In our youth, we are encouraged to find peace. It is suggested that this state of harmony is easily acquired and will produce the ultimate effects of joy and happiness in life. Mature people know, unfortunately, that this is not reality — peace is not so easily obtained. Life is mostly pain and suffering. Furthermore, the advent of the Internet has enabled us to realize that angst is even more widespread than we initially believed. Violence assails us in all its forms: physical, mental, and spiritual.
In all of this, nonetheless, if we continue to psychologically live in a “world of chaos,” we will never grow and become wise. Much like a plant needs water and sunshine to flourish, the human psyche needs calm and reflection to access understanding. Life is very much a battle, of course, between the evil and the beautiful natures of man. To exist inside our bestial and violent self precludes the evolution of our creative and beautiful being. It is in this state of enlightenment that the inventive and imaginative soul gives birth to ideas and thoughts, thereby allowing our civilization to grow.
Each of us, as we develop metaphysically, knows this to be true. So what am I to do? My solution, if you could call it such, or my suggestion, is to realize that I am alone in this corporeal reality. If I touch your hand, I can feel the warmth of your body, but who are you? I will never fully know because I cannot jump inside of you and your being and see the world through your eyes. I am forced to approximate and guess your moods and ideas. The “acid test” is to ask yourself, “If I were dead, if I were not here, would any of this matter or have any value?” The answer, needless to say, is no. Life would continue on without me quite comfortably.
Thus, I am always sheltered and mentally safe. I do not need to unnecessarily suffer in my life. I can be in control. If I have no relationships, create some; a lack of money, work harder and smarter; I don’t like my body, improve it at the gym, etc. It is all within my purview, given the givens. The givens being: I am 69 years old, I am a man, I have two children, I have a certain amount of money, a certain amount of intelligence, etc. Given these givens, everything else is possible. But I must be committed to self-development.
I, therefore, have a chance to attain peace, ultimately, in my life, with peace meaning the integration of the external illusions, the external persona, with the internal self. I will function peacefully in the world when I learn to analyze and understand my individual path to God, Gaia, or the Universe. The Dalai Lama (1) leaves us with a thought: World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just the mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.
A closing thought: It is important to note that human beings are still collective creatures. If I improve myself, I may influence others. Once I find my private direction, my friends and loved ones may follow. The great religious leaders of the Earth have mostly led through example as opposed to forced conversion to their religion. Each of us, as members of a community, is obligated to advance the value of peace over violence.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about the value of finding peace over violence and chaos
To be noted: from Confucius (2) — Every truth has four corners: as a teacher, I give you one corner, and it is for you to find the other three.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW8VLC9nnTo&list=RDcW8VLC9nnTo&start_radio=1&ab_channel=BillieEilishVEVO
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdzIl9eG3CI&ab_channel=PBSNewsHour
This week, on your peaceful walk, please reflect on how you can find your own state of tranquility.
Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Inner peace precludes exterior chaos.
Footnotes:
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOf7iO0h6K4&ab_channel=DalaiLama
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEmN6MnUVDI&ab_channel=PhilosophiesforLife