Thank you for this. It allowed me to stop for a minute and reconsider.
I didn't specify exactly what is being reconsidered because it feels layered and fluid. The one absolutely clear consideration is movement. Early in your piece I found myself looking at a tendency which I feel has become prevalent in our thinking processes and that is the idea of being finished. Somehow it seems to me we have forgotten that when we are truly finished all of the these considerations become moot. Until the day we die we are constantly moving, changing in some form. We never reach a finnish line and yet it is incredibly easy to think in terms of once I get to X I can finally be happy and content and perhaps most importantly done. The problem is found in the reality that that scenario is a false construct. We may be able to pause a moment and enjoy our accomplishment but we don't get to stop. I'm an old retired guy and I see so many people my age completely lost because they thought there was a finish line and then some kind of happily ever after kicked in. Younger people do the same thing with accomplishment, self realization, self awareness, etc... I guess it really comes down to the old parable of the student asking the teacher what one does once one experiences enlightenment.
Of course the old monk answered, " Once one has achieved enlightenment then you chop wood and carry water."
I appreciate the read, and the comment! This is definitely a life long learning experiment with no real finish line, but the desire to seek and become is coded into the experience.
Thank you for this. It allowed me to stop for a minute and reconsider.
I didn't specify exactly what is being reconsidered because it feels layered and fluid. The one absolutely clear consideration is movement. Early in your piece I found myself looking at a tendency which I feel has become prevalent in our thinking processes and that is the idea of being finished. Somehow it seems to me we have forgotten that when we are truly finished all of the these considerations become moot. Until the day we die we are constantly moving, changing in some form. We never reach a finnish line and yet it is incredibly easy to think in terms of once I get to X I can finally be happy and content and perhaps most importantly done. The problem is found in the reality that that scenario is a false construct. We may be able to pause a moment and enjoy our accomplishment but we don't get to stop. I'm an old retired guy and I see so many people my age completely lost because they thought there was a finish line and then some kind of happily ever after kicked in. Younger people do the same thing with accomplishment, self realization, self awareness, etc... I guess it really comes down to the old parable of the student asking the teacher what one does once one experiences enlightenment.
Of course the old monk answered, " Once one has achieved enlightenment then you chop wood and carry water."
Thanks again for a great read!
I appreciate the read, and the comment! This is definitely a life long learning experiment with no real finish line, but the desire to seek and become is coded into the experience.
It's one of those fun little paradoxes.
“Authenticity is a fresh start. It’s a sacred spark, but it’s not the fire.”
This line is absolute. Just absolutely absolute.
Also- this one had such an impact on me I sent it to my Kindle to reread in times of need.
I appreciate you! I think I’m gonna be writing more about this soon, it felt good.
Thanks for reading.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for it. Keep being you.
Another insight filled essay.
Very much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed it.
I feel like I’m not done with this topic yet lol.
I’ll watch for the next installment.