Saturday 29 August 2009

The spiritual realm


Once in a while I like to catch a news/talk show that airs on CBC called The Hour. It’s hosted by an ex-Much Music (Canada’s equivalent to MTV) VJ who is probably older than he appears. It’s hard to tell though, he looks like he should be fronting Green Day or attempting a kickflip with his skateboard. You know?

When I first started watching the show, Shaune would politely sit through it, but after a few episodes he would either insist we find something we could both watch or he would simply do something else. I’m not sure why he found it so irritating but I suspect it might have had something to do with the host. I like it however, because the guests are unexpected and sought out for unique reasons. The topics covered are wide and varied from human rights to celebrity updates. You might tune in one day to find former Mexican President Vincente Fox discussing the FIFA cup and then the next episode might feature Kenneth Cole and his efforts to find a cure for AIDS.

Anyway, I caught it a few times this past week when Shaune was working late and Eckhart Tolle was the guest on one episode. I forgot how much I loved reading his last book A New Earth. I read it three times! I really connected with it and I remember talking about it to anyone who would listen. I tend to get a bit excited about a good book and sometimes my audience isn’t quite as engaged as I am convinced they are at the time. It takes me a few days to realize that their silence might not have been rapt attention but probably a preoccupation with creating a mental to-do list or planning their dinner for that evening.

Regardless, I still think about some of the ideals of the book every day. Like this one: Most people treat the present moment as if it were an obstacle that they need to overcome. Since the present moment is Life itself, it is an insane way to live. Or this one which I find so powerful: Those who have not found their true wealth, which is the radiant joy of Being and the deep, unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth. They are looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security, or love, while they have a treasure within that not only includes all those things but is infinitely greater than anything the world can offer.
I'm not saying I live by these ideals all the time. I'm stuck in the ways of this world just as much as the next guy. But there's something freeing about knowing life could be different. You know?

9 comments:

  1. I love how you search for the deep meaning in life. Quotes and words can be so inspiring and make us rethink or reflect about ourselves. I'm always searching for something. I don't have faith the way most people do (wish I did but right now, I don't). Perhaps that is why I love U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" so very much. I go with my gut on most things. And my gut says that you are insightful, funny and worth visiting again and again. I love your blog!

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  2. These quotes are especially meaningful for me today, I just had news about a friend that has fourth stage liver cancer. I want to live this moment now, I want to CONNECT with those around me NOW. You just never know how much longer you have left, and it's so easy to get caught up in the everydayness and when we do that the moments slip by and all we were doing was fretting and worrying. It's hard, isn't it? To focus on what we have, instead of on what we don't have?

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  3. I love that line about true wealth, "the radiant joy of being". How often we all forget the miracle of life in each breath that we take. I do get caught up in my day to day craziness with the kids and forget to enjoy each and every moment (even the crazy ones). Life is too short. It is the ultimate gift that we need to unwrap and enjoy each and every chance we get. Another beautifully written post. Your posts are gifts to me, Kim!

    By the way, I tagged you for a meme today. Of course, only play along if you like :) Happy Saturday!

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  4. I love those quotes. I think we could all do better if we tried to incorporate them more into our lives.

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  5. Kim-I think I get it. will think on it some more. ~rick

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  6. Wonderful quotes!! Sounds like a great book.

    Speaking of great books... I FINALLY started reading Eat, Pray, Love this weekend (I had some other reading I was finishing up before I started) AND I LOVE IT. Seriously... thank you again for sending it my way. :)

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  7. This is a book I keep meaning to read, and you've mad me put it up at the top of my list.

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  8. Kim, so true. I should read the book again myself. It needs to become of a part of my being to help me become more and more conscious and appreciative of the NOW. Thanks for the reminder my friend. :)

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  9. I couldn't get through the first chapter of that book, however, I agree with the principles you mentioned. We all need reminders to adjust our perspectives.

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