Monday: Content or Discontent

Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Lao Tzu



In the midst of discomfort and even depression, it is often difficult to be content or to even rejoice. However, there is something very interesting to remember in the roller coaster that is life there will always be ups and downs. We try to maintain a state of stasis but inevitably either our thoughts or events in our life will switch things to another dimension of perception.

In our modern materialist society it is very hard when the bills are due and the money is short to recognize nothing is lacking. We are bombarded with messages from the media through advertisement, through talk shows, through the news that always things are out of balance. Even the wealthy will always feel lack in some way.

I was taught the art of survival by my mother who was seldom if ever seduced by the desire to own more. She was content with what she had and it was very minimalist to say the least. Yet I get caught up by the events and when money seems available do I save for a rainy day? No. And when a rainy day comes am I upset that I was foolish? Yes.

Yet, as I look at the ways things have unfolded, I have to admit that ultimately I am and was the creator of my destiny. Like many Americans and perhaps other cultures I am caught up in the materialistic fantasy that tomorrow will bring greater finances and I will be dancing in the lap of luxury again or at least at Walmart.

However, if I put things in perspective I realize that while I have fears about escalating costs of living and that I am aging and the odds of decreasing good health is probably inevitable I do feel fear. Yet, deep inside at the core, when I can get there and past the garbage that floats through my mind, I find that I am content.