Quiet

Don’t you find the experience profound when you enter a building that is silent — a church, a mosque, a synagogue, or even a museum? This quiet summons something in the inner recesses of our being, doesn’t it? I believe that in this hushed environment lies the answers to the three fundamental questions of life: “Who am I?” “What is my mission?” and “Where will I go when I leave this mortal plane — when I die?”

There appears to be a disproportionate amount of fear in our society at present. (1) No answers are external, all solutions lie within. These queries about life can be addressed by placing oneself in a place of solitude. However, the forces of noise and confusion are, seemingly, aligned against us, are they not? The influence of chaos does not want thoughtful reflection. The net result is our ongoing state of fear. The cell phone, for one, gives a constant steam of pointless clamor and perplexing images. It is as if there were a true attempt to thwart the mind from clarity, and yet we all know the world is a mostly loving and peaceful place.

If one were to ponder and think of an invention that could bewilder and terrify its adherence, then the mobile device — hence the Internet — could find no equal. But, because social media is so attractive and alluring, it is very difficult — nigh-on-impossible — to stand back and get clear, What is one to do?

Firstly, it is imperative to realize that our contemporary electronic devices, though attractive, are not the self. They stand distinct from me and who I am. At first, the automobile appears powerful and self-controlling. After some practice, this is less true, and then you gain control. The World Wide Web and its digital reality are much the same. You can decide how to access its workings. It is most certain that you must believe that you are in control.

Jim Kwik, (2) for one, tells us not to look at our phones for the first two hours of our waking day. Let your mind rest and exist in a state of purity. And when I access electronic knowledge, realize that I alone control the reality that I occupy. If I decide that it is a good day, then it is — barring the actual circumstances. If I decide the opposite, that negative consciousness also appears.

We live in a culture of victimhood. (3) Blaming exterior circumstances or individuals for my plight in life is increasingly a popular panacea to my personal failure. The truth is that I must resolve my existential crisis if I want to live a prosperous life. That process can only begin in a place of solicitude and through prayer and meditation. Theologian, Sunday Adelaja, (4) leaves us with a thought: Understanding who you are within comes through self-awareness and self-education. … Know who you are, know your mission and educate yourself in your mission field.

A closing thought: Many people speak of the concept of “finding yourself.” This is predicated on the idea that I must be responsible for my own development. Life is a difficult experience, this is especially true if one wants to uncover its meaning. This can only be achieved in those quiets moments when you are able to communicate with God, Gaia, or the Universe. This conversation is real, but difficult to have. As Osho (5) tells us, “There are no heroes or cowards, there is only action.” Make that spiritual journey. It will bring value to your life.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about the quiet moments that assist our growth in life.

To be noted: From the great pacifist, Leo Tolstoy (6) — The only thing we can know is that we know nothing and that is the highest flight of human wisdom.

Just for fun: