Meaningful Solutions
It might have been Freud who said doing the same thing over and over expecting different results could be the definition of insanity. When I look across the landscape of events- from stock market losses to gas prices (here in CA at $7 plus dollars a gallon)- to environmental worries over water – to violence everywhere – I wonder …what are we to do about all of it? What I see is things tried before – with or without any measurable success. There is a kind of lethargy that settles in when positive change appears to not be happening.
The title of this blog is the beginning of a conversation -more about meaningful than solutions. But my bias is that if we begin at the right place, the solution will appear – and look very obvious. Definitions are always a good idea and, in this case, – the definition of meaningful since it implies different things to different people. What might be meaningful to me wouldn’t float your boat or for that matter anyone you know.
Yet I am confident that in the form of meaning- we would locate our common denominator. That each person on the planet would resonate with the same essence of emotional intelligence that is present in the things we give meaning. That essence is Spirit. All actions from a common understanding of Spirit bring meaningful solutions.
I have conversed with many people of late, who love the idea, but are afraid of the word. Again – language and usage can get in the way. I am speaking of the very substance of all things – animate and inanimate. If right now you cast your eyes around wherever you are reading this, settle on something that attracts…a picture, a friend, a pet, anything. Now settle into discovering its nature- what is the innateness that is shining through the form. Years ago, at a meditation retreat, we were each given a lemon and a version of this exercise. No two lemons were alike of course- yet there was in each description that common denominator of the Nature of the lemon…and when we connected to that nature – something fresh showed up.
Invisible yet apparent. Over the next few weeks I will write about and connect the dots on meaning, Spirit and why it is important to solutions or finding out way through challenging times. In the interim, try a few experiments of your own…look for the nature in things or people you encounter- notice how this eases stress and tension and brings more wisdom and compassion. And possible a new idea or solution to a present challenge.
It can be mystical and magical…I guarantee it!
