Time and Attention: The True Wealth of Existence
As I close in on 50, the realisation has set in that life is a profound journey that orbits around one inevitable truth - our time on this earth is finite, ticking away with each passing second. This inescapable reality subtly but deeply influences our actions, priorities, and emotions. Whether we acknowledge it or not, this relentless ticking forms a backdrop to our lives, a stage on which our regrets, joys, ambitions, and contentment play out.
Our fleeting existence is akin to an irretrievable treasure, its value magnified by its impermanence. We often forget this priceless asset, getting caught up in the trappings of the mundane, overlooking the urgency of our ticking clocks.
Attention: The Key to Experiencing Time
Yet time alone is not the only crucial element of our existence. It's how we devote our attention that truly matters. It's not enough to merely guard our time - we must also utilise it wisely. As the saying goes, “A day squandered is a day lost forever”.
In our quest for joy and tranquillity, we discover that these states of mind can often be found in unexpected situations. Even when circumstances aren't optimal, we can cultivate radiant happiness. This is a testament to the power of attention and the state of mind you cultivate.
The Illusory Quest for Control
However, we must also accept that life is an ever-changing, evolving entity. We can never achieve absolute stability or control over our experiences. Our hard-earned accomplishments become mere memories, fuel for reflection as we contemplate our next steps.
Life presents an ongoing challenge - a cycle of goal-setting, achievement, and the pursuit of the next objective. In all areas - ethically, intellectually, and in terms of our well-being - the journey never ceases. The impermanence of existence ensures we never truly arrive at a permanent destination.
Understanding Satisfaction: A Mirage of Perfection
The illusion of satisfaction often lies in organising our life's elements perfectly: an ideal job, the right relationship, the dream house, health, and prosperity. We strive to tick off the ultimate to-do list, aiming to reach a state of perceived completion.
However, once attained, we quickly realise the effort required to sustain it, battling against the entropy of existence. Relationships need nurturing, wealth requires managing, health and fitness demand constant attention. Even with everything in hand, satisfaction remains elusive as our desires morph and shift, constantly redefining the goalposts.
Embracing the Passage of Time
As time progresses and we age, wisdom often follows, though not always. Life's hard knocks, the loss of loved ones, or significant career setbacks can trigger introspection. We come to realise that the allure of many societal and psychological goals may have been distracting us from the underlying principle of existence: the pursuit of happiness.
However, this pursuit of ‘happiness’ often contains the seed of its own dissatisfaction. Happiness never arrives as a final destination, a realisation that compels us to appreciate our present moment. This doesn't mean we cease striving for improvement; instead, we learn to appreciate our current state while moving forward, seeking creativity, beauty, and enjoyment in life's journey.
The Power of Process-Oriented Living
As I close in on 50, I have come to the realisation that I need to shift focus from goals to processes, as life is ultimately an ongoing journey. The experience of achieving goals is fleeting – a momentary high, an idea transformed into a memory.
What I have realised is that to have a truly satisfying life, we must shift from this goal-oriented mindset to embracing the process. This process-oriented living allows us to find fulfilment in our journey and transforms our relationship with time, helping us value the impermanent, beautiful, and fleeting moments of our lives.