The colder season is upon us – winter has begun to intrude into our lives. I find that the weather covers people with a curious psychological pallor. Everyone appears to be more reflective, more contemplative — some deeply immersed in their own thoughts — obviously creating their plan for the unfolding year. This always creates a strange dilemma, doesn’t it? On the one hand, we must answer the question – “When is the best time of my life?”
The answer is, most assuredly, “Right now!” There is, obviously, some truth to the belief that the present is the only true reality. “Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time — past and future — the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.” (1) On the other hand, though, we can’t be naïve and nihilistic. Baring some catastrophe, personal, societal or environmental, I will be here tomorrow. So, I must live for today, but I must mentally create what could be. I must find a rational balance between the two.
Nonetheless, what if I really believed the more common response when asked about my future? “Oh, I have no plans; I just want to be happy!” This is a most interesting way to live. I am not an explorer of life, I am simply an observer. Could I be contented? I, for one, cannot imagine living this way. My imagination is the unique and defining quality that I possess as a human being. I enjoy the moment, but I can further contemplate a world of serene interaction between all peoples. I include myself in this. I see a great future for humanity. It is possible that we will forge a peaceful planet for the benefit of all. This can, as of yet, only be seen “in our mind’s eye,” to quote Shakespeare. (1564 -1616)
Hamlet:
My father — methinks I see my father —
Horatio:
Where, my lord?
Hamlet:
In my mind’s eye, Horatio. (2)
Great fun isn’t it! When you ask a group of high school students about their imminent plans, you are truly filled with hope for society. They are positive and optimistic – and smart! There is a lot of talk that we live in a confusing world. (3) This has undoubtedly always been the case and probably always will be. Where I can bring order, however, is in myself. I can direct the paddle that propels my canoe forward in the river of time. I can stop in an eddy for a moment of introspection and then thrust myself out into that torrent of school, career, and life. I can choose how and why I want to live. It is my life, my personal gift from God, from Gaia. The eminent psychologist, Dr. Gordon W. Allport (4) leaves us with a thought: The outlines of the needed “psychology of becoming” can be discovered by looking within ourselves; for it is knowledge of our own uniqueness that supplies the first, and probably the best, hints for acquiring orderly knowledge of others.
A closing thought: Have you noticed: frigid weather also brings out the tattoos? Why do I want a tattoo? I quite blatantly desire to expose my message to the world. I want to show you my angst, my anger, my frustration or a lost love. In warmer times, these personal markings are hard to perceive. One barely notices. It is too hot and all of us expose a lot of skin. When it is icy cold, however, and you are bundled up with scarf, hat, and gloves, you only need to glance at the half-naked figure beside you at the traffic light to get the full message. Why would you deface your temple? I still don’t get it, do you?
To sum up: This week we spoke about our perception of time and its place in our life: past, present, and future.
A philosophical question: Why do most people accept “good enough” as an approach to life?
Just for fun—Brahms
This week, during your peaceful meanderings, please consider your place in the universe.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: I must accept that I awoke this morning. With this comes the tremendous obligation to discover me. I must open the door to my potentialities.
Footnotes:
1) Eckhart Tolle — The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
2) Shakespeare (1602) – Hamlet: Act 1, scene 2,