It seems to me
that our notions of psychological and spiritual well-being are, in short, way
too hygienic. Driven by an idealism that the universe itself cannot possibly
sustain, we waste our time obsessing over our flaws and trying to fix
everything.
For is not the nature
of the universe characterized by that which is light, and that which is
dark—two sides of a coin, necessary to the stability and health of the
whole construct?
This is likewise
true of our human nature—you can’t have one without the other.
Life approached
from such a hygienic stand point is bound to create more suffering and neurosis, not less, simply for the fact that it isn’t designed to live up to our lop-sided
preferences.
Not to mention
that nothing grows in a sterile environment.
Any attempt to
white-wash or ignore the bitter, darker aspects—betraying a blatant preference
for the sweeter, lighter ones—will only result in destroying opportunities for
spiritual and psychological growth.
Life isn’t only
sweet and sunny, ever. We must learn
to deal with this reality more intelligently and patiently.
Acknowledgement
and acceptance of the beauty of the whole construct may be helpful. Becoming
more curious about the value in the dark side of life may also be helpful.
Handing out
lollipop-type philosophies and advice isn’t. We need real sustenance in a world
full of the pain, suffering and joy of existence.
So, being flawed
isn’t right or wrong, it just is.
Fixing ourselves
isn’t the point. There is nothing to fix.
Living a
spiritual life is simply a question of good management practices—building an
adequate skill-set, educating the heart and mind with intelligence, patience
and a good dose of humour in order to deal effectively with all the ups and downs.
Meditate on
this. Probe the deep silences of your heart. Eventually, you will locate
freedom.
And with freedom
the opportunity to make the world around you a little better, a little more
beautiful for your having been here conscious, aware and alive to the whole,
fertile construct—not just your favourite parts.
