Spend any time immersed in mystical/spiritual traditions and you’ll quickly notice they espouse a way of life radically different than what most Americans – and more and more of the world – follow. Humility, silence, non-doing, acceptance, surrender, rejection of materialism – these are antithetical to the modern mind.
It’s not surprising we ignore such teachings – they offer very little for minds addicted to doing, becoming, accomplishing.
What is surprising, however, is that we persist in these habits despite overwhelming evidence that their anticipated rewards are not there. (Not to mention we’re making a mess of the planet and our kids in the process.)
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to gaze across the human world and sense not just that things are amiss (they’re always amiss to some degree), but that the scope and scale of the insanity is intensifying. Is it surprising that such a trend parallels the growth in agitation in our minds – minds that rarely if ever rest?
Even well-intentioned friends, who tell themselves they’re ‘decompressing’ with a walk around the neighborhood, do so with a smartwatch recording calories burned while a smartphone and earbud combination pumps music or words into their brains.
And all the while the kids watch and listen and learn. Our gluttony for thought, food, sex, doing, connectivity, etc., are naturally mimicked – and, like the attention-seekers they’ve been raised to become – our kids take such addictions to still higher levels.
Who among us urges our kids toward solitude, disconnection, non-doing? Who inspires a child to inquire within, to examine thought rather than ride it? Who offers their children the notion that the inner life is far richer, more rewarding, and a place of lasting peace?
As the world burns – literally and figuratively – let us recall another of the sages’ pearls, the one that advises that if we are to save the world, we first must save ourselves. Maybe this time we’ll listen, and teach our kids that a kitchen remodeling project, an ‘A’ on an exam, or Trump vs Clinton, is far less important than the simple miracle of being.
Thank you for your timely sharing, Doug. I am actually one who encourages my ten-year-old son to inquire in reference to everything, and to be still, inwardly, as much as possible. He seems to prefer our simple lifestyle yet I worry that as he gets older he may resent our “non-doing” in comparison to what may look more exciting on the outside. I choose to raise my son differently because of what I had to learn the hard way. Is that bad parenting knowing I cannot shelter him from this fast-paced world forever? In my family, we all disconnect a lot, and refuse to own an iPhone for countless reasons. We are looked down upon quite a bit. Our circle of friends is shrinking yet we refuse to have friends by default even if it makes for a more solitary life. Despite the outward appearances, and the boasted accomplishments, of those we know what is most evident is their lack of inner peace. My son, on the other hand, enjoys the company of others, as well as his gadgets, however, is equally happy sitting under the stars or meditating by my side. Perhaps I have answered my own questions?! Even if this makes no sense, please know all your sharings impact me, and help me to feel less lonely on this spiritual path. May you be at peace always!
Thanks for the thoughtful response, Karen. Yes, raising a child is a challenge in this day and age. I wouldn’t worry about those who ‘look down’ on you. Usually that’s more a sign of their own insecurity – a bit like folks trying to urge others to join them in marriage, having children, living in a certain part of the country, etc. Which I suppose makes the point: rather than seeking external validation, we look within and find the peace there.
In rereading my post, I realize you really struck a chord with this one! Time to inquire. 😇
Spoken like the true Peace Pilgrim you are, Doug. :)) Thanks for your support, encouragement and validation that I am on the right path for me, and my family. Turning inward is always the solution to lasting peace. Of course, comparison of any kind breeds discontent. I look forward to your future sharings. Stay peaceful.