The Teachings Of The Grim Reaper
And the secret of life
It seems that the true, bona fide secret to life is to learn how to enjoy the moment. It sounds basic, but flashes of gratitude and joy transmute back into anxiety way too fast to leave me much time to occupy the present.
Brushes with loss or death can help me wake up and Carpe the Diem a little more, here or there, but that also fades back into the noise too soon. If only there were a way to keep those mortal threats active, am I right?
It turns out there is, and it’s called cancer. It’s too early to say if this will keep working long-term, but so far, it’s proving to be better than any mindfulness app I’ve seen. Since my pathology came back and my death rep showed up, I’ve become acutely aware of the preciousness of each day and the moments that comprise it. It’s not the usual amorphous stretch or exercise in new-age futility. Cancer is making it easy to keep the moment in the forefront of my mind. At least for now.
If the goal of life is to find and enjoy the wonder, abundance, and joy available in each moment, does it really matter how I get there? If cancer gets it done, then couldn’t it be exactly what I need? You know, as long as I remain reasonably comfortable and alive?
I pride myself on noticing what's around me. I don't keep my vision diverted from nature and humanity by obsessing over a 3 inch phone screen. Yet I'll go by something I've passed many times and suddenly see a bunch of local plants or designs on a building or a work of art I've never noticed. A reminder the familiar often isn't.
Your post was also a reminder not to put off things you've been meaning to do. So before writing this comment, I filled out a volunteer form for a local (Seattle) PAC NW native plant organization and its garden. I know the subject quite well; it's both pleasurable and purposeful to me.
Since I've never been directly introduced to Mr. Reaper, I can't say much. Except to recommend the work of Jeff Kripal, a prof of Comparative Religion at Rice U. who's an expert on all sorts of anomalous experiences and what I call High Weirdness. He speaks of "the traumatic secret"--that horrible events can trigger abilities such as ESP, past life memories, diagnostic gifts, etc. He's clear he's not brushing away or justifying the truly gruesome, appalling, or totally devastating incidents people may suffer individually or collectively.
I'd add positive thinking is not a solution, either. Of course being alert to the world around you and being reasonably optimistic are good for the soul. But what I mean is the implication if you only concentrated hard enough, or if religious had sufficient faith, everything would be wonderful. Those are thinly disguised ways to blame the victim. Truth is much more nuanced and much more complicated than that. Uncertainty and chance are part of life--otherwise neither physical nor spiritual evolution could happen.
David, i'm a big fan and rooting for you from the sidelines. (The bustle in my hedgerow? Too freakin' funny). Virtual hug to you.