Category: Philosophy – An Examined Life

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Accept the Sign of New Beginnings – Summer Solstice

Yesterday, Wednesday, June 21, was the summer solstice. It came on the heels of a new moon. Alongside the astrological season of my rising sign, Cancer. All markers for new beginnings.

But at my house it’s raining. And I’m kinda glum. Those intentions I set back in December for the winter solstice hit multiple snags. Which interrupts my momentum. Maybe this constellation is a sign; a reminder that every day is a new beginning.

What I find particularly interesting is how life is a series of ups and downs. As I encounter obstacles, the universe sends comfort and relief.

Last week I felt “all the feels” Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh expresses here:

Today my horoscope tells me my “whole self is reinvigorated – down to every vibrating cell.” Bwahahahahahaha … for real?

Bwahahahahahaha

I’m not inclined to ride a rollercoaster through life. Definitely prefer balance and serenity – and laughter. However, when I acknowledge both the ups and downs it gives my psyche the symmetry it seeks. To deny either blocks my equilibrium.

Yes, every day is a new beginning. Every day I get to choose. And today I choose to nurture and be gentle with myself.

“I used to dream about escaping my ordinary life, but my life was never ordinary. I had simply failed to notice how extraordinary it was. Likewise, I never imagined that home might be something I would miss.”

― Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
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Will the Real “Me” Please Stand Up – Truth or Consequences

“The summit of happiness is reached when a person is ready to be what he is.” ― Desiderius Erasmus

So true! But not easy. Can I know when I’m being who I really am? Maybe I’m performing a role that society and culture handed me when I was born. Perhaps trauma activated habitual behaviors and beliefs that I now call truth and reality.

I relish following the Greek aphorism “know-thyself.” Being a searcher and a learner. This inclination is likely a part of who I am. But so are the bits thrust upon me at birth. As are the coping mechanisms in my toolbox; both good and bad. This is my lifetime to untangle the bits, take what I value and discard the rest.

My therapist reminds me not to “throw out the baby with the bathwater” HA!

This determination is highly subjective. So, I keep untangling the bits, evaluating my toolbox. What IS of value to me? What stays and what goes? Can I do this? Do I want to?

Being on the precipice of change is scary. And far too easy to fall back into the comfort I know. Even when it’s no comfort at all.

I want to be ready. I want to know who I am. Reaching “the summit of happiness” sounds awesome.

Today – I’m ready to be ready to be ready. For now, that’s enough.

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It’s Important How I See the World

The world unfolds for me based on my perspective.

“What we do see depends mainly on what we look for. … In the same field the farmer will notice the crop, the geologists the fossils, botanists the flowers, artists the colouring, sportmen the cover for the game. Though we may all look at the same things, it does not all follow that we should see them.”

― John Lubbock, The Beauties of Nature and the Wonders of the World We Live in

In a world created from a singular point of view, the value of community might be overlooked. It’s easy to be tripped up by variations of these idioms:

Motivated perception – where we see what we want to see; is a real thing. This bias impacts me every day. A real conundrum when I’m focused on trusting my instincts!

But when I share my story with compassionate, kind souls; they help me see my blind spots. My companions reveal me.

Nurturing a steadfast, caring network is an ever-evolving venture. People come and go. Things change. Circumstances shift. My squad reflects a never-ending dance of letting go and being smitten. A balance of give and take.

Recently I was introduced to “Ayni” – “the concept of reciprocity or mutualism among people of the Andean mountain communities.”

“Ayni is responsibility and respect. Ayni is love and compassion. Ayni is everything. And it is us. Reciprocity.” – J. Wilcox

This awareness of sacred reciprocity for each other, with nature; the world at large feels basic. We’re connected in a mutual exchange of energy. “Ayni is gratitude, respect, honor and reciprocal living.”

Being a member of a people that practice Ayni appeals to my imagination. It motivates me to that mutual exchange. When we support each other, we initiate miracles.

We Are The World
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I’m Alive and Doing Fine – In a Good Way

Everywhere I look are messages – they’re ubiquitous and relentless. Some are for me, some not.

“Sign, sign
Everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery
Breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that
Can’t you read the sign?”

My social conditioning began before I was born. But those cultural structures that compelled a way of life felt unnatural to me. So, rebellion and cheekiness became my routine. That served me well for a long time. Then it didn’t.

Serendipity and providence brought me a community that teaches the definition of insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Seriously. So, in order to not drown in the deep end of the pool I listened and took note. And watched for my signs.

Being inclined to figure out the messages meant or me – only me, not you; takes willingness and persistence. A healthy dose of self-awareness is essential, as is a dash of stubbornness. Not everyone is eager to inspect these deep crevices; but I’m game to take the red pill.

Deconstructing the life I was born into and creating one I want to live takes energy. It’s an evolving, repetitious, uncomfortable yet rewarding calling. Some days its full steam ahead. Others I’m running on fumes.

Looking for and trusting MY signs is important. They tell me when to leap with no obvious landing pad in sight. When to power through “the long slog between starting and mastery.” When to rest and fill my tank. How to keep going.

There is no end point on this journey. The journey is the point.

“So, I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign
I said, “Thank you, Lord, for thinkin’ ’bout me. I’m alive and doin’ fine.”
―The Five Man Electrical Band; Signs

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It’s All Flux – Honor the Face of Uncertainty

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” ― Heraclitus

The setting is different. I am different. Honor it.

As I’m touched by time and events, accepting this truth is necessary. Heraclitus asserts that we live in constant flux. That this persistent movement “is integral to the identity” of all things. “Elements change, people change, and most importantly life does.”

The Polymath’s Paradise

Change is “a miracle of circumstance,” – “perpetual renewal.”

When I embrace each moment as unique and precious, I can appreciate its transitory nature. This time won’t come again; treasure it.

Acknowledging that change is “not a destructive force, but rather a unifying force” helps me brave those “teaching” moments, knowing they too shall pass.

Live this moment. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Live now – honor the face of the uncertainty.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

― Lao Tzu
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