Journey vs. Destination

Some say that 'The journey counts more than the destination' while others say that 'Every journey is about a destination'. So, the way you walk your path is important, but probably not as important as the goal you want to reach. Aiming properly and shooting your arrow well can certainly determine your success in hitting the target. But, first, you have to see your 'target' clearly. If you don't, no matter how skillful you are, you wont fulfill your wish. You should aim at the target only to hit its center, not to win the prize. So, once again, "motivation" is what counts. Sometimes motivations are evident while other times they are not. If someone decides to pursue something, let's say make more money, they may believe that their goal is to better provide for their family. In reality, though, they are mainly looking for personal success, for approval, for admiration, for power. It would be wiser for you, too, to discover the true 'destination' of your efforts before undertaking your journey.

Blooming Rhododendrons

Picture this scenario: It is yesterday and you are walking along the usual path you take every day. But this time you happen to look at a particular rhododendron tree. There are many buds ready to bloom, all still closed, though. The image shifts to today. You look at the tree again and notice that one bud has a tiny pink tip. You think: Tomorrow it will certainly open up and bloom. Shift to tomorrow: the bud has opened up indeed, and a wonderful pink flower is preparing to display its petals to the caress of the spring sun. You enjoy the sight, then you start observing the other buds. They are still green. Wait a minute: one has a tiny pink tip. It will bloom tomorrow, according to the cycle of nature. Yet, you wonder: All these buds have the same size, are in the same position, they all receive the same amount of sun, water, wind. How come that they bloom at different rates? Interesting reflection. Could this apply to the spiritual development of human beings, too?

Weeds

You have been encouraged to believe that in every negative event there is a positive side, that every dark cloud has a silver lining. But, have you actually experienced it? If you haven't, or if you don't believe it, here is a practical example. Are you familiar with weeds? A weed is generally considered an unwanted, harmful plant. This is certainly true from an 'agricultural' point of view. But, if you consider it by itself, for itself, it is just another plant, belonging to the same kind of plants that are universally cherished and welcomed. So, in and by itself, a weed is just a living 'creature'. The positive aspect you may accept to consider is this: a weed is a perfect example of resilience, of persistence, of will to live. As you generally cannot get rid of weeds in your garden (at least, not easily), you could also appreciate what it shows you in its commitment to life. You, too, can be strong in facing difficulties, resist the challenge of adversity, and boldly tackle whatever you are compelled to deal with. So, in conclusion, also a dandelion can be your mentor.

Fairy Tales

You know that a coin has two sides because you can detect them with no problem. You examine one side and find heads, on the other side you only see tails. The same happens with fairy tales. On one side you see fascinating stories of beautiful princesses, charismatic characters and intriguing situations. At the end, a charming prince appears and they all end up "living happily ever after". They were narratives that often started with a tragic story or a scary situation. But they were viewed as just exciting fables with a happy ending. Nowadays another side of the coin, a new interpretation has been created by choosing a different perspective. The fairy tales are not fairy tales any more. They have become social messages. Each storyline, each character and situation is dissected, analyzed and interpreted according to the new outlook on society. So, they are judged negatively, they are desecrated. Which "side of the coin" is the correct one? As usual, there is neither 'right' nor 'wrong', here. As usual, it's up to you and to your choice of interpretation.

Dreadful Statements

Studying the cosmos and formulating scientific/philosophical hypotheses are wonderful endeavors of the mind. But sometimes even great scientists say things that simply do not sound true. Or...do they? Stephen Hawking said that "the human race is just chemical scum..." and "we are so insignificant that..." Wow! How do these statements sound to your ears? Is mankind scum (=a layer of dirt or froth on the surface of a liquid)? Are all human beings insignificant (=too small or unimportant to be worth consideration)? If you reflect on these definitions given by the dictionary, ask yourself if you believe they might refer to you, too. Hopefully, you don't. But, in case you do, are you comfortable seeing yourself as a useless dirty 'nothing' that lives a life full of so many 'meaningless' experiences such as joy and pain, struggle, victory, friendship, love? (Your belief may determine the way you are  actually living your life.)   

No Healing

You know, and have experienced, that Life is full of contrast. Actually, it seems to be based on contrast. Opposites are a daily experience: one moment you are ok, the next you feel down, yesterday it seemed that everything was going well, today you feel unjustly treated. Similarly, as there are some illnesses that cannot be cured, there are also situations that cannot be healed. The illness is treated, but to no avail. You are doing your best to heal the negative situation you are presently in, with no positive result. Does it mean that Life is unfair? It might seem so. Yet, if you reflect upon its dynamic, you realize that this is the way the world proceeds in its evolution. What can you do about your personal situation? Once you tried - unsuccessfully - every possible way to heal it, all you can do is to either drastically make a change (if it's possible) or allow things to go the way they are supposed to go. You have no control on certain happenings. The sooner you accept this concept, the sooner your life will become less stressful.

Is It Really a Duck?

A funny, yet wise saying goes like this: If it looks like a duck, it swims like a duck, it quacks like a duck, most probably it "is" a duck. Sometimes you wonder, and worry, a bit too much about people's intentions. When an acquaintance pays you a compliment, you may wonder: Why did he say that? Receiving a gift from someone, you may ask yourself: Why did she give me this? If you happen to see a special act of kindness, you may wonder: Why did they do it? In all these cases your actual question would be, What was their true motivation?. Is it so hard to accept that the duck-looking 'duck' is really a duck? Can't you just believe that another person was nice enough to pay you a sincere compliment? to give you a present only to show appreciation? to perform a kind act just because they "are" kind? Prudence is a virtue, excessive doubting is depressing.