I’m not sure when it happened but I’ve noticed a total feeling of calm within recently, not a Godly type calm but certainly some type of spiritual calm – I’m sure its not enlightenment, an awakening or achieving meaning. But its refreshing…whatever this feeling is.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not floating on hallucianating mushrooms or any other chemical substance – but the serotinin levels in me are delivering a new experience. Is this midlife or the ‘meno-porsche’ as some like to call it? I doubt it – I believe it has much to do with how I choose to live my life. Positively with enthusiasm and accepting things I can not change.
That does not mean I am a pushover by any means – but it does mean I tolerate more, much, much more than I ever did before. It also means I communicate more openly and honestly – with anyone and everyone. My choices in my life have much to do with this – I became a vegetarian and then gradually converted to vegan. I gave up all alcohol and learning to meditate – to think without clutter. I exercise daily and I treat all others equally.
I set about my daily life with enthusiasm – Emerson said “Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Enthusiasm. One of my absolute favorite words. Did you know that it comes from the Greek enthous “possessed by a god” (theos (God) and en (within)) So, when you’re enthusiastic, your God (or as I prefer my spirital goodness) is within you. And, equally important, when you are NOT enthusiastic, your goodness has left you.
People ask me – “Colin do you ever get angry, because I can’t imagine it” – sure things upset me, but anger and frustration are negative emotions that become a vicious circle. Learning to accept is moving towards another level – I like this feeling. It is without question one of the most enjoyable parts of my life and I hope that I am able to pass on much of my enthusiasm to all I meet and they can also benefit in their lives.
So what have I stopped doing, well in addition to my choice of diet, alcohol – the one biggest lesson I have learnt is not to blame others – I leave you with a great quote from Xi Zhi “You should examine yourself daily, if you find faults, you should correct them. When you find none, you should try even harder’ Give it a try and I hope that you find the inner peace I have.
