Category: Purpose

Hashtag (#) Everyone

How paradoxical truth IS…

Humankind is being sold a story of the apparent good life, and the majority of persons unwittingly buy it without examining it for value. I, for one, buy it no more. On the surface, the story seems bright, shiny, and sensible; a story that deserves to be placed on a high shelf in our lives. At some point, however, many of us learn that the degree of truth contained within the story is equivalent to the facts found in the rag magazines at the grocery store checkout line. The story promises, but it doesn’t deliver.

There are various versions of the story related to name, fame, and achievement; but the theme always remains the same: “If you, little Johnny or Mary, work hard enough, sacrifice enough, and keep your nose to the grindstone long enough, you can make something of yourself. You can be a success, become a somebody, and, thus, be happy.”

With that dangling carrot in mind, the false donkey “i” within us pulls back its shoulders and goes to work. Thoughts inform us that we must build an impressive resumé and be noticed to be worthy of the happiness we desire. We practice our hashtagging skills at every opportunity. We #this about ourselves, and we #that; #I was #here–don’t you know; and #I was #there. In our mind, life revolves around me and my story.

As long as we continue to feed the insatiable appetite of our ego, we will #never…#be…#happy. Through wisdom, we can finally realize the insanity of the story we’ve been telling. How long is it–really–before the luster of the shiny new car wears off? How long is it--really–before the promotion that promised happiness is realized for what it is? How long is it–really–before the perfect partner we adored doesn’t meet our needs?

So what’s the paradoxical truth alluded to at the beginning of this post? That the happiness we seek is recognized when we are empty of the “self” that requires anything in order to be happy. We discover–quite surprisingly–that we’re naturally most joyous when we:

#Give of our Heart,

 #Be of Service,

and

#Share our Resources

And that’s not a story–it’s the Truth. I can’t imagine an emptier way to live than for #me, #me, #me.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2023 – 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), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🧡

One Serving One

In 1998, Joseph decided to follow his passion; he took a leap of faith and opened his small diner. By the menu standards of other restaurants, the food that he offers is basic–burgers and fries, hotdogs, chili, stew, pulled pork sandwiches, and homemade soups and biscuits. Joseph runs his business simply but efficiently. When customers arrive, they’re directed to approach the front counter, place their order from the large menu board, and then take a number when they pay. When their number is called, they return to the counter to pick up their tray of food.

In the first two years of business, Joseph began to wonder if opening his diner had been a mistake. On many days, the flow of customers was pitifully slow. Initially he blamed the situation on the fact that his diner wasn’t on a major thoroughfare; but then he also noticed that first-time customers who trickled in rarely returned. He worked long hours just to make enough to pay the bills. In his desire to “get” success, Joseph seemed to be failing miserably.

The situation changed soon after Joseph experienced a startling revelation about his essential nature. His focus turned toward “giving” each and every one of his customers a successful dining experience; which meant serving them the best meals possible in a kind and courteous manner. He wanted them to feel his love for them. In the following months, his business quadrupled; and many of the first-time customers became regulars. Family and friends assumed that his business had only been saved by luck; but Joseph knew the real reason:

For more than twenty years, Joseph has secretly whispered to himself when customers come to pick up their food at the counter. Although he outwardly calls their number tag (e.g. “Serving #17”), in his heart he knows the truth that he’s actually “One Serving One.” He realizes that his customers are within him; and he’s within them. Together they’re a success. God in apparent form is serving God in the forms of guests. And therein lies the secret of his success. As a result, the people who visit his restaurant often think of it as a loving sanctuary, more than a restaurant.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2023 – 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), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡