? You awaken from a dream and for a moment — just for a moment — you are totally lost and disoriented. I recently experienced such a phenomenon. I first felt as if I was not the person that I knew. But then, I quickly returned to myself and my familiar surroundings and sensations – these included the comfort of my bed. My momentary sense of visceral panic was replaced with a serene understanding that all was well in my universe. I would continue to exist for yet another day. This concept of psychological chaos is omnipresent in everyone’s life, I believe, and can be easily replicated once we leave the protection of our home. A walk in any shopping center or congested venue can quickly evoke a feeling of being overwhelmed.
Fear: what are you afraid of?
Fear is an interesting phenomenon. The most extreme is the Chicken Little sort wherein the person is virtually afraid of his own shadow.