Today the streets are silent. It is yet another holiday. It is fascinating how much we desire this institutionalized concept of rest. Traditionally, of course, most of us lived in the countryside and were governed by the seasons and the weather. (1) I often wonder if this interruption, in the normal rhythm of life, has not produced more damage than good. Yes, we can work longer hours in the wintertime when light is less brilliant, and we appear to be more productive, but are we? I just can’t get over the apparent pervasiveness of “feigned” busyness.
For most people, the cell phone, and the Internet have made us more well-known and famous than we ever could have been historically. How many friends do you have? This celebrity status, however, has come at a pernicious price. It has lulled people into a false sense of how easily fame is achieved. Just go on a talent show and you will be discovered and your record contract will follow – lies, but for the few! (2) No one can be good at something without practice, practice and, more practice. This includes the self.
Each of us is a study in potential – our potential mission that is. If, however, we have fantasy plans that we are going to develop into a happy, integrated person without work, we will be totally shocked at the outcome. (3) I think the problem today – especially with young people – is that everything appears to be instantly accessible and, more importantly, understandable. This can be realized at the click of a mouse and a search on Google – not so, unfortunately. Any real knowledge requires time – much like financial riches – you must plan, save, invest and take some risk. It is a well-documented fact that as we increasingly move away from a spiritual-based society, we are experiencing higher and higher levels of psychosis and malaise. (4)
Why – you would think that the average person could replace religion with a belief in one’s own capacity to succeed and contribute to society. Sadly, we can’t. Most people lack a sense of personal leadership and must be led. We are a society of followers, not leaders it would appear. The Internet, unfortunately, tricks us into the belief that we are all special, but we are not. That said you can make yourself distinct through the 10,000-hour rule. But you must put in those 10,000 hours. (5) Just by being alive, we have already won the lottery of existence, — the lottery of the mind and the soul. Your personal development takes effort, unfortunately. The cosmos does not normally reward undeveloped spontaneity. Rest and reflect and then proceed with your mission: this should be our personal mantra. The writer and sportsman Lewis Howes (b. 1983) leaves us with a thought: The key to happiness is really progress and growth and constantly working on yourself and developing something.
A closing thought: Our attention span is declining. This certainly means that we are a less thoughtful society. Look at recent developments in politics worldwide – not good, I would think. We all know that we need time to reflect if we want to rejuvenate. If we don’t allow this behavior into our lives, something has to suffer – and it does. Ask a class of young people to be silent for 60 seconds and you will be shocked by the results – they are distinctly uncomfortable! It is, therefore, up to each of us as teachers, mentors, parents, and students to push for critical thinking. What does this mean? It is as simple as pondering what we are hearing and reading – does this seem truthful and rational? If not, let us research and question more. As individuals, we are clever. Our thoughtfulness simply requires practice — like any skill, it must be exercised.
To sum up: This week we spoke about being thoughtful. It is a skill that must be nurtured.
To be noted: The wise understand by themselves; fools follow the reports of others.
Just for fun: VERDI’S REQUIEM, with Pavarotti, Sutherland, Horne, Talvela, Georg Solti conductor [1967]
For reflection: What is the Point of Free Speech? | Rae Langton | TEDxCambridgeUniversity
This week on your walk, please reflect on your mission and how you will get on that path.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: All truth lies within, but it is often hidden.
Footnotes:
1) https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/18/science/ancient-farmers-archaeology-dna.html
2) Susan Boyle – Britains Got Talent 2009 Episode 1 – Saturday 11th April | HD High Quality
3) https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/how-to-reach-full-potential/