contentment

December 30, 2019December 28, 2019

The Morning

It’s calm and peaceful right now. The world tends to be like that when it’s early enough. Soon the hustle will begin, another day full of things to do, trying to get ahead, and worrying about falling behind.

I looked at my bed when I got up this morning. I spend enough time in it, almost one-third of my life. A little less because I don’t often sleep eight hours, but close enough. One-third. That’s a lot!

If one-third of life is spent in slumber, that leaves two-thirds of the day to be awake and do things. It seems like a lot of time but then the day begins and it really isn’t. Work takes up another third of the day minimum, because getting ready for work and getting to work adds to the overall total.

Then there are errands to run, like grocery shopping and other things. That takes up time too, and soon the days all run into each other and time seems to be flying by.

Is that all there is?

December 22, 2019December 22, 2019

The Simple Life

Part of my heart still lives in this special place in Puerto Rico

I have been fortunate in life to travel a great deal, and through my adventures I have met many people who live lives very different from my own.

In Puerto Rico I stayed in a condo that was part of a gated community, with three big high-rises contained within. It was right on the beach and had a tennis court, swimming pool, a library and security. It was safe and clean and full of both snowbirds from the States and retirees from Puerto Rico.

I loved it. It was quiet and secure and the people were friendly. I would return there two more years after the first, staying as long as six weeks at a time. It’s where I discovered who I was meant to be.

October 18, 2019October 18, 2019

The Art of Satisfaction

My first trip to Puerto Rico, I saw families spend time together singing and laughing and playing. They truly enjoy what they have

The human condition is interesting. Some would say it is an existence of suffering, some would say it is a delight.

Most would likely feel that it falls somewhere between the two.

When you get a moment, the next time you see a baby just notice how simple life is when we come into the world. We are entirely helpless and are dependant on having someone to tend to our every needs. The needs are basic though – food, warmth, and cleanliness.

And love.

Studies have shown that human touch and a loving environment are vital components of how we are able to cope in the world. We can survive without love, but it is difficult to thrive.

October 17, 2019

Wanting and Needing

Do I look happy? I was! I don’t need these moments to be happy, but sometimes I want them

There are things we want, and there are things we need. Are these the same?

We need to breathe, obviously. Take away air for more than a couple of minutes and we cease to exist. Food and water are needs, although we can last a little longer without either of these than we can without air.

Other than that, the basic needs of shelter and safety are important, although not entirely necessary to survive. I still feel I need them though in order to function beyond a level of just surviving.

There really isn’t much else. Our needs can be as basic as this.

Of course, we want much more and that is an important part of who we are.

There is everything right about wanting to create a life of comfort and ease. There is no nobility in suffering, unless you feel that is your karma in this lifetime and you are satisfied with that.

July 12, 2019

Is it even possible to be content anymore? It seems that as soon as we achieve one goal in life, we instantly move on to the next one.

The question is, is that a good thing or a bad one?

It all depends on your point of view. If the constant striving is driven by a feeling of not having or being enough, then it can be a problem.

If you aren’t able to enjoy what you already have and are constantly envious of what others possess, then the striving will never be enough.

You will always feel empty inside.

If, on the other hand, you chase after goals because you enjoy the process and do it because it challenges you, then that is perfect! Life isn’t meant to ever stop, and by moving in the direction of the things we want we can find enjoyment in every day.

Write down five things you would like to have. It could be more money, a new house or car, a relationship, whatever you think would make your life happier or more complete.

Now look at the list and decide what emotion drives each of the desires. If you want more money, is it because you want to buy things, or you want the security that money can bring? Or is it because you think it will make you happy?

Find out what motivates you. Now find out if you can have the feeling without the thing you are chasing after.

Can you be happy without the money? Can you be satisfied without a new relationship? The key is to find the emotion without needing something outside of yourself to fulfill it.

When you can do that, you are truly free in this world and there is nothing you can’t do, be, or have!