I have this theory. What remains of us when we shed our mortal coils is that part of us that was borne of love. The parts of us that are the essence of love carry on. The parts of us that we carry in life, that are based in indifference, fear, jealousy, resentment, hatred, and cruelty, return to inertness, the energy lost to the potential essence that goes forward. There are those human energies that vanish almost completely, and those energies that carry on almost entirely, and the rest fall somewhere between the two extremes.
I believe this.
Life is pretty simple for me. I always ask myself, “what would love do?”, when difficult situations and decisions are presented. I find my answer to that question, and do my very best to keep asking the same question, and following my own answers, as events unfold, until the matter is resolved.
Meditation, in my universe, includes dwelling on this question, heart and mind, in different contexts, as life unfolds.
As I see it, this is the purpose of life, and the only avenue available to achieve success, as I define it.
The kind of success that relies on external validation holds no appeal for me, garners no admiration or respect. I find those who define themselves by status, and/or power, and/or affluence, sad specimens of humanity; who unfortunately have undue and underserved influence in human affairs.
To each their own.
Worldly Distractions
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Quote
“Little Green Man: Ed, you’re dealing with the demon of external validation. You can’t beat external validation. You want to know why? Because it feels sooo good.”
Northern Exposure, Grand Prix [5.22]
[External Validation, the junk food of the soul.]
“External Validation, the junk food of the soul,” that’s so true!
Love your theory. I think roughly the same way. We are born as an act of love and it’s what carries us on into a future life. The rest is self, or ego, which can’t live beyond death of the body. And yes, keep asking, keep exploring….
Joan, I think a lot of people would agree too. It is just that people seldom take the trouble to move it into language; just too busy walking the talk, to do the talking. I have an uncommon urge to write, so out it comes.
Tom, that is a beautiful thought, that we are born as an act of love!
Very sweet thoughts, and powerful. As someone who is chronically short of cash, however, I do not disrespect the business mind, and I hope to develop one yet; not so much to acquire more stuff, but so as to have the means to make things possible. There are many examples of moneyed people of conscience. But I love the idea that only the good parts survive. May even bend this notion into a song, and will share credit if I do. Much love to you, Maggie.
Steve Paul, I do hope that you attain the funds needed to sustain your creativity. I define you by your creativity, perhaps you define yourself that way as well, it would certainly be warranted. As for moneyed people of conscience, I think we see things differently, or perhaps we just know different people, but I hope we can just agree to disagree. Much love to you Steve Paul, to me you have always been a success, as I define it.