| Life is truly miraculous. Being able to breathe the air or look up at the sky is truly remarkable. Yet, many people overlook the amazing every day because we have expectations of how life should go. In our anticipation of the future or recollections of the past we never quite nestle into the present unless we are fortunate enough to realize that true understanding and true contentment come from within. We all have this amazing experience we are sharing. Life is, indeed, tumultuous, it is not always easy or straightforward, but we all know there is a "better" someplace. That is, generally, what keeps us all going, if we are not with the luxury to coast. Know that no matter how much you agonize and suffer, the experiences you have are rich and valuable, because you can one day use this to help someone else. We are each like a universe unto ourselves in a way -- we each have (for the most part) a visual field, a sound sphere, a taste, smell, and tactile sense field of sensory immersion. Even if you are hurting a lot, know that things change. This is the truth. Know also, that to be able to prevent or relieve someone else's suffering is not only valuable to them, but valuable to you, because we are all connected in deep ways, many of which are not apparent to our "thinking" minds. Before you do anything rash, I would encourage you to try and learn as much as you can about life and its myriad expressions. Go to a nursing home and volunteer for an afternoon. Go to a hospital and hang out with some people with cancer, or even just with a simple boo-boo. Your heart might open, and the truth and beauty of a life lived for others might dawn in your mind. Really, our greatest purpose, if I may be so bold as to lay claim to one, is to help the brilliance of creativity, joy, compassion, and openness grow and illuminate our world. Perhaps you have noticed that your attitude and willingness to open up to other people influences how you feel, and this is no coincidence. Look at your own body -- cells pass nutrients and signals along to other cells, and in the end "you" (although where "i" or "you" truly dwell is a deep question) are able to walk around and get some coffee. Something as simple as your afternoon tea takes a chorus of millions upon millions of cells coordinating selflessly in order to happen. Life is not about monetary success or fame or gain. These lumps come and go, they coagulate and they pass, it is not the truest our life aims can be. Certainly, these can sometimes ease our burdens, and make service easier, but true satisfaction will come when your heart aligns, even in the slightest, with the heartbeat of the universe (multiverse)... To spend your days contemplating the greatest and deepest impulse of the cosmos in its infinite and unbound expression would not be a waste of your time. It would, in fact, be a great gain, for yourself and others. Happiness is not a condition, it is a practice. Since we are all connected, the more you aspire to helping others lift up their end of the "net" so-to-speak, the more you yourself will rise. Your opportunity for the most sublime and wonderful unfolding is in this life. Our potential as humans is unlimited. Aspire to the greatest benefit for all, and your arrows of action shall not miss their mark. For every little bit can grow and grow. Knowing that we all suffer, that it in inherent to life, and that we all wish to be free of suffering is only the beginning. "It is better to travel well than to arrive." Plant your seeds and help your garden grow. |