Hoarding

It seems that the topic of hoarding has become a "fashionable" one (if we can use such a word for such a subject!), as more than one TV channels dedicate plenty of time to broadcasting this kind of programs. And this makes me wonder. Let's first see the definition of hoarding or pathological collecting. It is a pattern of behavior that is characterized by the excessive acquisition and inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects that would qualify as useless or without value. No need to go into a more detailed description of what the homes of the individuals affected by such a pathology look like. But this situation reminds me of the people who, nowadays, feel the need to acquire as many" friends" as possible, especially on Facebook. Why do they need to have hundreds of friends? Are they true friends? What intimate connection do they have with each of them? Do they really need all of them?  Or is this, too, a pattern of behavior that reveals an inner fear of being alone, of being deprived, is it the symptom of a lack of self-worth?

Man In The Mirror

I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs.......

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change.

Yesterday's Story

Today I would like to briefly comment on the de Mello's story I posted yesterday.

Two key words were mentioned: Growth and Enlightenment. The first is a slow process that takes patience, commitment and time. It may go on throughout our entire life.The second needs an act of supreme desire, of total surrender, of blind faith in what is beyond our understanding. Instead of keeping wondering, pondering, asking questions (my personal problem, sigh!), it is necessary to reach a point where there is no more need for questions. What is required is the total openness of our spirit, the acceptance of the deep knowing that has always been there but that we were unaware of, of afraid of. 

"Jumping" means complete, unconditional surrender to the unknown Force that we cannot see or hear, but that we  can feel in our heart, if we have the courage to pay attention.

Jump!

A story by Anthony de Mello, SJ:

"Make a clean break with your past and you will be Enlightened," said the Master.

"I am doing that by degrees," said the pupil.

"Growth is achieved by degrees. Enlightenment is instantaneous."

Later, the Master said, "Take the leap! You cannot cross a chasm in little jumps."

The Value Of Art

I have often wondered  about art, about its real value. Is it objective, or is it subjective? What I mean is: has art, in any of its forms (music, poetry, painting, sculpture etc..) the same meaning for everybody? Should it have it? Or is its value independent from people's judgment? And if it is so, is this value really meaningful? What for? If art is supposed to arouse feelings of admiration, of awe, of appreciation, sometimes even of identification, what if the effect it has on some is totally different, maybe even the opposite of the effect it has on others? If, for example, I look at a world-famous painting, let's say Picasso's "Guernica", and not only doesn't it arouse in me that special feeling intended by its author, but I actually dislike it, would you say that it's me who doesn't understand the intrinsic artistic worth of the painting, which really is a masterpiece, independently from my opinion? And whose opinion is superior to mine, anyway? The "critics"? I don't think so!!! Whose, then? In conclusion, is art  a universal or a personal matter?

Focused Work

You have no scoreboard to measure your progress other than the way we feel. If you feel restless, edgy, anxious or unhappy, you have got some more work to do, and you can begin right now. There is no time to lose. This moment will never come back and you can't afford to waste it. On the other hand, if you are content, serene and peaceful, you need to continue the work you are doing. But, as you can never be sure of the final outcome, you can only be sure of your efforts. The good news is that honest focused work will allow you to always achieve a measurable improvement in your life, no matter the stage you are presently at. Try and prove it. You won't be disappointed.

My Big Question

One of the thoughts that keep recurring in my mind is a question about the meaning of life. People start out their existence by wishing to be "somebody". One wants to become a pilot, another's dream is to build bridges, or be a teacher, or live in the wilderness, or be a mother... You want to pursue a career and someone else wants to be a homemaker. You want an exciting life and he/she prefers a quiet, well-regulated existence. We are all so different and therefore we have all diverse aspirations. My question is: when people achieve their goals, are they totally fulfilled? ARE YOU? I can't help wondering if doing what we wanted to do is enough to make our life complete, if material achievements are really fulfilling our life mission -  if we have one. And this is now the BIG question: is it possible that we might have a mission other than working, having fun, maybe raising a family, keeping healthy and having friends?