When I awoke this morning, I was filled with such wonder and joy that I, “me,” had been given another day of consciousness. I know that this is a hackneyed thought, but it is true. “Without me, there is no reality.” Now, the common response is, “So what?” and rightly so. Without a deep appreciation of the uniqueness of life, “my life,” there is little value in this comprehension.
Sadly, this is completely wrong and deeply misplaced. What is happening, I believe, is that our surfeit of information and data (some would say knowledge) has dulled our brains to the potentiality of life. Given that I do not comprehend the complexities and potential of my universe, I opt out of reality. Suicide rates are staggering and, in the last 45 years, have increased by 60% worldwide.
“Suicide is now among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15-44 (male and female). Suicide attempts are up to 20 times more frequent than completed suicides. Although suicide rates have traditionally been highest amongst elderly males, rates among young people have been increasing to such an extent that they are now the group at highest risk in a third of all countries. Mental health disorders (particularly depression and substance abuse) are associated with more than 90% of all cases of suicide. However, suicide results from many complex socio-cultural factors and is more likely to occur during periods of socioeconomic, family and individual crisis (e.g. loss of a loved one, unemployment, sexual orientation, difficulties with developing one’s identity, disassociation from one’s community or other social/belief group, and honor).” (1)
The net result is that economic affluence has not delivered the promised utopia. But then, are we surprised? The thinking man would have to respond firmly in the negative. All enlightened figures, from Moses to Christ to Krishna, (2) have spoken of the inner search: the trek to uncover the true nature of reality. This most certainly does not mean that we necessarily remove ourselves from society.
“Spirituality is not to be learned by flight from the world, or by running away from things, or by turning solitary and going apart from the world. Rather, we must learn an inner solitude wherever or with whomsoever we may be. We must learn to penetrate things and find God there.” (3) We should become more dynamic and active in our society. It is also our responsibility to change our world one step at a time. Life has nothing to do with how old I am. It has to do with what effort I put into my life. This is true at any age. The great painter Michelangelo (4) leaves us with a thought: There is no greater harm than that of time wasted. (Parts of this essay were first published in 2016)
A closing thought: So how do I effect change in my life, you ask? I am but one man. Much like an ocean is moved by tiny waves, so a culture is changed by individual action — which, over time, becomes collective action. Our DBA movement (5) is predicated on the idea that each of us deserves, yes deserves, a fulfilling life that includes our employment life. Work must not be allowed to become disassociated from joy and creativity. But, I must do the work, I must begin to act!
To sum up: This week we spoke about action in one’s life.
To be noted: From George Orwell — He who controls the present controls the past. He who controls the past controls the future.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQgDYT836Kk&ab_channel=nomegarof
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI7SEns71ck&ab_channel=StoicBuddy
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please reflect on how you can develop your skills.
Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Footnotes:
1) http://www.befrienders.org/suicide-statistics
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna
3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meister_Eckhart