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 recognized by “others;” 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 when our desires are fulfilled, we will be happy; but here’s the catch–it’s LYING! The sad, and often overlooked, twist to this conditioning is that NOW is all there ever IS. When we attempt to acquire happiness 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. 🙏🏿🧡