Recently I’ve been catching myself thinking more and more along the lines of…
I don’t think life is about going all out in the big world achieving great goals.
I think it’s about being love; about being grateful; about being humble; about being kind; about being gentle.
And if in the process you achieve greatness in the eyes of the world, then that’s marvellous. And if not, if you are merely the catalyst for happiness and love and laughter and joy for those in your circle and in your orbit, then that is great too. That is enough.
Far better you walk your talk; practicing what you preach, being a real example and teaching by example; than talking your talk and not doing the thing you encourage everyone else to do. That is defaulting to ‘do as I say, not as I do.’
Perhaps this thinking is my version of rebellion; a reaction to the Personal Development world: If only you stepped outside your comfort zone, you’ll discover a new you. If only you set yourself big hairy goals, your will turn your life around. Just learn how to manage your money and you will have peace.
I realise I am doing the Personal Development world a huge disservice here. It is not my intention. They – and I am part and parcel of that world – play a vital role in empowering others. It’s just that I think in the Personal Development world it can at times be all about do – do – do and perhaps life is not about do – do – do; it is about be – be – be.
Still… I am wondering…
Not being too sure about this new ‘insight’ that life is really very simple and not necessarily about going out there to conquer the world, I checked in with myself, writing with my non-dominant hand to see what comes up. I often get profound insights that way.
This is what transpired: (RH = dominant Right Hand; LH = non-dominant Left Hand)
RH: What do you think of what I just wrote? Is that a true interpretation and reflection of life?
LH: What do YOU think? (Grrr…. LH can be so annoying at times!)
RH: I think it’s true. I think on the basis that nothing is either right or wrong but thinking makes it so, it is right. Maybe it’s the easy option out for me. I don’t think so though. It is hard being love. It is hard to truly forgive. No victim mode; no drama; just quietly and placidly getting on with your life like in the poem Desiderata…
LH: Well, there you go then. That’s OK.
RH: Yes, but I like to know if I’m SPOT-ON! Am I interpreting how to live life; make the most of it correctly in that way?
LH: It’s a very personal thing. Every life is a unique expression of life itself. All forms and all expressions are equally valid. So that is as valid as any other.
RH: Thank you. That’s very helpful.
Hmmm… As I type this and reading it again in the cold light of day… I’m still wondering; still pondering…
Can life really be as simple as practicing love, gratitude, forgiveness, kindness and compassion each day and it really does not matter who you are or what you do in the eyes of the world?
What do you think?
Photo Credit: Ariel da Silva Parreira
