Strange; this life can feel so strange. We are born into an environment that seems to compel us to reach and continue to reach. As children, we learn the rules early: kindergarten is meant to lead to Grade 1, Grade 2, and so on. We are taught, explicitly and implicitly, that we should strive, reach, become more, and make something of ourselves. And to that end, we often unwittingly sacrifice a greater gift to the false gods of materialism, success, and money. The price of our ignorance can be very steep.
Some years ago, the title of this article would have seemed nonsensical to me; I would not have understood. The very concept of being “right,” where I am would have been paramount to capitulation to life, itself. Without a figurative mountain to climb or a vision to achieve, I would have felt lost. Without purpose, what would be the sense of living? At that time, the notion of Being, at least to me, was such a nebulous concept; for life was in the dreaming, doing, and achieving. Such misguided thinking seemed to offer two paths labelled Success and Failure–and who of us desires to tread the latter? I spent a lifetime trying to succeed, and in the process discovered that I had not lived.
Now (“right,” where I am), we may discover–if we still ourselves and awaken–that everything is, was, and always will be, just fine. Beyond the machinations of the mind, we may realize that now we don’t need to go anywhere, or be greater than “That” which we are in reality. Here and now, in this glorious moment–not the next, or the one following it–a greater realization may also dawn: that we are not alone. The One is with us, and was with us, from the start. One: pervading everthing, everywhere. One: beyond time, eternal. One: within our family, friends, and so-called foes. One: in every rock, tree, and butterfly. One: the All in All, including us.
What does “right,” where I Am mean? It means fine with, and fine without. It means to be accepting of that which is, and that which is not. It means to be at peace, and living in such a way that we’re not always striving to be somewhere else. It means creating joyously, but from the detached perspective of wisdom. It means to be grateful; dwelling with the Creator of our breath. Lastly, it means that we may rest; for we know that “right,” where I am; so, too, is God.
Dare to Dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell
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If you enjoyed this article, you can find more of my writing at my personal blog at https://think2wice.me/. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey.
“It means to be at peace, and living in such a way that we’re not always striving to be somewhere else.” I felt this.
Hello Maria,
I’m glad if my post resonated with you! Thank you for taking the time to comment! 🙏
Love this! Timely reminder to ‘bloom where planted’. Thank you for your wise words!
Hello Liz,
I’m so glad that you enjoyed my post! Yes, I agree that it’s important to bloom where we planted, and be grateful! Thank you for taking the time to comment! 🙂
Such an elegant concept, and so difficult for me to get my head around. It is always great to have someone help me to remember with such a lovely reminder as this.
It is okay to want to grow, and it is okay to pursue your passion. It is okay to have drive and desire and think about the future. We just can’t live there in our heads, and hang our happiness on those things coming into being the way we imagine. It is okay to be regretful and to think about things that we wish we would have done differently. It is okay to mourn those who are no longer with us and think about the memories we had together. We just can’t live in the past either.
Everything is, here and now. We have everything that we have, and the people that are in our lives are the people we can love right now, and that includes ourselves.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about this, Andy!
Insightful writing, R. Arthur. ✨ This stood out to me: “It means creating joyously, but from the detached perspective of wisdom.” 🙏🏻
Thank you so much, Michele. I’m glad that you enjoyed the post. I appreciate your taking the timen to comment! 🙏
You are welcome. Thank you!
Nice post, Art! Can you imagine the peace in the world if everyone could be “right” where they are? Beautiful!
Thank you, Wynne! Yes, there would be peace, for sure! You’ve given me a smile–much appreciated! Wishing you a weekend that is “right” where you are. 🙂
Beautiful post Art. I’ve missed your words! I believe peace can only be found by turning our attention toward the present. Wishing you well Art 🙏
Thank you so much, AP2! I initially wrote the draft of that post several years ago. Keep your drafts–you never know when you’re going to add to them. 🙏
I have snippets/drafts all over the place. Sometimes I return to them. Often I forget all about them. I’ll keep that in mind. Cheers Art
Beautiful 🙏
Thank you, Todd!