Passion

Passion: what is it and where do we find it? Simply put: it is an intense emotion that compels us in an exciting direction towards personal discovery and fulfillment. It is an energy, however, that must be individually stimulated and encouraged. But, it cannot be thrust upon a person. Herein lies the problem. As educators, employers, and parents, how do we expose young people to the opportunities that being passionate about something present? This week we read an article entitled “Eight Ways to Discover Your Passion and Live a Life that You Love,” “It is terrifying when you feel like your life has no purpose or direction, but finding your passion can change all that. Finding your passion is like finding your personal road map. When you know what your passion is, you feel motivated, inspired and so much clearer about what your next step should be.” (1) The piece goes on to give us a selection of ways to discover the uniqueness that exists in each of us and hence our personal passion: thoughtful.

We can get virtually everything back in life: if we lose all our money, we can seek and perhaps secure another fortune; through exercise and plastic surgery we can return to a more youthful look. The one item that cannot be returned is time. Once it is spent, it is gone forever. “The Best Way to Save Your Time” (2) discusses how we can retain this precious commodity. Curiously, the column suggests that the best way is through spending time to achieve clarity. You do this through meditation and prayer. A state of clarity allows you to decide which task is necessary or which is an unnecessary waste of time. Recently, I was in a government building absolutely bursting with people. Due to a lengthy bureaucratic procedure, I was forced to remain there for a protracted period of time. This was actually a gift for I was able to observe what people were doing relative to “work.” If you think to yourself that life is a long experience, not a short one, you want to spend your time well. In light of this comment, I watched a man spend almost an hour doing nothing, or at least nothing of any value. He shuffled some papers, counted some money, walked around and then touched the bell to summon another customer. I felt a sense of deep revulsion. I asked myself, “What would ever force me into that position?” I could not go there: no amount of safety or security would ever allow me to place my finite being in that situation. How do we expose people to the excitement of life? Existence is not safe: it is dangerous and exhilarating. But the results can be edifying; you can achieve your own personal peace and nirvana. You can make your life worthwhile if you so desire.

I have a special affinity for art. I don’t understand most of it and that is perhaps its special allure. Increasingly, the international art market is “untouchable” for the average person. More and more super-rich are dabbling in this bourse. The looming problem is that museums will not be able to purchase iconic pieces for their collections. This will fall into the clutches of private collectors and obscurity. This will not enhance the Common Good. To punctuate the absurdity of all of this, the government in Bavaria, Germany announced in 2014 that it had uncovered over 1500 priceless paintings hidden in an apartment. During World War Two the Nazis stole, seized or confiscated thousands of pieces of art. Apparently, these paintings were held by a collaborating (3) art dealer. After the war, their owners dead or displaced, he simply kept them. After his death, his son continued the charade. The scramble is now on to determine who owns the paintings. It is important to note that human beings are rational. Though it may take time, justice eventually prevails. These works of art will find their way home. The eminent composer and musician Cat Stevens (4) leaves us with a quote: I am confident that, in the end, common sense and justice will prevail. I’m an optimist, brought up on the belief that if you wait to the end of the story, you get to see the good people live happily ever after. (Parts of this essay were originally published in December 2015)

A closing thought: This year, Christmas Eve and Hanukkah (5) occur virtually at the same time. We are reminded that our Judeo-Christian (6) roots run deep. Both religions attest to a desire for peace and harmony in the world. The first place that these emotions must occur is in the self. If a person is emotionally and spiritually at peace, there is very little need for anger or violence. I maintain that these are acquired phenomena and are not innate. The honest emotions will only have preference, however, when we address our soul-destroying and environmentally-lethal all-devouring society: it has become consumptive just for the sake of consuming. To paraphrase Aristotle (384-322 BC): We are acquiring things just for the sake of things and are still not happy — ridiculous in an intellectually mature populace. I have hope and know we will achieve our human enlightenment someday. We must simply find our passion.

From all of us at Regalenglish.com and DBAWageslave.com: Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.

With kind regards,

Leon E. La Couvée

To sum up: This week we spoke about passion and how each of us must acquire it.

To be noted: Behind every clever man is an even cleverer woman.

Just for fun: The Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge

For reflection: ON FREEDOM

This week on your reflective walk, please ponder on your own personal passion.

Every day look for something magical and beautiful

Quote: Find your peace by uncovering your passion. This path is there for each and every one of us.

Footnotes

1) 8 Ways to Discover Your Passion and Live a Life You Love