The other day, I was late – a condition which seems to define my life: late, but always on time. I was furtively “flying” down the highway to my destination. I was being passed by other vehicles during my journey; hence I assume that the perception of my velocity was my own creation. I was suddenly “arrêtéd,” stopped, by a rather lengthy stoplight. My initial irritation gave way to a state of awe. At some distance, there was a beautiful cherry blossom tree (1) in full bloom – truly magnificent! For a moment, I felt honestly embarrassed. How many times had I passed by Gaia’s example of beauty, only to miss her attraction?
Is this not a wonderful metaphorical example for life itself? Many claim that it is a short life – and of course it is from a later reflective stage — if you have lived a dissolute existence and squandered your precious gift of consciousness itself. Providing that you have grasped and documented each and every day, however, it is an exceedingly long life. This, counter-intuitively, is an even bigger curse because you realize that you must derive something from your life beyond power and material things. You want to find your meaning – your mission, your, “Why am I here?” I think it fair to claim that most want some unsullied connection with infinity, as well. This is exceedingly hard to achieve. And having only been tested with a cataclysmic illness once in my life, I claim no answers – just a feeling that there is something more than me – God, Gaia, or the universe – you can put in your own conceptualization. But I am convinced that it is truly there. I do not believe the atheists in their strict dogmatic approach. It just does not seem real to me.
The self-improvement process is the only key to these questions about awareness. I watched a program the other day (2) that claims there are three vital elements to developing a successful and integrated life. The first is to read. Now physical reading is not always the easiest because it takes time. Dr. Jordon Peterson (3) for one has extensively used his YouTube channel and his blogs to get his message disseminated. I am an audio learner: I find it easier to listen to a book while doing an activity, such as exercise, as opposed to sitting down in a chair and reading the tome. This is acceptable, as many believe. (4) The next is to meditate. The discipline requires some training to achieve your desired level of proficiency. (5) One’s technique is always improving. The third is to exercise. Get out and take that strenuous walk or join a gym. It will do wonderful things for your body and for your emotional being. I would add a fourth caveat. That is to truly rest. People like memory expert, Jim Kwik, (6) suggest that you do not touch your cell phone for the first hour of the day, thus continuing your state of repose that you receive when you sleep and, additionally, improving your memory. It is an interesting suggestion. Thus, find some time for you, it will reap tremendous benefits and positive results. This from Aesop, (7) the storyteller: Slow but steady wins the race.
A closing thought: The concept of a reflective walk is an exceedingly old one. I remember as a young man that my friend’s father in Krakow would always undertake a lengthy stroll after lunch. In Poland and many countries, the mid-day meal is the most extensive one of the day. (8) This walk would aid in the digestion of the repas. We would stroll along a footpath with overhanging birch trees. In autumn, when the fall wind first appeared, it left an indelible impression that I can still summon today. The man was an international lawyer and this meander brought a type of attractive metaphysical blessing to the whole experience. I highly recommend a weekly trek, no matter how short.
To sum up: This week we spoke about slowing down and taking time to reflect and meditate on your path in life.
To be noted: This from philosopher Henri Frederic Amiel (1821-1881) — To know how to grow old (gracefully) is the masterwork of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1oG32IrNP4&ab_channel=Kult%C3%BAraKo%C5%A1ice
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_wMUNOZ0z4&ab_channel=Timeline-WorldHistoryDocumentaries
This week on your leisurely walk, please reflect on the pace of your life. Is it sometimes just too busy?
Every day look for something magical and beautiful
Quote: Inner peace is something we all desire, but few attain.
Footnotes:
1)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TtiWkzYR9o&ab_channel=japan-guide.com
2)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DSscQlSZR4&ab_channel=ImprovementPil
3)https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/22/opinion/jordan-peterson-cambridge.html
6)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT_GcOGEFsk&ab_channel=MindvalleyTalks
7)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesop
8)https://culture.pl/en/article/a-typical-daily-menu-in-poland