We often hear a lot about hope. I hope to be happy in life. But one is foolish to believe that anything fruitful comes to exist without effort. What I hope for must thus be turned into reality. We can do this through prayer, meditation and, the one I find to be the most practical – through action. Hope without action is neutered, naïve, dreaming. It lacks the efficacy of the possible, the perhaps, the what if I could change the world – my world. But, specifically, what is the nexus of this desire, this yearning that I hear and read so much about? It is, “au fond,” at its core, the belief that my life could get better and improve.
Before we begin this “optimistic state of mind,” (1) it is necessary to acknowledge the gift of life itself. God or the cosmos gives us this gift, seemingly, so effortlessly — so easily — that we give it little to no value. I am just alive. Suppose you critically understood this offering of life. Would you be willing to sacrifice it to some elected leader, some potentate or king, in the service of a war or ill-advised piece of foreign policy? (2) Would the intelligent, reflective person, pointlessly throw that gift away? I think not.
Until I concede that all power is inside of me and in my relationship with God or the universe, I am exposed to the vagaries of life. These are numerous and multifaceted. Life is fickle, cruel, and unfair – all true statements. It is my response to life that determines whether I will find the natural peace that lies within each of us.
How then do I begin the process of self-discovery; the self that is enabled to act? The answer lies in identifying distinctive habits and utilizing powerful nurturing tools. Firstly, I must appreciate my precious and special gift, my life — there is no one like me, there never has been, and there never will be — I then realize that I am empowered to use it as I see fit. Secondly, upon waking each day, I can decide whether today will be a good or bad day: we all have a choice. Next, I get up and make my bed. This closes the night and ignites the new day. The past has no power unless I bring it to the present and negatively energize it with angst, fear, or self-recrimination. Finally, I write in my notebook. I document my feelings, hopes, dreams, frustrations, and desires. This gives me a bigger picture of the person that I am in the world.
Now after a good breakfast, I open the door and face another beautiful day. I am shielded in the belief that I can affect change in the world. I am hope in action.
The great thinker, philosopher, and pacifist, Count Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910), leaves us with a thought: If, then, I were asked for the most important advice I could give, that which I considered to be the most useful to the men of our century, I should simply say: in the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, and look around you. (Parts of this essay were first published in 2024)
“Hope” is the thing with feathers – by Emily Dickenson (1830-1886)
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
A closing thought: It is easy to pontificate, but much harder to do. Life is prognostication made real. The greatest aspect of existence is that there is no judge of its efficacy, but you. You decide whether it is successful, or not. It is but a journey that can only be adjudicated at its conclusion – curiously, not by you. Keep your hope alive!
To sum up: This week, we spoke about acting in the world. It is important to realize that I can be in control of my life if I so desire.
To be noted: Being clever is when you look at how things are and use the empirical evidence to work out something new.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQiYR-ZCzAI
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X8fp2CvQmA&ab_channel=BishopRobertBarron
This week please reflect on your actions in life.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: I acknowledge that I am alive today.
Footnotes: