Amidst the chaos we see in nature and the universe, an underlying order exists. An order that, while not seemingly perfect, somehow perpetuates unseen and almost unknown to those not attune to its existence. Nature is filled with dichotomous processes and attributes that, while seemingly unnecessary for the finite human mind to perceive as relevant or “fair”, serve a purpose in the endless ebb and flow of the cosmos. There cannot be darkness without light for without light one would never know they were in the dark. There cannot be joy without sorrow for without one we would never be able to experience the other. To experience a state of perfection we must acknowledge and overcome our own imperfections. There are times when we should take a step back and reflect on ourselves. Are we worthy of advancing further? Are we giving our best effort in our present situation? Are we really prepared to move on to the next phase in life or take on a new role in our professional careers? While at times there are obstacles placed before us that may prevent us from advancing, we cannot automatically dismiss each lost opportunity or setback as something that we shouldn’t be reflecting on in order to build ourselves up. The worst thing a person can do is let a situation get the better of them. Once a person loses their drive and determination they risk sinking deeper to a place where negativity is king and that can be toxic.
Our very actions have implications on those around us whether intended or unintended. If those actions are constantly negative or dwell on our inability to learn from the past rather than dwell on it, how are we ever going to move forward? Today people openly judge others with indiscriminate prejudice and without regard to how their judgments may affect them. Many people have a tendency to be unbelievably petty, shallow, egotistical, and callus. It is all too common to jump to conclusions without even giving a single thought to what another person is going through and it exposes a shameful hypocrisy when we cast judgment on someone else’s character, while all the while engaging in the very thing we are condemning the other person for to begin with. Regardless of your religious preferences the words “Judge not, lest ye yourselves be judged: for whatsoever judgment ye measure unto others, the same shall in turn be measured unto you.” (Matt 7:1-2) should be words we all live by.
In the world of social media we often see ourselves debating everything from politics to religion and from dogs to furniture. The pen can in many ways still be more powerful than the sword. This is especially true when the one holding the pen is aware of the emotions and sentiments they can both manipulate and cultivate with what they write. Our opinions seem to flow freely when written and sometime that freedom lacks temperance. Our words and our deeds are mere outward expressions of who we are and while many put up a good front, the facade eventually exposes itself the second another person traverses the walls we build around our true selves. Substance and character comes from within and if we focus solely on what others perceive, we are merely building walls that once traversed exposes and empty open field.
We are all microcosms of the cosmos, no one being separate from the other. So every storm we weather has its purpose and our actions rarely, if ever, affect ourselves alone. Here is the dichotomy of our own existence. We are to be true to ourselves yet live harmoniously with those around us. Finding that balance is how we navigate through the ocean of time.
The Quest for Light 