Have you ever been so obsessed with one idea that it takes over your whole life; every moment you become more entrenched, engrossed and enthralled with it until you are ready to explode. This post is my explosion.
Simplicity.
There is an old Shaker song that contains the phrase "'Tis a gift to be simple..." A gift it says. A gift indeed. A priceless treasure in a world where everyone and everything can be bought for a price. Simple pleasures in life that are without price: eating an Otter Pop during a hot summer day; stargazing under a blanket with your special someone; the sweet smile on a child's face when they are missing several teeth; the wind blowing through your hair; figuring out the last clue to a crossword puzzle; running barefoot through the grass; scarves; hiking through a forest in the autumn...orange and yellow leaves falling all around you and the crisp cool air biting your nose.
Perhaps simplicity is the reason I practiced Buddhism. Perhaps simplicity is the reason I am fascinated with the indie/hipster movement. Perhaps simplicity is the reason for my love of nature. Perhaps simplicity helps us see what is truly beautiful in life.
Simplicity because one day that is all we will have. For me, I hope it is sooner than later.
Sincerity.
"I said what I meant and I meant what I said." Is that even possible anymore? We live in a world where deceit and manipulation are acceptable business practices. There was a time when business transactions were concluded by a handshake and a promise. That was the only bond that you needed; your word. People meant what they said. In church on Sunday a man whom I admire greatly addressed the congregation. He is the most sincere man I have ever met in my life. He spoke of supernal things with such conviction and sincerity that I was unable to take my eyes off him. He is soft spoken sensitive man who would give you the world were it in his power. Perhaps it was him that sparked this obsession. I saw him in the hall after the meeting and I informed him I loved his talk and after the customary greetings he asked me, "How are you doing?" A simple enough question. I responded, "I am wonderful." Possibly the most insincere and untrue comment I made that entire day. I could have answered that I was well or I was fair to middlin', but no I said wonderful. Why? I always say it. Wonderful, terrific, or super, those are words that I usually use to describe how I feel and more often than not I use them in honesty. Today was the exception. It struck me as ironic that I am talking to a most sincere man whom I know will actually listen to me and yet all I say is that I am wonderful, that all is well. How often do words fly out of our mouths that hold no meaning to us? Or maybe the better question is how often do we actually listen to someone when they are trying open up to us? How often do we become robots and perform our tasks with no emotion; oblivious to all that exists outside of ourselves?
Imagine the most sincere moment you have experienced in your life. Perhaps it involves your significant other. Or maybe you are alone making promises that only God can hear. Maybe it is an overdue apology to a friend. Chances are when you look back you will remember a feeling, a feeling of power. Power because you know those words had meaning. If you are like me and are incessant with your pondering on the world's sincerity or lack thereof think back to the sincere times for hope. They are calling, " Look back, Look back at me."
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