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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