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Tuesday, November 24, 2020

I wrote Monday's post because it's the truth.

I sought neither sympathy nor sorrow, both of which can be addictive.

Sometimes life sucks.

How's that for a former philosophy major?

One of the things I dislike about social media is the false narratives. Life is always great, meals are the best, children are perfect. (Note: Actually, my kid is perfect -- so shut up.)

The reality of course is that life includes successes and difficulties, quiet moments of peace and histrionic moments of despair. And I had grown concerned I was not always being truthful. I don't care if this blog has no readers -- I do care that I remain pinned to truth.

Buddha understood this 2,500 years ago when he determined that suffering lies not with tragedy thrust upon us but our own reaction -- want. We want a perfect life and it hurts when reality intrudes, time and again. There will be death, there will be tragedy. Worse, the Green Bay Packers will lose.

So part of healing is understanding that bad happens and accepting that, staying mindful through the painful times and staying mindful through the positives.

I can't really consider myself as a Buddhist, as I don't believe in karma and reincarnation.  But the rationalist in me likes the idea of an inward change versus expecting that everything will be awesome.

Thank you, friends, for reaching out.

I'll be OK.

But I'll also be truthful.

And hopefully, there will come a day soon dedicated to one giving thanks.

Peace and truth unto you my brothers and sisters.


4 comments:

  1. Rich, How do you think your life in terms of material resources and security compares to 99% of all Sapiens who have ever lived? How many Sapiens today would trade places with you gratefully if they could. Of course, Emotions are another thing. Buddha did teach that Suffering is the result of Attachments, or the fear or losing them or grief over the loss of one. Of course, our physical health is greatly influenced by our emotions,as you are probably proving. My guess is that if you can find something to do that you believe in and that is positive for other folks, your life will improve greatly. It might not be a Job you desire, but something you haven't discovered yet. Go for it, and Create the Belief that all will be wonderful and well for you when you Master this Learning Experience. BTW, I do believe in Karma and Reincarnation when they are properly defined. I also believe that your true Beliefs determine what will happen to you in the future, Good or Bad as you define them.

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    1. For the record Rich... it seems patently obvious [to me] that you HAVE found something you believe in and it IS very much a 'positive for other folks'.
      I apologize in advance for the blatant triteness of what follows but... even when we feel we're at the end of our rope, we can be thankful for that knot that helps us hang on. I feel like Issac Watts probably said it better when he wrote "I'll Praise My Maker While I've Breath".
      I thank you again for what you're doing here Rich... Blessings upon you on this day of being thankful for that which we have. May the God of endless second chances continue to be mindful of you.

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