That little moment in time catches you quite unprepared. What shall I do with it? Shall I shape it into a pleasant and magnificent thought? Should I allow it to plunge me into the greatest depths of despair and frustration? Or, most commonly, could it just flicker and fall away, totally unused – another lost moment in time – my time? I have always been filled with curiosity. It is the same with most of us, I am sure. This fabulous gift of consciousness, we come to find, is not free, unfortunately. It obligates us to discover our purpose — my purpose. Why in the trillions of movements in the heavens was I given life: why me? The answer is because I have a reason for being alive. My individual existence, therefore, has value. But I must unearth my own true path. It is a phenomenal challenge that the weaker folks opt not to accept. They, quite comfortably, settle back into a life of mediocrity, a life that does not question. That is totally all right. Some of us, however, just can’t – you know who you are.
Nonetheless, reality is not supposed to be one enormous struggle, it is not just a pain-filled time on this Earth. It is also intended to be joyous and happy. The real secret to a life well-lived, I believe, is to reward yourself when you chance upon those moments in time. Whether you are sixteen or sixty, you must be capable of identifying that now is a time to relax and “take in the moment”: that wonderful sunset, those times with friends and family, that meaningful talk with a person you care for – all of these instances are an important part of developing the beautiful you and your personality.
“That affair was obviously prospering. Nadya — pink, happy, eyes filled with tears in anticipation of excitement – twirled as she danced. Her white dress billowed, showing her pretty little legs in flesh colored stockings. Barbara was delighted and took Podgorin’s arm. ‘Don’t run away from your happiness, Misha,’ she said quietly, with a meaningful expression. ‘Just take it when it’s offered – otherwise you’ll be chasing after it when it’s too late to catch it.’” (1)
Anton Chekhov (1860-1904), was a master at the genre of the short story. He describes the frustration and ennui felt by the upper classes at the end of the Russian empire. (2) Life was just too good, but had no purpose. Their bitter resentment at discovering that they are alive is mirrored in today’s society. (3) How can I live life to the fullest? I believe that the secret is to “put it all in perspective.” This means that I must take an honest accounting of who I am (my givens, my gifts) and what I truly want out of this piece of existence. This is much, much easier “said than done,” for sure. The secret weapon that we all possess is the eternal bequest of action.
We can all move forward in life. Action allows us to fail and to adjust our movements accordingly. It is the old story: If I am unprepared to write a test and I choose not to sit for it, I get zero. If, however, I take a chance and go the examination, I will at least get some mark. I had a philosophy professor in university who would give you twenty percent just for writing your name on the test paper. Now is that not an incentive? To act is not an easy request. The chances of success at anything are limited. The vast majority of us will fail the first, the second, and even the third time.
There is a mystical truism that in spite of ongoing failure, if you keep trying to succeed, you eventually will. The caveat being that life is fickle and bad things can happen, as well. (4) Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993), the author of, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” leaves us with a thought: Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all.
A closing thought: We are all caught up with our own brooding and frustration. Why, at times, is life so hard? The answer is that it must be. The philosophy of Flow by Dr. Csikszentmihalyi (b. 1934) tells us that a mentally-focused state is not necessarily easy, but it drives us forward to even an even higher plateau of accomplishment. We must remind ourselves to keep trying, even when we want to surrender to the temptations of the Big Five (alcohol, drugs, sex, money and power). These are short-term and ultimately foolish ways that derail your life goal. Take a walk down a random street in the downtown of any Western city to be reminded of this. I remark to everyone, including myself, that there is but one time in this consciousness. We must spend our time well. It is my life responsibility.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about time. It is not always happy. Conversely, it is not always sad. It must, nonetheless, be spent well. It is only given once in this reality.
A philosophical question: Why are incompetent people given a task to perform or a license to drive?
Just for fun — Ben Hur (music by Miklós Rózsa)
This week, please ponder how you spend your time.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: Take time to give thanks to the universe for giving you your piece of life.
Footnotes:
1) All Friends Together by Anton Chekhov (ISBN: 9-780192-826626)
3) Do You Ask Yourself “Why Am I Always So Unhappy?”