The cooler season is upon us — autumn has begun to intrude into our lives. The weather covers people with a curious psychological pallor. Everyone appears to be more reflective and contemplative — some deeply immersed in their own thoughts — obviously fashioning their plan for the end of the year. This always creates a strange dilemma, doesn’t it? “When is the best time of my life?” Is it now, or is it later?
The answer is, most assuredly, “Right now!” There is some truth in 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. Barring some personal, societal, or environmental catastrophe, I will be here tomorrow. So, I must live for today but mentally create what could be. I must find a rational balance between the two.
Nonetheless, what if I believed the more common response 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 cannot imagine living this way. My imagination is my unique and defining quality as a human being. I enjoy the moment but can further contemplate a world of serene interaction between all peoples. I include myself in this. I see a great future for humanity. We may 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 optimistic – and smart! There is a lot of talk about the fact that we live in a confusing world. (3) This has undoubtedly always been the case and probably invariably 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 that frigid weather also brings out the tattoos? Why would 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 my 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 a 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 don’t get it, do you? (Parts of this essay were first composed in 2019)
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 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOlc2PAiWUU
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16hkSWplSpg&ab_channel=StoicDirections
This week, during your peaceful meanderings, please consider your place in the universe.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
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,
3) https://providencemag.com/2016/02/chaos-the-fundamental-problem-of-human-society/