In the
1996 movie Jack, the lead character played by Robin Williams announces at his
graduation, "Please, don't worry so much. Because in the end none of us
has very long on this earth. Life is fleeting. And if you're ever distressed,
cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety
night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night
into day, make a wish, and think of me. Make your life spectacular."
There is
something memorable about that passage that drives deep into our soul. True to
his words, Robin Williams lived a remarkable life equalled with an illustrious
career.
This
article is not a surmise on the late actor, rather an invitation to "Make
your life spectacular."
The art
of living beautifully is a call to know thyself without exception. Otherwise we
are at the mercy of external events which disrupt the foundations of our inner
life.
To know
oneself means to align with our authentic nature. Regretfully, many people
seldom explore the complexity of their emotional constitution until it's too
late.
A life
of beauty arises when we move beyond our fixed reality and dare to explore the
life we dream possible. It means to live fearlessly, beyond the walls of a
comfortable existence.
To live
a beautiful life means to transform disempowering states into positive life
experiences.
Life's
events can scar us, leaving us vulnerable. Seemingly, we cease taking risks for
fear of getting hurt. Whilst universal, the drawback is to retreat without ever
reaching for the treasures we long for.
The
greatest mind of our century, Albert Einstein said, "The most beautiful
thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and
science."
I urge
you to explore this sentiment by trusting in the mysterious where the seeds of
opportunity lie.
Life is
hardly predictable. Like torrential rain on a sultry night, when change ushers
through, it can leave a deluge of uncertainty in its wake.
For that
reason, consider your problems as an alluring adventure instead of a melting
pot of frustration. Whilst challenging, a change in perception allows you to
appreciate difficult moments to cultivate personal growth. We must be mindful
of these opportunities as they arise, rather than concede life is devoid of
wonderful moments.
Most
people strive for happiness. Bookshelves are littered with advice proclaiming
the secret to attain happiness in thirty days or less. Yet research shows we
are less happy than in the past. Maybe technology is to blame for creating
insincere connections devoid of social interactions.
To be in
service of others is a way out of the unhappiness trap. It is not a transitory
practice either, rather an opportunity to deepen our connection with ourselves.
"Like
the Dalai Lama and the Buddha himself, many modern scientists and philosophers
agree that serving others is the secret to happiness, fulfillment, and a good
and beautiful life," asserts Lama Surya Das in The Big Questions: How to
Find Your Own Answers to Life's Essential Mysteries.
Clearly,
we know happiness is not tied to owning the latest smartphone or sports car.
Whilst the advice seems obvious, many people fill the emptiness within by
amassing material objects. This creates more desires and if we have limited
financial resources, creates further pain and suffering.
I assure
you, no material object will complete you more than what lies deep within your
soul.
To live
beautifully means to live according to our highest values. In doing so, we form
meaningful connections with others that enrich our life.
Likewise,
we must avoid seeing life being a sequence of daily routines and events which
pass by at the blink of an eye. If we subscribe to this erroneous thinking, we
succumb to the monotony of living a Groundhog Day existence.
Miracles
take place right before our eyes. We miss them because we rush about our day
scurrying to the next event or trying to meet deadlines. It was the late Dr.
Wayne Dyer who said, "Miracles come in moments. Be ready and
willing." Miracles cannot be experienced by analysing the past or future,
for they will pass you by like a high-speed train if you are unaware.
So,
disconnect from processing thoughts for a moment and move into your heart, the
source of all wisdom where your soul calls home.
Similarly,
a beautiful life calls us to recognise what is of value to us. One way to
experience beauty is to stop, listen and connect with our surroundings. This
means to slow to the speed of life instead of running around like the mad
hatter in Alice in Wonderland, hoping to get everything done yet achieving
little.
To be
present in the moment is challenging because life leads us in different
directions. Before long we succumb to external forces, instead of abiding by
our inner blueprint.
We must
relax and let go of unnecessary stressors that are not tied to our long-term
happiness. Unwelcomed stress affects our capacity to enjoy life because we
react to events, instead of allow them to pass through our lives. Visualise a
boxer backed into the ropes, battling punches from his opponent. He cannot move
into an offensive stance because he is fixed in a Parked state.
Life can
have that effect on us because we are pushed and pulled to our limits and
retreat in resignation. Sure enough, the next blow arrives stronger than before
and if our guard is down, we're knocked to the ground harder than before.
I wish
to leave you with a quote from the epic motion picture Braveheart in which
William Wallace declares to the Princess of Wales, "Every man dies, not
every man really lives."
To live
a beautiful life is an invitation to live passionately while you can.
If you
enjoyed this article by Tony Fahkry, why not gain access to Tony's full body of
knowledge by getting a copy of his new book 'The Power to Navigate Life'
The
Power to Navigate Life is arguably the most complete and powerful teachings on
the mastering of life. The Power to Navigate Life is your opportunity to
experience a rewarding life from the very first page. Visit
http://www.tonyfahkry.com to get your copy.
Article
Source: EzineArticles
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