Don't bother reading this, you already have all you need. Whether you are facing drought or worrying about politics or trying to cheer someone who is down, you know what you can do and what you can't. You simply do what you can for each need, including your own needs.
Generally, your own needs should have a high priority and come first on some days. You know, in case of loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will appear. If accompanying a small child, get your own mask on first and then attend the child. (It won't be good if you black out while trying to help the child.)
Several Eastern wisdom traditions use tales of a beggar trying to scrape together enough food to live, all the while carrying a jewel of immense value in the hem of a garment, sewn there by his mother just before she died. Yes, we do already bear within ourselves the strengths, abilities, insights and motivations we need for many of our purposes. We just have to realize that we have what we need and to make use of what we have.
Note: our society is so taken with drive and rah-rah, mustering energy and reaching the mountaintop, preferably after a harrowing but ultimately successful struggle, that actually facing all one's current riches and contentments can feel very wrong. Besides, most of us just are not built to sit contentedly and do nothing else. True, I have what I need but I am still jiggly, still antsy, still in need of activity, challenge and feelings of attainment.
I have always loved this quote from the 2nd president of the U.S.:
I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and porcelain.
At some age, we may have the time and money, the strength and health needed to study painting, poetry, music, and blogging. At such times, it can feel wrong not to be engaged in increasing our bank accounts. It can feel that one is lackadaisical and superficial.
Don't bother feeling that way.
Main blog: Fear, Fun and Filoz
Main web site: Kirbyvariety
