Human TuneUp Column by Cath
Tricky, but Essential
Oh, if only people in Washington would get along and get things done.
Oh, if only corporate greed and habits would not be ruining our environment.
Oh. if only men would quit starting wars and stop raping women.
If only there were cures for such devastating diseases as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
If only we weren’t so addicted to electricity and consumerism.
If only thieves, murderers and druggies would stop, just stop.
When I think of the world we live in, these are a few of the issues I wish were different and solved.
But then one day I realized I couldn’t wait until all of those changes occurred in order to enjoy my life.
My first thought to living more peacefully was this: no matter the problem or issue, someone is working on them. I find comfort in that.
I was helped also to live at peace, no matter what, by my mentor, Joseph Campbell, who wrote: “Participate with joy in the sorrows of the world.” Part of his suggestion for doing this was to create a sacred space to retreat to when needed: a place to disengage from the temporal world.
I was helped also by Oliver Sacks, a professor of neurology at the New York University School of Medicine, and author of the book “Awakenings.”
Upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, he wrote: “I feel a sudden clear focus and perspective. There is no time for anything inessential. I shall no longer look at “NewsHour” every night. I shall no longer pay any attention to politics or arguments about global warming. This is not indifference but detachment — I still care deeply… but these are no longer my business; they belong to the future.’
Not easy, but these are ways to think and be that allow us to live more peacefully in this world we wish transformed.
Cath DeStefano, CEO, Speaker, Author, Fun Workshop Leader
Customer Service TuneUps I HeArt Fests I www.HumanTuneUp.com
Category: Life Style
