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.