We are always told to be optimistic — believe in the goodness of life. At first blush, this appears nonsensical, leading to toxic positivity. (1) Even before consciousness at 22 or so, we are aware of our body. Everyone remembers the suffering of adolescence. I suffered tremendously from chronic earaches and debilitating migraines. And, I am not alone — many of my students have related similar experiences.
Then as the body matures, many of these affiliations miraculously leave. We are then faced with the mind and its many challenges. Out of the primordial mist, my consciousness emerges. It immediately realizes that this life, this corporeal life, is finite and no amount of hope or incantation will prolong its physical existence. Tragically, there are many who never escape the fear of their demise. They always reside in a negative concept of finality, of the end.
The New Atheists (2) attempt to justify existence as a complete unit: I am born, I mature and I die. This idea somehow seems incomplete to the sensitive human being. There is quite obviously something bigger than me: God, Gaia, or the Universe — this force that makes all possible for all. That does not suggest that my ego has immortality, but, most certainly, my actions do. Part of the reason I am alive is to contribute to the Common Good. It is thus obvious that the more joy I can bring into my life, the more others may want to follow my example. The universal grandfather is one such exemplar.
The individual must truly wake up to life’s magnificence and yet fragility. In this way, I can believe in life itself. A positive mental attitude to the vicissitudes of consciousness is worth reflecting on. I’d like you to learn to believe in yourself and your power of goodness; all will eventually be fine. We must learn to answer these three questions: Why am I here? What is my mission? What happens when I leave here?
The writer, thinker, and motivational speaker, Louise Hay, (3) leaves us with a thought: I change my life when I change my thinking. I am light. I am spirit. I am a wonderful, capable being. And it is time to acknowledge that I create my own reality with my thoughts. If I want to change my reality, then it is time for me to change my mind.
A closing thought: I believe the strength of evil will ultimately be overcome by the power of love. But to do so we must believe in goodness. “Why do you ask me about good? … There is only One who is good.” (4)
To sum up: This week we spoke about goodness.
To be noted: From Fr. Raimon Pannikar (5) — The goal of human nature, of any nature is blessedness. If we do not reach this goal, it is a sign that we are headed in the wrong direction.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe1pB9KqHRg&ab_channel=DWClassicalMusic
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi2B9-kZ-To&ab_channel=Stoicism
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please reflect on what goodness means in your life.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Look for the good in life.
Footnotes:
1) https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958
2) https://www.kcl.ac.uk/new-atheists
4) Matthew 19:17