Trouble Arises

 

The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. / clergyman, activist, civil rights leader / 1929–1968

 

Here we find ourselves on some rock floating in space, apparently in the middle of nowhere, often faced with the challenges of nature, among other things. We must learn as we go, cope with those around us, and obtain what we need from our environment without exhausting its resources or damaging it beyond repair. That is the playing field for this game we call life. It’s an intricate journey that takes us in various directions over time, many of which are unexpected, and it tests us each step of the way. Constant challenge and pain are givens, but neither has to be a detriment. Although things may seem unbearable at times, we actually have the skills necessary to cope. In fact, we possess innate abilities that can provide tremendous power to attract what we desire, dictate our quality of life, and greatly influence the world around us. First, it’s important to gain an understanding of the way in which life works as well as what it means to be human. We can then repeatedly leverage our skills and focus our energy in such a manner as to attract what we want, excel beyond expectation, and enhance the environment that sustains us. As we see from professional athletes, musicians, or scholars, for example, proper focus and frequent practice lead to great proficiency over time. When we combine relevant knowledge with experience, only then can we truly comprehend the nuances of life and realize our goals and dreams.

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Realization = Knowledge + Experience

 

Realization is essentially the process through which we become fully conscious and after which we can tap in to our full potential. It’s a relatively simple concept, but given the responsibilities and distractions of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of at times. The first part of realization is proper knowledge, which is something that can be obtained at will. We can simply explore, inquire with others, and conduct research through whatever sources are available. In regard to experience, it clearly stems from the environments and events to which we’re exposed and is further influenced by our personalities or who we are as individuals. It’s also based on our interpretations and actions. As such, we can control a good deal of what we realize by the way we think and what we choose to do. If we want our lives to improve, then we can choose to make that happen by establishing a plan, acting on it, and utilizing our skills each step of the way. Note, however, that we must act with a certain amount of haste, given that our tickets to this amusement park known as life will expire all too soon.

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