We live in a culture that values success. When we succeed, we are rewarded, we are compensated. We are accorded self-esteem with all the things we can accumulate and show off. We get to brag (but only indirectly!). We are encouraged to compete, always, with everyone, as in "Only the strong survive!" We are judged by how much money we make. "He's done well for himself," or "She landed a fine catch." Is it any wonder we believe that money leads to happiness?
But what do we really get? We sacrifice our health chasing money, and then we sacrifice the money trying to recuperate our health (Dalai Lama). We worry about the future so much we sacrifice the present. We disassociate from long time friends in order to hide our past from our new (and successful) friends, for we must keep up appearances! We are attached to every outcome, so much so in fact, that many of us suffer heart attacks caused by trying to control everything (type A personality). We attempt to control everything in our environment to make sure WE are presented always in the best light. Can't let our weaknesses show, our success depends on it. In short, we become our own collateral damage.
When we're not chasing the almighty buck, we chase gratifications. We're afraid to be alone or unoccupied, because we haven't learned how. We NEED a distraction: calling, texting, talking, games, 24 hour news cycle, all night restaurants/supermarkets/casinos, 500 TV stations...the internet! If someone in an airport was sitting in quiet contemplation they would be reported as acting strangely!
This all encompassing need to compete and connect has us at odds with our environment. We are consumed with trying to change the outcome, shade the odds, twist arms, color, camouflage, conceal, hide and SELL. The truth is you can't pull the river, nor can you push it. All of this pressure we are trying to exert on outcomes hurts our health and wastes our lives.
In stillness, BEing is revealed. If you don't meditate BEgin. If you don't know how, learn. Sitting quietly, alone with yourself will show you your real existence, the one you have been busy running from. Ponder. Contemplate. Reflect. Focus on your breathing. Remove all thoughts from your mind. When you stop trying to wrestle with life you BEgin to experience harmony with it. You BEgin to see that all things are flowing naturally and harmoniously, and only YOU were preventing yourself from seeing this. When you stop trying to push the river, you BEgin to marvel at how smoothly everything is running without your struggle... and your struggle dissolves...
Today, when you see yourself angling for an advantage, when you notice yourself pushing, pulling, controlling and SELLING, recognize that it is these activities, these perspectives that are draining you of life and good health. Choose to stop and allow everything to go well without your desires. When your mind is detached, simple and still, you will exist in harmony with all things...
Duffy
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