Yesterday we spoke about why it is so important to separate our emotions from the meaning we give to them. It is then, when we can freely experience our emotions and feelings on their raw natural “unedited” state. It is then, when we allow ourselves to truly enjoy the gift of feeling.
Indeed, quite a remarkable gift, this human expression. It can be. But we need to be aware of all these ideas and beliefs we have picked along the way. Then, remove them, and simply allow. Simply, be. All of a sudden, you find yourself living in the flow, and life feels better than ever. Yes, this human expression can be pure and beautiful. Simple, yet, so intelligent.
Now, all these things made my brain spinning, with all sort of questions I could really not answer. Sorry, mind, I am as clueless as you about all this. But then, as it oftens happens, a realization came. It’s about all these things we like to achieve in our life. You may refer to them as goals or objectives. I like to call them “desired outcomes”.
Is the outcome what we truly want, or, are we actually going after the meaning we give to it?
In other words, our beliefs and ideas about these outcomes and what they mean to us.
Somewhat a philosophical question, I know. But now, especially after yesterday’s (lengthy) post, the answer seems so clear, it is almost there’s no question. Of course, we are all after the meaning. Not the outcomes. So, what are we really after, then?
What are we Really After?
Now, think about this for a minute. This is a really big discovery. How many of us have been chasing all these objectives and goals? You know, “desired outcomes”. Only to find out that once you finally achieve them, and this egoic temporary moment of self-pride dissolves, you are still unsatisfied? The dopamine rush is done, and everything seems the same. Nothing has changed. The thrill is gone.
Then, of course, you have to look for something new to get. Or, you have to keep reliving the memories of your old “achievements”.
Have you ever watched people bragging about something they did like two thousands years ago? I bet this has to be related to what we have just discovered.
Please god, don’t let me be like them. Oh no, here’s another desired outcome. Fresh, new, waiting to be executed by the mind. You see, this is so embedded in us, almost like a second nature.
Awareness to the Rescue.
I mean, this is a well known phenomena. Nothing new. But now, it seems as there’s a new light that shines over this. Light? Why not a tornado that clears all this pile of dirt and mud. Can you see what has been hidden underneath the surface all this time?
It becomes quite clear that underneath the surface, these outcomes barely matter. It’s all about the meaning. Now, your mind can explain intellectually why these goals are important, even essential. I mean, we got to have enough money, and all that sort of things. But, when you look a bit deeper, you see this pattern all over.
The moment you have a desired outcome, a goal or an objective ,you give it a meaning. And it is the meaning we are after. Not the outcome. In fact, the meaning comes before the outcome, subconsciously. How crazy is that?
Wait, it gets even better. It’s not even the meaning we are after. It’s all about the process of chasing our dreams. And that, that is one of the highs of the human expression. Some would even say, life purpose.
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side.
It’s the climb.
Perhaps now, a perfect time to listen to Miley Cyrus – The Climb. Speaking words of wisdom, aren’t we, Miley?
And now, Space.
I am going to be honest here. I feel I need to give more space to all of this, because it is crystal clear to me, that right now, my mind is very busy climbing all sort of mountains. Or perhaps, diving into another endless rabbit hole. No sun. No light. Deep under the ground. All of a sudden, I don’t even like carrots that much anymore.
No wonder, when I meditate, I often observe all this massive stream of “partial” thoughts one after another. An endless queue of thoughts, impatiently waiting to be processed only to serve the purpose of creating another infinite loop. Another rabbit hole.
Is that an expression of a modern human being? Perhaps, it is one of these “wake-up” calls. Invitation to grow, if you will. You know, when you suddenly realize that something completely common in your life makes absolutely no sense.
Today, Here, and Now.
So, a half realization just came. So abstract, I can’t even fully explain it to myself. Oddly, I know exactly what to do with it, though.
Perhaps for today, I should just follow. Not lead. And I mean, absolutely no desires. No goals. No achievements. Just follow and observe. And, it’s a bit of a stretch. I am going to have a few meetings in which I need to serve a function. As a part of this function, I need to achieve a few objectives. There’s a clear agenda I need to pursue.
Sounds familiar? Is it not practical? But then, what if, I stop here and completely trust this higher intelligence we like to call life. What if, I truly surrender, and observe what happens. I won’t be the lion that is chasing after the zebra. Today, I will be the National Geographic researcher that waits patiently and observes. And if the lion comes too close, I will do more than just observing. Of course. But, I will try to keep my active part in this dance to the minimum. Considering my dancing skills, not necessarily a bad idea. 🙂 Here I am placing judgement on my non-existent dancing skills. Haven’t I learned anything from yesterday’s post? 🙂
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching. Aloha and Love.
