Unintentional Inspiration

• I cannot think of a single book that has received worldwide acclaim for its inspirational impact that was not intentionally written to convey its contents to others, with the exception of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. He ruled Rome as emperor from 161-180 AD. During this period, he kept a personal journal containing aphorisms, admonishments, observations and insights intended for his personal review and consideration. 

  
  

  Although he never intended others to view his writings, after his death his journal was found to be so inspirational that is was copied repeatedly. The structure of Meditations can sometimes be a little awkward, but the contents frequently reveal the seeds of contemporary thoughts. Undoubtedly this is due to the fact that so many influential individuals have read it repeatedly, absorbing and conveying the wisdom contained in it.

  
  

  I find it a continual source of enlightenment.  It seems that every time I read it, I encounter a new thought that challenges and stimulates my thinking. These candidly unedited writings permit us to explore many of the  most meaningful thoughts Aurelius preserved for himself. Although I may not always agree with what is presented, I am, nonetheless, challenged to clarify my own position on any given topic.

  
  

  What follows are just a few quotes that will hopefully encourage you to read it for yourself.

  
  

  - Stop talking about what a good man is like and just be one.

  
  

  - It never ceases to amaze me.  We all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.

  
  

  - Choose not to be harmed, and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed, and you haven’t been.

  
  

  - What doesn’t transmit light creates its own darkness.

  
  

  - A straight forward honest person should be like someone who stinks. When you’re in the same room with him you know it.  

  
  

  - The despicable phoniness of people who say,”Listen, I’m going to level with you here.” What does that mean? It shouldn’t even need to be said. It should be obvious, written in block letters on your forehead. It should be audible in your voice, visible in your eyes like a lover who looks into your eyes and takes in the whole story at a glance. 

  
  

  - When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself the people I deal with today will be mettling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous and surly. They are like this because they cannot tell good from evil. But, I have seen the beauty of good and the ugliness of evil and have recognized that the wrongdoer has a nature related to my own, not of the same blood or birth, but the same mind and possessing a share of the divine.

Interior Design

I have always found the idea of hiring an interior decorator to design a family home odd. Because there is no ideal style. Decisions merely reflect arbitrary personal  opinions and tastes whether professional or not.  If ten designers were independently consulted, there would be ten different designs. It seems to me that the question is whether I want a comfortable and functional place to live or something that may or may not impress those who enter. 

I suppose that interior decorators could serve as knowledgable resources, but the ultimate decisions should be made by those who will be living there.  Of course, with all of the resources available on the internet, I still wonder about the need to spend money for ‘professional’ opinions. I am sure that part of my attitude is due to the fact that I think homes should look lived in rather than being ready to appear in a magazine. As long as the home is structurally sound, neat, clean and suits the daily needs of the inhabitants shouldn’t that be enough?  Do we really need the approval of others in order to thoroughly enjoy our dwellings?

Similarly, how should we develop our inner life?  Do we need professional mandates about our spiritual, emotional, intellectual and psychological state? Certainly there are innumerable religious, political, social and commercial ’experts’ vying for our allegiance and ready to tell us what to think, believe and do. Judging from the popularity of internet influencers, it appears that many enjoy the simplicity of following the guidance these interior designers offer. 

In my home, I like an eclectic approach. The same is true about my inner life.  For several decades, I viewed the Bible as the infallible word of God to be interpreted literally.  I still revere the moral teachings, but no longer consider its the sole source of inspiration.  I have benefitted from contemporary authors, but find my most cherished guidance among the ancient writings of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Stoics.  

As a species, humanity’s technological evolution has been amazing.  However, socially, mentally, and spiritually we have not changed much.  That is why insights from antiquity are still poignantly relevant to modern humanity . A wonderful collection of quotes and insights from around the world and over thousands of years was compiled by Leo Tolstoy near the turn of the twentieth century.  It is titled "A Calendar of Wisdom" and illustrates this point quite well.

In Greece twenty-five hundred years ago, there was an ancient inscription on a pillar along the pathway to the Oracle of Delphi that read, “Know Thyself.” Judging from the billions of dollars that are spent annually on mental health services, this seems like sound advice today. Unfortunately, it often appears that people do not take time to consider the origin, composition or validity of their beliefs, motivations, moral compass or other aspects of their inner being. Too often, it is left to chance or the influence and/or manipulation  of others. Socrates  addressed this shortcoming when he said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” We should certainly be open to guidance and inspiration from various sources, but if we hope to live completely authentic lives, ultimately, we must become our own interior designers.

 

  

Twilight Years

 I recently turned 75- ears old.  It has spawned a fair amount of reflection.  Most recently, I have reached an amazing level of  contentment.  

It is as though I am sitting in an old rocker  on the porch of a weathered farmhouse after a long day of hard work. With a cold glass of iced tea in hand, I am gazing out over wheat fields that are being bathed in the evening hews of a setting sun as it slowly dips below the distant horizon.  I know that the sun will eventually set, and the last rays will disappear.  I’m not quite sure when that will occur, but that is alright because I am not in any hurry to go to bed. 

There are several tasks that were left undone, but overall I am satisfied with my accomplishments. others will simply have to take care of those things I didn’t get around to. My minor aches and pains have been honestly earned, and I welcome the time when I will be able to eventually lie  down for a well deserved sleep.  

 

Back Again

 It has been several years since I have made an entry. I chose to stop posting because my vision was declining seriously, and it was increasingly difficult for me to locate and correct misspellings and typos. In the interim I have moved from New Port Richey, Florida to Barboursville, West Virginia and now I am learning to use a Mac computer which is giving me greater control over my ability to correct my writing so I plan to begin posting items again in the very near future. It is my hope that any who have enjoyed this blog in the past may rediscover it.