October 6th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
I believe that we are all put in this world for a reason i.e. to contribute to the world in some shape or form - it is part of the evolutionary system and realm of life’s goodness. Throughout my life, I have experienced a lot of up and downs and personal tragedy- to the extent of questioning why exactly I was placed here on earth for. I don’t deny that some of it was my doing but I seem to find comfort in the fact that through all my trials and tribulations, I managed to find a nice wife (with a nice family), a college degree and get myself to where I am today.
Without caring to elaborate, I would have to say that this is another down period in my life or at least I feel that way. As I have survived a lot of hardships and internal wars - what keeps me still going everyday is the fact that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and through all of life’s twist and turns, it somehow always sorts itself out. I only have to look in the mirror to see the evidence of that. I almost am curious to see my destiny and what life has install for me.
(From L to R: Tranquility, Happiness, Harmony, Peace, Spirit, Love)
I bought some Chinese character stamps years ago (see above). It was perfect, as some of the character symbols allowed me to quantify and place a marker in my life to where/what I should strive for to make myself a complete person. I believe that when it comes to a time when I have fulfilled each and everyone of those things - I will be a complete person that is truly content with life. That, to me, IS the true meaning of life. It is not something money can buy or anything you can learn from any college but it goes deeper down inside - deep in the heart. It is what I would call the richness of the heart.
I often wonder why I have a lot dreams of my childhood, playing with my friends in elementary school and my old house I grew up in. I think it is because it was a time when I was carefree, when there were almost no worries in life and when life was actually peaceful. The extent of a worry, was whether I would finish my homework fast enough to play with my G.I. Joes, whether mom would put too much vegetables on my plate or whether I would be forced to shower that day.
I am very envious of those Tibetan or Shaolin monks in the mountains. Why? Because to them life is simple … there are no materialistic things that get in the way, there is no jealousy, no violence, no hatred, no evil - everyone there in the temple is at peace with one’s self and rich with as much goodness in life as you can ever imagine.
I hope to reach that goal one day i.e. to be that complete person or at least close to it. Then, whenever I leave this earth, I would leave it with the fulfillment of life’s richness.
8 Responses to “Filling the voids in my life”
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thethinker said: @ 8:08 pm
October 6th, 2006
Very wise words, especially in regards to how carefree children are allowed to be. It’s amazing how simple things are when you don’t have responsibilities to worry about or as you said, material things to attract your attention. I’d give anything to go back to those days.
Kristyn said: @ 8:27 pm
October 6th, 2006
I think we all strive to be complete. For each of us that completeness is different. For me, being a complete person means fulfilling the mind. I know I’ll never be tranquil or peaceful, its something I’ve come to terms with in moments of utter self-honesty. The best I can hope for, for myself is a little harmony.
I hope you are able to achieve those things you desire, Foo. Equally, I hope that the rough patch you seem to be going through is smooth soon.
Kristyn
Angela K said: @ 9:27 pm
October 6th, 2006
Well said. The symbols are facinating, and I loved Kristyn’s point that being complete most likely manifests itself in different ways for each of us. The Dalai Lama says that all of us are trying to increase happiness and decrease suffering, both consciously and subconsciously. The journey to peace can’t be easy, can it? But it must be worth it. I have to believe that.
The Foo said: @ 1:00 pm
October 7th, 2006
thethinker: would love to back to those days.
Kristyn: thanks for the kind words. yes, everyone has their own version of a complete person as everyone has their own agenda in life.
Angela: aren’t the symbols great! one of the best things I ever bought from the World Market store. yeah, finding peace isn’t the easiest of things - life tends to throw a lot of things at you along the way and throw you off. Nothing is ever easy in the world - if you want to reach a certain place - you’ll have to work hard to reach it/find it.
Shelli said: @ 10:48 pm
October 7th, 2006
Ah, it is what we all are striving for–peace, tranquility and acceptance of ourselves and others.
kat campbell said: @ 8:02 am
October 9th, 2006
I also believe that everyone has a purpose in life and the point of the journey is finding it and then acting on it. To find it requires only trying things and listening to your heart. Lovely post.
kristarella said: @ 7:55 am
October 13th, 2006
I look forward to finding those things in completion in heaven, I don’t expect to find them all before that though.
All the same, I hope things get betterfor you soon.
Interesting that the love symbol is so complex :)
Che xxx said: @ 9:00 pm
October 21st, 2006
Life is what we make of it. Each of us maps out our own destiny by driving on the only road. We steer the vehicle of life and decide whether it travels fast or slow, whether we turn right or left or simply whether we drive it recklessly or carelessly. Often, when we drive irresponsibly, we go out of control until the vehicle crashes and then we take stock. Let us always remember that that it IS our vehicle and we have the keys to it. We put the petrol in its tank and we decide. Always be in control and never allow the vehicle to steer you. With that, the drive will be smooth and on the road to contentment.