of hardened 'facts',
a lonely broken heart
struggles in the dark ...
While all around,
joyous love
dances in spacious abundance.
What if chasing after our own happiness actually PREVENTS us from living joyfully?
This is not a philosophical question, but a very PRACTICAL LIFE CHOICE!
Throughout history, philosophers, sages, mystics & saints of every tradition, all over the world, have advised us to treat others how we ourselves wish to be treated - hence referred to as the "golden rule." Now even research into near-death experiences (NDEs) shows that all sorts of people, regardless of their previous belief system - if any, and regardless of how they previously lived - even criminals, tend to land on the same deep conviction - that the "golden rule" is a universal law of life AND their behavior from then on reflects this.
Bruce Greyson. “After. A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond.” St. Martin’s, 2021.
We humans seem compelled to try just about every alternative, before giving the most reasonable advice a try. DIRECT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE is ultimately what we all trust.
So when you're ready, no matter how miserable you may feel, shift your focus from "poor me" and instead focus your kind nurturing attention on another person, animal, plant, or even inanimate object. Appropriate self-care & self-compassion (vs obsessing over / spoiling oneself) are part of the golden rule. Gently, patiently start letting go of compulsive self-centeredness, and open your heart-mind to those around you, including animals, plants, the environment. Gradually shift into becoming the source of nurturing unconditional love for everyone & everything around you. WAKE UP and FEEL the difference!
Many among us are AWAKENING - attaining "an ongoing state of inner peace and wholeness with a sense of connection or unity with the world around them, and a selfless desire to love and support their fellow human beings.
In many ways, awakened individuals experience a higher-functioning state that makes life more fulfilling, exhilarating, and meaningful … As a result of this internal shift, they often make major changes to their lives. They begin new careers, hobbies, and relationships. They feel a strong impulse to make positive contributions to the world, to live in meaningful and purposeful ways, rather than simply trying to satisfy their own desires, enjoy themselves, or pass the time.”
Steve Taylor. “The Leap. The Psychology of Spiritual Awakening.” New World Library, 2017.
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy."
Rabindranath Tagore