The conditioning that is prevalent in the majority of western-type societies has created a mythological version of happiness that is highly conditional. It is founded upon ignorance of our essential nature and offers an empty promise that is dependent on one simple word–“when.”
Led by the relentless desires of our ego, we often conclude that life will be dandy: when I find the love of my life; when we move into our new home; when all of our bills are paid; when the dishes are done; when I complete my first marathon; when we have financed our children’s education; when I receive a pay raise; when I summit another mountain; when my book is published; when I buy another fifty pair of shoes; when I buy another motorcycle/boat/thing; when the economy improves; when so-and-so is elected; when our neighbours behave; when I receive an apology for what he/she did twenty-two years, three months, and two days ago; when it’s Friday; when the weather is just right; when the waiter arrives; when I lose/gain twenty pounds; when I’ve had another three (ten?) beers; when I’m living on the west coast (east coast); when he/she/ loves me; when my bank account reflects a certain amount of numbers; when my talent is appreciated; when I can bench press a Buick; and last, but not least, when I’m perfect.
The voice of the ego temptingly assures us that we will be happy when our desires are fulfilled; but here’s the catch–it’s LYING! The overlooked twist to this conditioning is that NOW is all there ever IS. When we attempt to be happy by fulfilling the desires of the time-bound phantom “self,” we overlook the very non-thing whose nature is happiness Itself. Our BEing is not dependent upon anything to be happy. It rejoices in LIFE, as LIFE. It revels in Isness. Can you, here and now, become still and feel the delightful song of your soul?
Dare to dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🏿🧡
Think2wice 
Powerful and I’d say on point — especially at this ultra-reflective time of year for so many of us. All we have is now? I think that might make an excellent tattoo! 😊 And for some reason, the Beatles “All You Need is Love” is also popping into my head. Thanks for all of that, Art, along with the potent reminder to …”become still and feel the delightful song of your soul…”
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Thank you so much, Victoria! Yes, all there is is NOW. I like what you shared about the Beatles expressing “all you need is love,” too!
Wishing you and your family an absolutely extraordinary NEW YEAR! 🙂
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Thank you, Art — all of that goodness right back to you! Take care! 🥰
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You’re welcome! Thank you for your kind wish, too! 🙂
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Another great post Art. I really enjoyed your list of “when’s” — especially bench pressing a Buick and the 22-year, three-month, two-day overdue apology. A beautiful visual of insanity at its finest! Thanks for the wisdom and the chuckle. And Happy New Year!
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Thank you so much, Julia; I’m glad that you enjoyed the post, and that it brought images to mind. I must admit that I liked the twenty-two year, three-month, and two-day overdue apology, too! To thiink that we can be enslaved by a thought of what we are–when in reality, we can just BE.
Thanks for your kind wish for the New Year. Wishing you an amazing New Year, too!
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“Can you, here and now, become still and feel the delightful song of your soul?” Yes!
Another thought: “When” we get there it’s often not what we thought it would be. Reminds me of the song I shared the other day, Right on Time – the line, “All of your wishes are stealing your joy.”
Have a wonderful week!
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I’m so glad that you’re answer is “YES!” Happy for you, Michele!
I agree, Michele, and when we get “there” it’s “here.” “There” is always out from us.
I think the key is to have our desires, but (as wisdom teaches) don’t be attached to the outcomes. Be fine with, and without.
Thanks for your kind wish! Wishing you a agreat week, too!
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It does feel good to answer yes and detaching from the outcome does free up precious energy. 😊 Thank you!
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Looked at the lyrics to several songs with that title, Michele, even one where the poster meant “Ride” not “Right”-who sang your Right on Time song? Thanks.
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The artist is Rob Riccardo. 🎶 I hope Art doesn’t mind… I will share a recent post where I featured this song. Art, please delete if you do mind. I won’t mind. 😁
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Not at all, Michele! I’m glad that you shared the link! 🙂
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👍🏻🙏🏻
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🙂
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Wow. This was another scorcher, Art. I wish a lot more people would make themselves aware of ideas like this, it would do them a lot of good. I’ll do my part and share this on LI now…
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Thank you so much, Jack! You are so kind. I truly hope that people will benefit from reading the post. I know that I was once driven by my ego–“i” simply HAD to achieve to feel worthy or successful. Baaa, humbug–it’s baloney. LIFE is glorious…here and now. I appreciate YOU just for being. 🙏🏻 Wishing you a fantastic week!
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