It is so easy to notice what is missing in our lives especially when we swim in a culture where there is an agreement, an obsession, on what is missing. If you are wondering what I am talking about then think about what is wrong – with you, with your colleagues, with your friends, with your family, with your loved ones, with your work, with the economy, with government, with your society, with the world. You might be wondering what has ‘what is wrong’ to do with what is missing? Wrong signifies that something is missing – specifically, the state of perfection is missing.
Being fixated with that which is wrong/missing is the default way of being that goes with the ordinary way of being-in-the-world especially if you/I live in the most prosperous countries. This fixation leaves us feeling dissatisfied at best. At worst it can and does leave us frustrated, annoyed, angry and even bitter. That does not occur to me as being great places to be in.
I say that even in these difficult times you/I have so much to be grateful for! I say that even in these difficult times our lives are easy. I say that even in these difficult times we should take the time, especially as it is Christmas, to get present to how great it is and give thanks for existence just as it is and as it is not.
If your life shows up as difficult then what I say may occur as ‘happy talk’ at best. At worst, it may show up as a lack of sympathy for your suffering. I get that. So, I wish to share with you one of the most moving stories I have read during the course of 2012.
I say that if you make the time to read and be with this story you will be left moved-touched-grateful for the life that is yours. Here is a small abstract:
“As he hears me, he looks up and puts his hands on my cheeks. I pray that God would see this man and see his sufferings and that he would have mercy upon him. When I finish praying I kiss both his hands which are now wet from my tears, stand up, grab my bags and walk away.
When I get to the end of the street I look back to see that he has not moved. His face is in the dust again and I can see his back rise in small convulsions. He is sobbing.”
I invite you to read the full story here. I assure you that this story will touch your humanity, possibly move you tears, and leave you with a profound sense of gratitude for your life as it is and as it is not. How can I be so sure? This is what showed up for me; if you are reading this blog then I am confident that your humanity and my humanity overlap.
Existential Conversations For Playing Big 