Remembering The Things That Matter The Most

In the midst of our busy, frantic, high-tech lives, it is vital
to keep hold of the real reasons why we are here; the things that
really matter. 



It's far too easy to get entrapped by high-tech society and
its toys, or by career and its nèver-ending promises. Should we
get the latest DVD system? Or satellite TV? How's the car doing?
Perhaps a new one wouldn't be a bad idea. And don't forget the
computer, plus related software! Oh, and then there's the mobile
phone. Do you have the one that sings and dances yet?……

The point is that none of this is what life is really all about
at the deepest level. Certainly, these trinkets are fun to have
at times. Often, they can be most useful. However, all too often,
we are in danger of letting our minds get bogged down in this
stuff; paying the bills, bùying gadgets, and other peripheral
preoccupations. Yes, you do have to budget time for some of this.
However, let's not budget away all the time that there is!

If you fall prey to doing so, a certain hardening of the
spiritual arteries occurs imperceptibly. What you focus your mind
upon always expands. Thus, if your focus is primarily external,
concerned with gadgets and getting ahead in life, then this is
what will inevitably grow in your awareness. At the same time,
you can gradually become spiritually desensitized; less aware of
your essential humanity and your basic capacity to relate to
others and to Nature in an authentic manner.

People tend to compartmentalize their lives in an attempt to
retain some sanity. For instance, many talk about spending
"quality time" with their family. In other words, with little
time to spare in a busy life, such people are determined that
whatever time they do spend is the highest "quality time".
However, this kind of thinking is a product of a modern
high-speed society, and betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of
how human nature really works. Children don't want "quality
time". They don't even understand the notion of it. They want ALL
the time and love that you can possibly give them! Most parents
who preoccupy themselves with "quality time", whilst indulging in
their real obsession – their careers – wake up one morning to
discover that they have missed watching their kids grow up.

We can also live for the future whilst failing to live in the
present. It's so easy to make ambitious plans involving jobs,
assets, and money in the bank. These plans pròmise you happiness
at some indefinite time in the future. In the meantime, you fail
to be happy right here and now! We should indeed remember to stop
and smell the roses. Instead, we motor right on by; eyes fixed
firmly on the shimmering mirage dancing on the horizon, which we
nèver ever quite seem to reach, no matter how fast we drive.

The point of all this is that what really matters in life usually
lies in the immediacy of the moment. It lies in relationships
with loved ones, intimate moments of communion with Nature,
dwelling in silent meditation upon your inner core, giving of
your time frèely to others without harboring resentment or
regret, experiencing the journey RIGHT NOW instead of at some
indefinite point in the future.

The in-tray will always be full. That will be as true on the day
you die as it is today. On the deathbed, nòbody has ever wished
that they could have spent more time at the office. The time for
living and being happy, and for sharing your life with others, is
right now. If you await some future date, when everything is
"just right", you will wait forever.

None of this implies that you should throw away goals and
strategic planning for the future. These are essential tools for
shaping the life you desire. However, it is vital to find the
right balance. This is all too often missing. The secret of
happiness is to realize that it is a moment by moment choice. To
be happy, choose to be happy wherever you are in life, and
regardless of external circùmstances. Most people miss this. They
think that being happy is some rare elusive state, attained only
as a result of achieving external material, or status, targets.
In truth, you achieve happiness by consciously choosing happiness
NOW, and living in the moment.

Precious experiences only emerge when you make time for them.
They do not always show themselves during periods of "quality
time". They cannot be summoned to order. They unfold gently as a
result of an attitude to life. Moreover, they are different for
each person. These experiences can warm your heart and perform
deep inner transformation. They may be very simple; so much so
that to describe them to another might evoke a "so what?"
response. Yet, they remain infinitely precious to you.

For one person, it might be finding a baby bird that has fallen
from a nest, and having the unique learning experience of
nurturing that tiny creature for a while. For another, it might
be watching a son or daughter grow up, and giving love
unconditionally to that child. It may be the thoughts that come
to you gently, as you stroll alone in the countryside, or in the
company of your beloved.

Are you now going to "allocate" some time for these activities?
If so, you are missing the whole point. It is a matter of
lifestyle and life purpose – what you are really here for – and
not of time management. If our schedules are too long, and our
minds too filled with out own self-serving needs, such moments
will be extremely rare. Then life may "jolt us awake" with some
unexpected happening or deep tragedy. 

First-hand experience of things that really matter and touch us
deeply only come if we allow plenty of untroubled time for them.
We need to always conduct our lives in a spirit of gentleness and
inner searching. Then, we shall reap the true riches within our
lives; riches that cannot be bought with money. We will live
authentically and in happiness. This is our true purpose in life.

Copyright 2001, Asoka Selvarajah. All Rights Reserved.

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Asoka Selvarajah is a writer on personal growth and spirituality, and the author of "The 7 Golden Secrets To Knowing Your Higher Self". His work helps people achieve their full potential, deepen their understanding of mystical truth, and discover their soul's purpose. You can subscribe to his FREE ezine, and get his FREE ebook "Inner Light Outer Wealth" at:
http://www.aksworld.com/AspireToWisdom.htm?imk=Blog _______________________________________________________________

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