The Amateur's Guide to Wisdom and Contentness

Never before has my search for wisdom manifested itself more than in these past months. It seems like the unfortunate series of events that presently plague our world triggered my conviction in searching for more wisdom. Having wisdom is essential to our lives; it opens the door to indispensable treasures such as understanding, happiness, and peace of mind. During these troubling times, content ness should be our greatest favor. Perhaps being content with what we have is most difficult because the condition of the world continues to worsen. But let us look at this unfortunate event from a different perspective. Sure we may not have the material possessions we use to have, nor do we have the same influence as we previously had. However, as long as we still have our families, food on the table, and a roof to take shelter in, should that not be the ticket to our happiness? How foolish it is to believe that money and power is the greatest source of happiness. If that is the case, then the simple treasures that are present in our everyday lives will become irrelevant. In fact, was it not man’s persistent thirst for wealth that contributed to this present crisis? Of course, this is nothing new; ever since the beginning of man greediness has always been present. Now greediness is manifested in the form of a global economic crisis. Assuredly we will never experience another catastrophe such this present one if we just were kind to one another. Sadly, such an occurrence will never happen, so we can only hope for a better tomorrow. The problems that now plague our world are too real and terrifying. Perhaps even more terrifying is waking up the next day with even more burdens that the previous.

There is no one that is spared from the crisis that burdens our world. No man or woman is impervious to the problems of everyday life. Going back to my point regarding the acquisition of wisdom, this may be the key to coping with everyday stresses. Of course, wisdom is not an intuition we are born with. It is something that accumulates as we live out our lives. The extent of our wisdom is manifested in the decisions we make everyday. We all have a collection of wisdom inside our minds. So often we cannot tap into our inner selves because of our surroundings. Why not stop for a moment, take a deep breath and venture towards the outside world. Take a hike on the highest hill you can find, get to the highest point then remain there for as long as time permits. Look towards the horizon and see the beautiful landscapes. How inconceivable it must be to even fathom its beauty! How can something so sublime be crafted by the elements that are present in our everyday lives. Perhaps you found it hard to believe because you mind has accumulated so much despair that you simply forgot about the simple treasures you see everyday. Now your mind is free of any congestion. Free to dwell upon the deepest thoughts and feelings lurking inside your mind. To remember the events in your life that bought overwhelming joy. The moments that made you proud to be whom you are. Even the moments that forever changed your life.

Perhaps this moment of recollection may be a moment that forever changes your life. This moment may be the opportunity to step outside the boundaries of what is conceivable. Questions that we would never try to comprehend. Like the concept of time. According to Lao Tzu “time is a created thing” so then what is this moment you are living. Could you be in a moment of infinity? If so then where does infinity start, or end? Or the purpose of life. Tomorrow you will probably be back in the office once again filing your papers. So what that lead to? Of course you would say “simply to assure myself and my family food on the table and a roof to take shelter in.” If at this moment you are asking yourself “is this what life is all about?” then you are seeking for understanding.

That is what is so beautiful about wisdom! You see elements in life from another perspective. Life is not just about filing documents or putting bread on the table. In fact life is everywhere; in the birds of the air, water in the sea, the leaves on the trees, everything is full of life. Now you see life as a work of art, all the things we took for granted now have color. The sky and the clouds are no longer black and white and the grass is much greener. Everything is clear, as it should be. Wiped away are the blemishes that darken this earth. The wars that kill the innocent, the murders on our streets, hate, racism, families being driven away from their homes, and all the like dare not disturb us in this solitude. There are no human capitals in sight; all that we see is purely nature. Witness now the earth in its true form. Here, there are no laws necessary to maintain order, but who needs order when it has been maintained since the beginning. Even before the creation of time, nature has maintained itself in perfect harmony. In our society, there is a constant need for the creation of new laws to maintain order. Even then, we do not conduct ourselves in a manner that brings peace and balance. Perhaps we should just wipe out all the rules and just rely on our instincts and intuition. However, such a concept is too radical to be practiced. Instead of bringing peace and balance, it will allow for further unrest and disturbance. We are simply too proud of ourselves.

In no way will we be able to co-exist with one another without biting each other’s head. It may work for a certain amount of time, but at some point, there will always be that face in the crowd yearning to ascend everyone else. No one is at fault here; it is human nature to take advantage of their fellow man. Such is not the case in the kingdom of nature. A mouse will accept that it is at the bottom of the food chain. Under no circumstance will the mouse play the role of the lion. It may have the ambition to become strong and mighty like the lion but it will never be the lion. It is a simple concept really; in nature, the lion is the supreme hunter and the mouse is where it stands at the bottom. That is how it has been and until the end of time, that is how it will stand.

So now as you ponder upon the works of The Almighty, think not about the impurities that make us human, that is something we can never change. Be at peace with yourself. Rejoice for you were given this privilege to escape from the bondage of the cruel world. Let this defining moment be the rock of your strength. The foundation that will never crumble. Remember the Almighty and all of his great works. When life gets you down, seek out this solitude. May it be the hiding place when trouble seems to find you at every corner. Continue seeking for wisdom, for understanding, for insight. Look for the very purpose why you wake up everyday. Hopefully one day, stars aligned, you may find true content.