Unavoidable Change

I have recently heard the news that - somewhere - something that seemed impossible to happen, actually happened. This means that, despite all efforts to keep things as they are, when the right time comes, things "will" change. The world has never been the same and it won't certainly continue to be the way it is - in whichever historical time, including "now". Some good things might change for the worse, but fortunately some bad things will get better. It is to be expected and, therefore, you must accept it. Either you like it or not. The balance must always be kept, in this world of ours, because it is based on duality. As far as the values that may change, it's up to you to decide which ones you want to keep - no matter what - and which ones you accept to give up.

Choice

I have been pondering about the word "choice". The definition in the dictionary says: an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities. Perfect. This is absolutely feasible when you have to make a decision regarding a material/physical act or a behavior. You can decide to do or not to do / to say or not to say something. You can choose how to behave or not to behave in a certain situation. What about "believing"? Can you choose what and how to believe, regarding a spiritual matter? Is free will enough to make you "feel" in a way rather than in another? They tell you that you have the power to take your life in your hands. Can you do the same with your feelings?

Noia

The Italian word 'noia' (title of a famous 1960 novel by Alberto Moravia) has been translated by American author Daniel Klein as 'existential boredom'. Interesting translation. Boredom is usually defined as the feeling caused by a lack of something to do. When you are bored, you don't know how to pass the time in a way that interests you. If you experience "noia", though, you are not dealing with a simple lack of interest, or with having nothing to do, but rather with a sort of 'indifference' towards what surrounds you. You are able to carry out your chores and even to do things well. You simply lack enthusiasm. You feel that nothing has either meaning or importance. It's not a pleasant feeling. What to do, if you experience it? Wait until it passes. It will. In due time. If you make the conscious effort to snap out of it.

Piece of the Puzzle

A puzzle should be considered in its entirety in order to have meaning. Yet, each single piece has an existence of its own. Is it enough for such piece to be aware of its 'function' as part of the whole? Or would it rather find fulfillment in simply being who it is in itself? I wonder if each human being, despite having been told that "we are all one", in reality he/she, deep inside doesn't feel "alone". It's undeniable that the world (at least part of it) tries to behave as a unified 'being', where one helps another, offers a giving hand, a listening ear, availability and support. But, deep inside, each individual can't help feeling 'separated' from another. This awareness (that probably the piece of the puzzle doesn't have) may be mankind's curse.

Powerlessness

Another observation on Life that I can't help making. While the world is madly running after money, power, technological "progress", Nature is going its own way. On one side, always new financial deals, political struggles, gadgets, special effects, apps... On the other, unleashed natural forces that seem to prove how powerless mankind actually is, despite all the awesome 'novelties' that are daily put on the market. What about reviewing or giving an extra thought to "priorities"?

The "Right" Amount

Fifth century BC Greek tragedian Sophocles said something so wise that it should be taken into consideration today, too, but... it seems it isn't. He said, "A great wisdom is often accompanied by fewer words". Not many human beings are aware of the consequences of their words (and actions). They seem to give more importance to quantity than to quality. Society has encouraged to judge according to the "amount". More (of anything) is considered better. Thus, the widely accepted creed is that having more, as well as "saying" more, is extremely important. Therefore, the modern world is literally flooded with words, words, words... Everybody feels the need to express their opinion, judge another, comment, criticize on... just everything. It's their right, they say. It is correct. But sometimes even a "right" can be used in a way that entails a "wrong" result.

Mediocrity

In their actions, some people aim at excellence, others tend to carry on with as little effort and commitment as possible. The latter are not concerned with the importance of behaving suitably or fairly. They are unaware of their capability of creating a fulfilling life, they don't bother to discover their hidden talents. They limit themselves to move trough life without paying much attention to what they are doing in the present. They seem to be always thinking of something else, of something more important, of something that is located in a foggy future. But what can be more important than a life lived intensely, fully and consciously? Those who don't care are contented with a superficial, mediocre existence. Good for them!

Misinterpretation

Misinterpretation is an interesting concept. It makes you realize that sometimes your words or actions are not understood in the way you meant. This can create problems in relationships. You share something and another takes it as 'preaching'. You believe you are suggesting an idea that could be useful and the other takes it  as 'teaching'. How sad.  What to do? Become aware that most people need just to talk and don't want any reply. You are expected to be mainly "ear", rarely "mouth". It's a hard lesson to learn, when your intentions are totally altruistic. But it is also a reality that you might need to face.

Life Stages

I was wondering about what the goals might be throughout one's life. Like everything else, also goals necessarily change in each stage of the human existence. The child's greatest interest is instinctively to learn, usually through play. The young adult dreams of a rosy future made of forever-lasting love and a fulfilling career. The mature adult is after success and money. Middle age aims at establishing one's well-earned place in society. The senior stage in life doesn't need success and recognition any more. It is a time for assessing one's achievements - on a personal base only. It is a time for relaxing and simply enjoying life without the need to prove oneself. All life stages are necessary. The last one is blessed.

Age

At a party, a lady is invited to share some past experiences of hers. She is well dressed and elegantly coiffed. She tells us very interesting things with wit and humor. She is lively, energetic, vivacious. And she is 94 years old! This brings me to wonder about age. How important the "number" is? I'm coming to the conclusion that it doesn't really matter. It only depends on how one feels, on how one "is". One can be dull, bored and apathetic at 20 years old. Therefore....Let us try not to be affected by the increasing number of years on our shoulders. As long as one is reasonably active and clear-minded, all the rest is a trifle.

Action

People usually act according to their expectations. Imagine a university student who is going to take an exam. If he (or she) doesn't care about getting an excellent result because his mind is distracted by other interests such as sport or fun, he won't dedicate too much time and attention to studying. He doesn't have high goals to reach, so his engagement in proportioned to his lack of enthusiasm. Imagine now another student who knows exactly what his goal is. He wants a degree that will allow him to pursue a fulfilling career in whatever field he chooses. The main point here is that his intention is to excel. Such motivation generates enthusiasm. It also sharpens his intelligence, his receptiveness, his capacity for concentration and learning. The results will almost certainly be satisfactory. The same happens to you when you decide to take action. What you get is what you expect - what you have worked for with diligence and passion.

Overcoming Obstacles

Imagine yourself trying to climb a steep mountain without the right equipment and preparation. Would you succeed to reach the top? Most unlikely. But if you try again after achieving enough proficiency and equipping yourself with the tools necessary to the climbing, you might be able to make it. What about dealing with life's challenges? Are you ready to face them with the right disposition, courage, self-assurance, trust, commitment, serenity, confidence, compassion, i.e. all the "tools" that are required to lead a good existence? If you believe you are, go ahead....Make the leap! Obstacles are made to be overcome by those who are prepared.

Everlasting Summer

When summer is over, everything seems to vanish under a layer of snow or in the coils of fog. Trees appear to be lifeless, the fields are bare, no flowers, no chirping birds. Even the sun seems to have lost most of its heat. You feel less energetic, more lethargic and indolent. Your heart feels more prone to sadness, it lacks excitement and motivation. But don't allow yourself to be deceived because such feeling is short-lived. Experience it for the time necessary, then wake up to life, as Nature does. Thus will you be able to say - with French philosopher and author Albert Camus - "In the deep of winter, I finally learned that an undefeatable summer lives in me".

Doubts

Would you like to always be sure, to never have doubts? Unfortunately Life usually confronts you with things that - at first - seem to be in a certain way but later they appear to be totally different. The person you loved (you knew it!) was the one you would spend your life with. It didn't happen. The job you wanted so much gave you nothing but disappointments. The friend who seemed so sincere, the diet a famous doctor assured you was fantastic....They didn't meet your expectations. So? Here doubts arise: maybe I will never find the right companion, all jobs are unsatisfactory, true friendship doesn't really exist, I will never have a shapely body. Beside the big, existential doubts that might afflict your existence, also the simpler ones that challenge you day by day can be painful. What can you do? It's simple: don't give up! Face your doubts, reaffirm your capability to get what you wont. Be persistent, patient, consistent.

Success Vs. Value

A relevant part of modern society seems to be totally fascinated by the mirage of "success", understood as physical beauty, eternal youth, money, power, fame (usually on the media). In order to reach any of these chimeras, many forget the moral and ethical values that should inspire the action of all human beings. Their goal makes them ignore other aspects of life that are of paramount importance such as health (for both body and spirit), compassion toward others, caring for their family, awareness of the environment,  and so on. As a consequence, we see and hear on a daily basis stories of body transformations due to plastic surgery, indifference towards the needy, violent behavior, abuse in the family, obsession with the so-called body image, addiction to gossip about dubious public personalities. Sorry, Mr. Einstein, your advice about aiming at the acquisition of "value" rather than "success" seems not to be taken into serious consideration.