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!