I have spent more than half a lifetime seeking happiness, and as others, experienced much hardship and disappointment. After deep contemplation I've discovered afflictions rather than adversaries have been guides to ever-greater insight, wisdom and happiness while gradually realizing most commonly accepted symbols of prosperity to be misleading and driven by insecurities, conventionalism and marketing influences.

When people seek fame, fortune and social status usually what they really want is love, to feel special and control. But such an approach is in herently fleeting and superficial while often evoking negatives: Jealousy, superiority, etc. It's ironic that such traits are a model in our culture and continue to be emulated as evidence of intelligence and sophistication without noting that worldly success inevitably results in diminishing gratification while "failure" tends to stimulate circumspection and adaptation of that which is of real and enduring value.

Though the devil may seem in the living and details the essence of what nurtures ever-greater fulfillment and of greatest worth has become clear: Being aware of the unlimited ever-expanding potential and wondrous beauty of one's higher nature and trying to be in this elevated self regardless of circumstances. It's funny, but doing so seems to also bring out the better in others and situations.

It would seem experience mated with time are necessary to apprehend and instill harmonious living and remind us of the comprehensive worth of our individualized greater nature -Persisting in cultivating simplicity, compassionate affinity and interconnectedness bringing far greater empowerment while gradually manifesting in return the most comprehensive and deepest affection, knowledge and fulfillment.

I believe trying to naturalize and integrate such elevated individual- ized qualities for their own sake in spite of our own and others short-comings to be the essence of what is unifying and worthiest in ourselves, and therefore sacred. - While doing so without further expectation of reward the noblest of aspirations.

-bk

From the Harbors of Light Collection: Inspirational writings, thoughts for the day, literature,
poetry and prose from Brad Kalita, founder of Gathering Light ... a retreat.

Inspirational Writings and Original Music
with Scenic Highlights.

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Music ~ What We Really Need ~ by Brad Kalita, author and composer
and founder of Gathering Light Retreat.

Spirited Visionary Dreamscapes ~ Lost Horizons ~ Prince of Summer.