I recently had the very good fortune to spend time in Mexico with some very dear friends. Alicia and I went for a rejuvenating rest, but I received much more by meeting some other people that we discovered we very like-minded and open hearted. They gave me some gifts of insight by their very lives and the serious challenges they had risen to embrace. I wish to share what I came away with.
It seems in youth, at least in my youth, I had the feeling/illusion I would live forever/young. As I reached middle age, I realized my invulnerable youth had now passed, but I didn’t feel old. I just passed my 60th birthday and I still feel youthful and vital, although I am not certain I appear that way to others who don’t know me. I am now looking ahead to the next 50 years of my life realizing that I certainly will not feel quite so youthful at some point in the future.
So even if living past 100, what in the end will I consider as valuable in my life? The things of this world, like money and personal possessions never gave me much of a thrill and I chose not to pursue them as my focus. It seems what I have expended a lot of time and energy toward is building community, which included friends and family. I have had my share of ups and downs in this arena, but the lows, regardless of the heartbreak, never dissuaded me that building community is a valuable life pursuit with many collateral benefits.
I experienced early in my life that “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts” or in the words of Margaret Mead:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
I participated in a variety of community endeavors over the decades, where I became convinced that synergy is a tangible and potent energy to amplify people’s individual efforts of working together.
From my view, this worldly life is about relationships and joining together with others of like mind in a meaningful purpose. It holds great satisfaction and is well worth the inevitable struggle. An altruistic pursuit, in one way, is actually selfish because the apparent giver is also a receiver – “as you give, so shall you receive.” The giver’s benefit may be a subtle gratification that feeds more generosity. The catch is if one gives from an egotistical place, what comes back only echoes the smallness of that self-centered giving.
If one participates if the circle of giving/receiving in a selfless way, the whole universe arrives on your doorstep. Rumi says, “Here’s a bargain, give your life and receive ten thousand.” What I can offer on a daily basis is my time (being present), my talents, my capacity to think critically and creatively, and the passion of this heart. What reverberates back reflects the potential greatness of every human being.
When I draw my last breathe in this fragile world, whether tomorrow or in 50 years, I know, with certainty, I will have personal shortcomings to face, as I am a human being. My hope is that I have wisely invested my life in this world, so my time and efforts provide some benefits to those around me. For me, the answer to the question, In the End What Is of Value??? – the value is in theapplication of the depth and width of the relationship of love you have with those around you. Simple, but not easy – but those details are for another time.
Synergy of a few to make something of value
Best to You,
Greg
