It is hard being sane in a mad world. We go along doing our best to live in the moment and enjoy life. We hold our light as high as we can; but then we have to deal with the contents of our minds, which sometimes give into pessimism, and the darkness that can impinge upon us. For the most part we can focus on the light and what makes us happy. We are eager for all minds to change and see the world we want. How does that expression go? "Don't try to change the world, but change how you see the world." I think it is from the Course in Miracles. However, it is a basic recommendation in spiritual teaching.
As we are going along we experience change. Our bodies get older for one thing. How do you feel about that? There seems to be much resistance to getting older in our culture. Is it getting older or fear of death? Or both?
So far, I love getting older. It is a blast to be eighty. It is hard for me to believe. I often say to myself. "How the heck did I ever get to be eighty?" For me there have been two, miles stone, birthdays; 50 and now 80. I reached 21 when I was in the Air Force. We could drink and we were adults, more or less, in any case I don't remember a particular impact. I was in graduate school when I reached 30, and that age change wasn't memorable. When I reached 50, I suddenly realized I could no longer think of myself as youthful. My dreams of being a great athlete were dimming. Middle age was upon me, and it stretched until I hit eighty. Hitting 60 and 70 were just a continuation of middle age. But 80, wow! I don't know how to describe it. The word elderly doesn't fit, as logical as it may be. I don't feel elderly. Oh sure, I am daily aware that I have limitations, I didn't have twenty years ago; but elderly, nah.
I have to admit, I play the elderly card. I don't mind the younger person getting up and getting me something. And, I love to remind people that I am eighty. Partly, because I am so surprised myself. I run into people frequently, who seem to detest, or fear getting old. I don't know if they are just putting on, because they think they should dislike it, or they really dislike it. Most people I know seem to be sanguine with aging, however.
I know fear of death plays a part. One look at our medical/pharmaceutical industry would indicate fear of something is firmly entrenched. Fear of pain, fear of disability, fear of illness and finally fear of death. What would medicine be like if there was no fear?
Of course fear is the energy, behind the craziness, in this mad world, we think of as reality. In our going along in this world, we need to see its impact, so we can bring these hidden fears to the surface and begone with them.
Fear of death, hmmmmmmmm, I don't know what to say about that. I know what it means. Until I was about 45 or so I was terrified of death. I wasn't aware of being afraid, but it expressed itself, a few times. When I first contemplated the idea of reincarnation, being a possibility, I imagined how I might have died in previous lifetimes. I, also, did some past life regressions and had that experience. Over the years, any fear of death has diminished. I can't get in touch with any fear now. That doesn't mean I am eager to leave [at least most the time]. I really enjoy living and I don't want to leave until the folks, who are used to having me around, are okay with it.
I do perceive fear of death as a significant factor in our society. I think it is a huge money maker. This fear is endlessly exploited. I don't want to go into all the ways it is exploited, here. Just think about it, you will see.
As we grow from being body conscious to a more spiritual orientation; we lose fear of death because we quit thinking of it as real. We think of our real selves as spirit. We can't imagine ourselves dying. Our bodies die. They are temporary. Everything in this illusionary world is temporary. It doesn't take much to experience the illusion of time. Remember, those endless Summers as a child; they go by pretty fast now, don't they. Somebody, might say, "It is not time that is an illusion, it is the perception of time." Okay, show me something that is not perception. What exist, that isn't our perception? What do we experience that is not coming through our senses?
Any way, as we go along, we have a continuous choice. Do we want to see light or darkness? Do we want to see hope or despair? Do we want to focus on the rotting corpse of this old world or do we want to see a new world emerging? Do we want to know love or fear?
We can change the way we see the world. We can look upon a forgiven world. We can forgive the craziness and see the light. It is there!
It is great to be alive! Happy Monday!
Love and Peace, Gregg
No comments:
Post a Comment